Pre-service teachers used blogs to discuss award-winning Newbery books using reading roles creativiely adapted from Harvey Daniel's 'Literature Circles: Voice and Choice in the Student-centered Classroom'. Contact Anne Davis at adavis@gsu.edu if you have questions.
These blogs were moved from Manila blogs to TypePad blogs. The author shows up on each post as Anne Davis as a result of the transfer. The original posts were made by students and the instructors Lynne Jordan & Anne Davis. The initials on the post title signify who did the actual blogging of the post.
After reading chapter 2, I really was shocked at how the son was treated by the family. The passage on page 14 made me think about how we value what children say and how our words make a huge impact in their lives.
"He would like to show his drawings to his dad, but he didn't dare. When he was in first grade, he had told his dad that he wanted to be an artist when he grew up. He'd thought his dad would be pleased. He wasn't. 'What are they teaching in that damn school?' he had asked. 'Bunch of old ladies turning my only son into some kind of --' He had stopped on the word, but Jess had gotten the message. It was one you didn't forget, even after four years."
This passage makes me really think about how we, as teachers, can provide students with words of encouragement or we can bring students down like Jess's dad. Take a moment to reread this passage and think about how you are going to value your students. Also think about how important it is, to them, for you to accept what they do.
While reading chapter 2, I noted two passages that I particularly enjoyed. In the passages, Jesse is describing his music teacher, Miss Edmunds.
"...but he saw her as a beautiful wild creature who had been caught for a moment in that dirty old cage of a schoolhouse, perhaps by mistake. But he hoped, he prayed, she'd never get loose and fly away." Page 13
He continues daydreaming about her on page 14.
"But whenever possible, he stole a few minutes on Friday just to stand close to her and hear her voice, soft and smooth as suede, assuring him that he was a 'neat kid'."
I especially enjoyed these passages because they provided insight into the thinking process of Jesse. In the midst of his chores and sometimes unfair circumstances, he looks forward to those few moments of adult affirmation and encouragment of which he unfortunately lacks at home.
Hello Group Members!
We just wanted to set up a reading schedule for the next 7 weeks.
September 22 - September 28
Read Chapters 1 and 2
September 29 - October 5
Read Chapters 3 and 4
October 6 - October 12
Read Chapters 5 and 6
October 13 - October 19
Read Chapters 7 and 8
October 20 - October 26
Read Chapters 9 and 10
October 27 - November 2
Read Chapters 11 and 12
November 3 - November 9
Read Chapter 13
I am very excited about reading our book! I read it when I was in fifth grade and I really liked it! I don't remember much, but I do remember that it is about a young boy and the girl that moves in next door to him. The boy really dislikes the girl at first because she seems to be better than him at everything! However, they eventually become really good friends. There is an unexpected event that takes place toward the end. I can't wait to find out what it is!
When I was reading chapter 1, I noticed all of the descriptive words that the author used to decribe things. On page 1, I really liked when the author was describing how Jesse would feel when he was running.
He didn't worry about a shirt because once he began running he would be hot as popping grease even if the morning air was chill ...
The way the author uses these words really lets you become part of the book and captures your attention. Another great place in chapter 1 where the author uses great descriptive words is on page 8.
Elle's voice was sweeter than a melted Mars Bar.
I can connect with the beginning of this book because like Jesse, I too have a little sister. When Jesse makes May Belle go and fetch him a new shirt, that reminded me of when my sister used to do things for me. It is always fun to have someone that looks up to you and loves you unconditionally. I think that Jesse and May Belle's relationship is one that will be an importance to the plot throughout the story. I know that May Belle and Jesse will be friends for life, just like my sister and I!
I am looking forward to reading our book! It is about a young boy who competes with the new girl in town. She is very smart and athletic and is able to beat him in many activities and competitions. Eventually, the boy and girl become close friends but in the end there is a sudden twist no one anticipates.
Also, I have located a website about our author and book that I think will be helpful. The web address is www.terabithia.com.
Enjoy!
I can't wait to begin reading the book! I believe the story is about a young boy who finds great competition and love in his life. This story could relate to real-life experiences in so many ways! Every student, in one way or another, can relate to love, competition, loss, and even jealousy! Once again, I really look forward to reading the Bridge to Terabithia!
