Understanding Theme

An author spends a vast majority of time considering what the theme of the story they are writing will be.  The reader is rewarded with an understanding about life or a lesson that can be learned.  When considering theme a reader can determine what the author might have been thinking by analyzing different aspects of the story.  One can look at the characters' actions, determine how the setting may play a role in determining the theme, find out how characters face and deal with conflict, and look for clues in the title of the selection. 

In this discussion, analyze the theme of the story "Scout's Honor."  What do you think the theme of the story is and what helped you to reach that conclusion? 

Discuss another story that you've read in which the theme is really apparent.  Respond to at least one other classmate's post to add information or ask a question. 

Enjoy your discussion!
Mrs. Engman

Poetic Devices and the Beatles

As you may or may not know, I am a huge Beatles fan.  When I was in high school they created a documentary called the "Beatles Anthology" and I was hooked.  The sixteen year old Mrs. Engman experienced "Beatlemania" all over again, even though they weren't very popular with the kids in my grade.  Beatles songs are still popular today, and I bet if I played some songs you would know them--even though they are from a LONG time ago! 

Beatles song lyrics are sometimes very cryptic.  A song that states "I am the eggman, I am the walrus!" makes one wonder....what are they talking about!!  Those metaphors sure allow a listener to use their imagination. 

In today's blogging session, please read the following Beatles lyrics.  They are from a variety of songs, and when we are finished with this I will play some of my favorites for you in class.  Maybe you will learn to love the Beatles as much as I do...or just appreciate the interesting writing.  Look at the lines, determine the figurative language used, and maybe interpret what message the Beatles were trying to convey to listeners.  Choose three to analyze and comment on other students' work.  Remember to be respectful and positive because no answer is right or wrong. It's just your interpretation. 

Beatles Lyrics

We take a walk, the sun is shining down, / Burns my feet as they touch the ground

It's been a hard day's night, and I been working like a dog

I ain't got nothing but love, babe / Eight days a week

Friday night arrives without a suitcase

Thoughts meander like a restless wind / Inside a letter box

I look at the floor and I see it needs sweeping / Still my guitar gently weeps

The long and winding road / That leads to your door / Will never disappear

The clouds will be a daisy chain

Tomorrow never knows.

All you need is love.

Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns

Julia / Her hair of floating sky is shimmering

Enjoy the conversation!
Mrs. E.

Historical Fiction

The novel "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry is based on true life events--that's what puts it in the historical fiction category!  Through this story we have learned about the Holocaust and what life was like for Jewish and non Jewish people at that time. Through resistance efforts people like the Johansens fought in the resistance to save people like the Rosens from Nazi soldiers.

When I was reading this book I was thinking about the author's purpose for writing this story. What major theme or lesson do you think Ms. Lowry wants us to know or think about? Please post a comment about this idea. Also, if you have any suggestions for your classmates for a good historical fiction read,  please let us know about it.  There is nothing like getting lost in a good book!

I look forward to seeing you on Monday!

Mrs. Engman

The Horse Snake

We have been working so hard on our memiors!  I have been so impressed with the high quality of writing in our class.  Do we have any future authors out there?  I think so! 

Reading examples of different genres of literature can help us to become great authors.  We have talked about word choice, descriptions, and sensory language.  Today, we are going to discuss how setting plays a role in a story. 

How does setting make a difference in the plot of a story, or in a character's actions?

In today's discussion, give an example of how the setting influences the events or characters in the story the Horse Snake.

Also, in your memior, identify the setting and then ask for some feedback as to how to add more details and descriptions to make a movie in your mind. 

Woodsong

Gary Paulsen is a very famous author.  He writes a lot of realistic fiction about survival in the outdoors.  In the next selection that we are going to study in class, we will look at a memoir that he has written about an experience with an animal. 

To get us thinking about our own experiences in order to make connections with this text, could  you share an experience that you have had outdoors with an animal?  Feel free to comment on your classmate's stories as well.  I will start the conversation with a story from this weekend about my brother, Paul.

Great Work, Readers!

Hey, reading crew!  Nice work responding to the question.  I look forward to hearing the rest of the class's comments as well.  If you have a chance to respond to the following question, I'd love to hear it!

What did you think of "Lob's Girl"?  Were you surprised by the ending, or did you see it coming?  What was your favorite part of the story, or did you have any connections to it?

Have a great day tomorrow, and be good for Mr. Pike. :)

Mrs. E. 

What is reader response?

Welcome to my reading blog!  This is going to be a tool for helping us to talk about one of my favorite things in the whole world....reading!

As we read in class I will post questions that you will respond to.  We will be able to respond to each other's ideas and build on conversations about literature.  You will have time to blog during class each week. 

Our next story is going to be "Lob's Girl."  It is a tragic tale with an unusual ending.  Please write a response to the question below by commenting on this post.  Use your initials so I can see who responds.  Please remember etiquette for writing online and be respectful of your classmate's opinions. 

Have you ever read a story and something totally bizarre happened at the end that you didn't expect?  Please explain the story and tell us how you felt at the moment that the surprise occurred. 

If you haven't read any stories like this, please describe an idea that you could use for writing a story with a surprise in the climax.  Be creative! 

I am anxious to see your responses.  I will start the conversation going by telling you about a story that I read this summer with a surprise ending! 

Happy Reading!

Mrs. E.