July 24, 2011

Hello Mountaineers and River Rafters!

FIRST, here is a list of questions for the River Rafters (the group that read Clementine - 137 pgs). For each book, I have put the questions in order from easier to harder. Pick at least one question, and post a comment by MONDAY that answers it (remember that good readers read the book again to answer the questions.)

1) Pick an illustration. Tell us what page it's on and why you like that illustration the best.

2) Clementine was afraid that she didn't have a talent for the talent show. Read pgs 124-127 again. What was Clementine's talent in the end? Do you think that was a good talent?
 
3) Clementine has lots of insightful and humorous things to say about the people around her. For example, on page 41, she says,  "Margaret's teacher wears her hair swirled up  like a tornado, and I think if a bobby pin ever came shooting out of it, it would look like lightning. I like watching for that." Find something else Clementine says. Tell the page number, and tell why you like it.

4) Pick a character (like Margaret or Mitchell, or the principal, or the O'Malley Twins,) Find a quote from that character -- or about that character -- and then tell how that quote tells us something about that character.

Here is an example:

On page 55, it says, In Margaret's closet, you expect to see big signs saying "Big Sale on Sweaters! or New Fashion Arrivals!" There was a whole wall of cubbies just for shoes, and every pair was in its own plastic bag. I pointed to the bags. "How come?" "Germs!" Margaret shuddered and made a face like she'd just swallowed a toad" .

I think that this quote shows that Margaret has lots of things. It also shows that Margaret is a real perfectionist, and she can't stand germs or anything else that is not perfect.

5) Explain how you are similar to one of the  characters.

6) Explain how someone you know is similar to one of the characters.

7) Usually in books, the main character learns something. What did Clementine learn by the end of this book, The Talented Clementine?  How did she grow?

8***) If you were the author, how would you change the ending for The Talented Clementine?


SECOND,  Hello, Mighty Mountaineers (Last week, you had to read four books -- 166 pages in all! Congratulations!  

Here is a list of questions for you about your four books. Cork and Fuzz, Mouse and Mole, Houndsley and Catina, and Owl Tree. I have put them in order from easier to harder. Pick at least one question, and post a comment by MONDAY that answers it (and remember that good readers read the book again to answer the question.)

Cork and Fuzz

1) in Cork and Fuzz, Cork is a muskrat and Fuzz is a possum. What does Cork like to eat? What does Fuzz like to eat?

2) What do possums do when they are afraid? Do they run away?

3) Cork and Fuzz are different in a lot of ways. How many differences can you think of?

***4) Is there someone you are friends with even though you are different in some ways?
Explain.

Upstairs Mouse, Downstairs Mole


1) In Upstairs Mouse, Downstairs Mole,  Mouse and Mole are neighbors. Mole gets mad at Mouse. Why?

2) Do Mouse and Mole like to eat dinner at each other's house? Explain.

3) Mouse and Mole get each other gifts for when they visit each other. What do they get and why?

***4) Some kids say that Mouse and Mole are like Cork and Fuzz. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time

1) Why is the dog named Houndsley and the cat named Catina?

2) Catina is worried about something. What is Catina worried about?

3) Houndsley says on page 7, "What will be will be. Let's  enjoy the day..."  Is  Houndsley worried or is he not worried? Explain.

***4) On page 36, it says,  "Without saying a word, the musicians picked up their instruments and began to play so softly that the notes  fell on the listening ears like snowflakes on waiting tongues, gently softly, there, for a flicker before melting away."  Explain what is happening at the end of this story.


Owl Tree - Choose Your Own Adventure

1) Did you like doing a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book?  What did you like about it or dislike about it?

2) At the end of the book, there is a page with many other Choose -Your-Own-Adventure books.
Look at them. Which one would you like to get next? Explain why.


THIRD...Chase, Sierra, Sophie, and Amanda Li, I have a second assignment for you to do by Tuesday:  choose  one of these two assignments: 

1) please tell briefly what other books you have been reading. Then, in 100 words or more, pick one you really liked and tell us why you recommend it. 

or 

2) instead, pick any character from a book you have been enjoying. Have that character post a comment on our blog that begins, "Hello. My name is ________________. You gotta help me!.... (this is a chance to have fun with your imagination. Make it at least 100 words.)


FOURTH, REMEMBER, WE MEET THIS TUESDAY!

Mountaineers meet at 4:20 p.m. for soda, chips and  a chat. Read Birthday for Bear, Mercy Watson, and Harry Cat  by then.

River Rafters meet at 5:00 p.m. for soda, chips and a chat. Read The  Amazing World of Stuart by then.

Happy Reading and Writing, Everyone! And remember, I know it's real hard in the midst of all the summer activity to sit down and be still enough to read and think and write, but it's a very healthy thing to do at least once each day. It feels good too. 

Anxious to hear your thoughts,


- Mr. Bolger