Chinese Architecture

Hello Readers,

Of the four main ancient Chinese architectural structures we read about, which one did you find the most interesting or amazing?  Explain why and what you know about it!

Thanks,
Mrs. Springston

China

Hi Readers,

We are starting to read a non-fiction text about China.  I would love to find out what you already know about China (your schema or background knowledge).  Tell me what you know!

Thanks,
Mrs. Springston

Your Space!

Hi Readers,

Some of you have come up with really good questions of your own to ask the rest of the group.  I am providing this space for you to type your questions about what we are currently reading and dialogue amongst yourselves.  That way, you always know that if you see posts here, there might be some questions your peers are curious to have you answer!

Thanks for being such great thinkers!

Your teacher,
Mrs. Springston

Vocabulary

Hello Literature Circle A,

We have been introduced to lots of new vocabulary while reading In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson.  Your job is to create 8 sentences using 8 of the words from our glossary page we created.

You have all of the definitions, so use those to guide you in creating your sentences.

I can't wait to read what you come up with!

Thanks,
Mrs. Springston

ATTENTION: Be sure to write sentences that include context clues, so that the reader could figure out the meaning of the word if they didn't know it.

ITYOTB and Jackie Robinson re: Jackie Robinson

Dear Readers,

Make a prediction about what you think will happen in regard to Jackie Robinson.  Will the Dodgers go to the World Series?  Will Shirley meet Jackie Robinson?  Will she get to go to a game?  Say your prediction and why you think it.

Thanks,
Mrs. Springston

Summary Writing

Hello Readers,


Yesterday, as a whole class, we reviewed how to write a summary for a piece of fiction. Today, I would like you to re-read a story from our 4th grade anthology. Then, using the summary we did together as a model, write a summary of the story that you read.

1.) Re-read a story from the 4th grade anthology.

2.) Complete steps 1-3 on the summary planning sheet provided. It is probably easier to use the back of the paper to complete step 3.
3.) Complete step 4 on the blog, which is the writing of the actual summary. As always, write your post in Open Office, save it, and then post it.

I am looking forward to seeing summaries that include the maid ideas of the selection, and that also use transitions (next, finally, later, etc.).

Your teacher,
Mrs. Springston

ITYOTB and JR: Roller Skates

Hello Literature Circle A,

Here are a few questions to answer in this post. 

Chapter 4: April Shirley's dad came home one day and surprised her a pair of roller skates.  How did this give hope to Shirley that she would finally start making friends?  Then, her mom took them away from her because she kept falling and got a lot bruises...do you think that this was mean of Shirley's mom or not?  Why or why not?  Lastly, how do you think you would feel in Shirley's situation right now?

I'll be looking forward to reading your responses.

Thanks,
Mrs. Springston

ITYOTB and Jackie Robinson: Chapters 3 & 4

Dear Readers,

School has not been going well for Shirley and she is feeling very sad and down.  Please summarize Shirley's experience at her new school so far.  Remember to include her feelings, too.  You may also include inferences about why the other kids are not including her in their games, etc.

Thanks,
Mrs. Springston

ITY of the B and JR Chapter 1

Dear Students,

Chapter 1 included different details about Chinese culture.  How is it different than American culture?  Try to list 3 differences.

1)
2)
3)

This information will come in handy when Bandit (Shirley Temple Wong) moves to New York City and tries to adjust to the American ways.

Thanks,
Mrs. Springston

Non-Fiction Text Features

Hi Literature Students,


     "Travelers and Traders" and "Rain or Shine" are both non-fiction texts. We know that non-fiction texts are organized by different text features such as pictures, captions, headings, sub-headings, table of contents, glossary, index, etc. Flip through your text once again to see notice each of these elements. Then, please write a short paragraph giving three reasons why text features are so important in following and understanding non-fiction. Let these questions guide your thinking:

How can pictures help us to better understand?
Why do the pictures need captions?
Why would the author decide to include a glossary?
How do headings help with the organization of the text?


Thanks,
Mrs. Springston

Travelers and Traders

Good Afternoon Literature Students,

Today I would like you to give me four facts that you have learned from reading the text, Travelers and Traders.

It should look like this:

Dear Mrs. S,

I have learned the following historical facts from what I have read so far of Travelers and Traders:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Sincerely,
Your Name

This will be helpful for you to review the text and share your new knowledge!

Thanks,
Mrs. Springston

Weaving of a Dream

Hi Literature Students,

You have been reading the folktale, "Weaving of a Dream".  Yesterday we talked about how folktales are stories that are told many times over, and often change from the way one person tells it to another.  Folktales also have fantasy elements in them which make them a type of FICTION.  Your job is to write a short paragraph describing how you know that "Weaving of a Dream" is FICTION.  Use at least three examples from the text.

You need to write a four-sentence paragraph that includes a topic sentence and your three examples.

I am looking forward to finding out the details you noted in this text to determine that it was a piece of fiction.

:)
Mrs. Springston

Practice Response 2

Hello Readers,

Today I would like you to tell me a little bit about the book you're reading during your IR time. The focus will be on story structure. Please copy this chart and type in your answers for your comment.

Title of Book:
Main Characters:
Setting (the time and place):
Main Events (please type in the main events that have happened in your book so far):
   1)
   2)
   3)

I am curious to know what you have been reading, so thank you for sharing!

Your teacher,
Mrs. Springston

Practice Response

Hello Literature Circle A:

Today we will practice responding on the blog so that you can do it independently in the future. Here is your practice question:

We just finished reading "Thank You, Mr. Falker" by Patricia Polacco. In one sentence, please tell what you thought was the most important message from the book. In another sentence, please tell what you think is important about this message. It should look very SIMILAR to this:

Dear Mrs. Springston,

I think the most important message from "Thank You, Mr. Falker" was _____________________________________. I think this message is important because ________________________________________________________ .

Your student,
Annie