Bridge to Terabithia

Reflections

Overall, I believe using weblogs is a neat idea.  I think it is really interesting to see how technology can be used in literature instruction.  I really enjoyed the entire experience.  There were some downfalls about weblogs.  Weblogs are not an ideal way to implement literature circles.  It is hard for us or students to get the "real" feel for what literature circles are all about.  In literature circles you can see emotion behind what people are saying about a book and with weblogs it's just not the same.  The concept behind this project was brilliant.  It was really interesting to put yourself in a "role" while you are reading.  I have never done that before.  You learn a lot about a piece of literature, a book, a poem, etc. when you examine it at different angles.

One suggestion for next semester would be to use weblogs for another assignment.  Although I think this project went really well (at least for my group), I think weblogs should be used for another assignment.  I am not sure of what type of assignment but I am positive you (Mrs. Jordan) can come up with something great. 

I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the time I have spent at Georgia State University in the Early Childhood Education Program.  Wow, it has been a wonderful journey.  I am not sure I could have asked for a better group of girls and guy to experience this with.  I am truly honored to say that I will be a graduate of GSU.  I want to thank all of the instructors who took the time to teach us everything we know.  I will never forget the first day of each semester when you say to yourself "I registered for four classes and I have eight rubrics.  This makes no sense."  Overall, I have had a great time and wish everyone the best of luck in the future.

Bridge Reflection

This experience was a wonderful opportunity for me! Not only did it expose us to a remarkable Newbery Book to use in the future, but it also promoted group-work. I believe that our group was able to share ideas and build creativity for our presentation. I look forward to doing projects like this with my own students in my future classrooms. I hope all of you enjoyed this experience as much as I did!

Weblogs Rock!-LI

This has been a really great experience and I have learned quite a great deal that I will use in my classroom. Thanks everyone!

Learned A Lot! ~ Chapter 12 ~ DN

As many of us have already stated, this book discusses some very touchy subjects (such as death, abuse, neglect, etc.) that would be hard to handle within a 4th or 5th grade classroom.  For instance, what if a student were to ask, "What happens to people when they die?"  I honestly don't know how I would handle this without discussing religion and/or faith.  When I think about it, Bud, Not Buddy revolved around some very difficult topics, as well.  Needless to say, these books have made me reflect on how I would handle situations and discussions like this! How would YOU handle situations like this within your classroom?

So Sad - Chapter 11 - KH

I have really been enjoying this story and so I was truly disappointed to read about Leslie dying at Terabithia.  It was so sad for Jesse but I am glad that his parents were so understanding and sympathetic towards him.  His dad even picked him up and carried him home when he ran off crying.  It was the first time in the entire story that they have paid attention to his needs and made an effort to comfort him. 

I also thought it was rather ironic that she died in the very place she and Jesse considered a safe haven or refuge from all their problems.  I had a feeling that Leslie would die at the end of the story but I never expected it to happen at Terabithia.