Books You're Reading!

Hello, Pioneers!

I promised I would post pictures of the books you're talking about in our blog. This is a great way to venture out and notice new and different books!










































Wow! You guys are really reading some interesting books! Can't wait to catch up with you all!

*If you want a book added to the list, just comment below! We can build up our book log!

Happy reading!:-)

Setting

Good Evening, Pioneers,
 
Tonight you are going to discuss the setting of your book after reading for 35 minutes. Remember, setting is characterized by place, time, and environment.
 
1. Place: Where?
2. Time: When?
3. Environment: What?
 
*Remember environment is not limited to "sunny day, rainy day, etc.". Environment can mean tense, busy, crowded, exciting, etc. Think about going to a concert. A concert is often crowded and filled with exciting energy.
 
4. You are then going to write how the main character reacted or reacts to the setting.
 


Example:
 


I am reading the book "Nightmares" by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller. The story takes place at an old, creepy mansion in the middle of no where. In today's reading, the main events happened during the dark, and spooky night. The old mansion's environment was full of spooks and noises that kept Charlie awake. The setting directly effected Charlie because _____________________________.

Remember there are four parts to this assignment! Be sure to explain (in depth) the main elements of your story's setting!


Good luck Pioneers! You can do it!

Leads

Good Evening, Pioneers,

Tonight, you are going to write about your favorite type of lead in writing. Leads are an essential part of our writing, since leads are what grabs a reader's attention to read your writing!

Here are some examples:

Tonight, I want you to state what your favorite type of lead is and why. Then give an example of that type of lead.



**Here is an example of what I expect:

My favorite type of lead is using a quote that connects with the topic in which I am writing about. I love to use quotes, because they empower me to think about a topic or an idea in a deeper way.

Here is an example:
        “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it,” Harper Lee wrote in her honest  yet inspirational story To Kill a Mockingbird.

Remember leads should be detailed and interesting. You want to grab the reader's attention. If you're stuck on what lead to choose, just open a book! There are plenty of examples out there!

 

Get to work, Pioneers! :-)

Character Challenges

Good Evening Pioneers,

After reading for 35 minutes, I want you to write at least 4 sentences explaining the challenges the main character of your book faced while you were reading. Make sure to be specific in your response, and to add enough details for your classmates to understand what you're talking about.

Example:


Title: Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Character's Challenge: After Esperanza's father passed away, she and her mother escape from Mexico to America for safety and to find a job. Not only is Esperanza faced with the challenge of living without her father, but she has to find work in one of the most challenging times in American history, The Great Depression.  Once, a wealthy vineyards daughter, is now forced to work in poorer conditions and during a challenging time in history.

 

Get to it, Pioneers!:)

Theme

Theme: January 20, 2015

Choose one of your favorite books that you've ever read. Write about the theme of that story, and what the theme meant to you.

Here is an example:
Book Title: Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Author: By: Dr. Seuss
Theme: Even though life will have its ups and downs, stay persistent and never give up!
What the theme meant to me: The main theme of this book really meant a lot to me; especially, since I just moved to Texas all by myself. Even though I miss my family sometimes, the opportunities moving to this new state are endless. I am so happy I followed my dreams!



*Now pick your own favorite theme from a book!

 

You can do it, Pioneers!

Visualizing what you read

Hello Pioneers,

Tonight, you are going to write 5 sentences explaining what you visualized during a scene in your story. Your sentences should use "Sparkling words", but do not simply list adjectives. Use words that give your peers an idea of what you are seeing as you read.

Here is an example of what I expect:
Title: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Author: Mark Twain
Pages: ___

During the scene in which Huckleberry Finn and Jim are floating down the Mississippi River, I visualized a muddy and wide river. The river is so wide that the trees lining the river look small and far away. Also, the river is so thick with muddy water, that Huck cannot see his feet when standing in the shallow areas of the river. Though the river is not exactly beautiful, I visualized the overall scene to be tranquil because it's in the middle of the summer. Though it's quite warm outside, I am sure the greenery of the leaves on the tress, and the sounds of the wind blowing through the leaves makes floating down the big Mississippi peaceful...until the water picks up speed or a steam boat comes floating by!





Get to work, Pioneers:)

Summarizing

Dear Pioneers,

Tonight, you are going to summarize what you read for 25 minutes at home. Please be sure to remember the key components of a good summary.

1. Include the Title and the Author's name

2. Include important details (5 w's: who, what, when, where, why)

3. Include 3-4 details--in your own words

4. Start with the main idea

5. State the Author's purpose. (Was that chapter written to entertain you, inform you, or persuade you?)

6. Form: What happened in the beginning, middle, and end of what you read?

7. USE TRANSITION WORDS