Marking Period 2 Book Clubs

We will be starting book clubs in November.  I am interested in what type of literature you would like to use.  You can pick a genre (historical fiction, biography etc), a time period (pre 1900, early 1900s etc) or maybe even an author (Agatha Christie, Lois Lowry, etc).  This post is for any ideas you have on what we should use as book clubs.  I will check this post early next week and use it to determine what we will do for our first book club.

Show Don't Tell

"Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass." - Anton Chekhov
This quote talks about how important it is for a writer to show the reader and allow the reader to experience aspects of the story using senses.  Most of us just tell the reader what is going on.  Do you have any strategies that you use to "show don't tell"?  If so, share one with us.  Don't forget an example.  If you don't, then go do some research and find a strategy that you could use and share that with us as well.

Candy Clash

Do you trick-or-treat? Do your older or younger siblings? Has your perspective on trick-or-treating—and other holiday traditions—changed as you have grown older? If so, how? Why might towns want to ban older kids from trick-or-treating? What do you think is a good age to stop trick-or-treating?

Such Great Heights

Check out these two different versions of the same song.  This is the original song by The Postal Service.  Now check out this version of the same song by Iron and Wine.  Which one is better.  Why do you say this?

Art for Interpretation

Many people are intimidated when asked to interpret artwork.  We will be doing some interpratation of sculpture/painting/ etc this year.  To start off, I just want students to think about a piece of art and share initial feelings/impressions/opinions about it.  Personally I always revisit this famous landscape at this time of year.  Tell me what you think of it or what it makes you think of etc.Don't forget to SEW up your responses.

Book Trailers

During the year we will be presenting our reading in many different ways.  One way we will do this is through book trailers.  Watch this book trailer for Beautiful Creatures.  Does it make you want to read the book?  Don't forget to use SEW format for your responses.

The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind

First of all, I would be very impressed if anyone gets the Post title reference (without cheating).  I found this article online and thought it was pretty interesting.  Let me know what you think.  Don't forget that answers should be in SEW format.

The Learner versus the Learned

“In a time of drastic change it is the learners who survive; the ‘learned’ find themselves fully equipped to live in a world that no longer exists” – Eric Hoffer

This quote has special significance to educators and students.  What do you think it means?  How can it help you live your life?

Me Cheat? Never!!!!

Would you (or have you) ever lied about your grades?  Why or why not?  Remember to SEW it up!!!

Welcome to the Blog

Each week students need to go on the class blog and comment twice.  One comment should be an original comment regarding a recent post.  The second comment should be directed TO another student's response..these response comments should be written as "@name..."  This way the person knows that you are commenting on their ideas.  Students should be using SEW format for all responses.


Please start a word document where you copy and paste your weekly comments from the blog to.  At the end of the marking period I will ask you to print out this word document to show that you commented twice weekly.  Don't forget to copy/paste right from the blog and INCLUDE DATE AND TIMES.

A Room with a Use

submitted by David - Some people like to have areas in their home that are designated for certain things only.  They may have an exercise room, or a home office, etc...what is your opinion on designating a single use for a room?

School's Out for Summer (Almost)

submitted by TedBlake - Summer is almost here and school is almost over.  Most of us say that we can't wait for school to be over because we don't like it.  But, we all have to like something about school.  What was your favorite part of school this year and why?

The Classics

submitted by Andy - Classic novels are a controversial subject, especially for students.  Some think the classics are dull and out of touch, while others feel they are great and a journey into the past.  What is your opinion and don't forget to SEW it up.

A Philosophical Question

submitted by ItsLidia - Why are we here?

Putting off Til Tomorrow...

submitted by Abby - Procrastination.  The fifteen letter word that eats us all.  We all try to avoid it, but it always shows up in the end.  Do you think you are a procrastinator?  If so, when do you procrastinate most?  For what reason?  What do you do when you procrastinate?