Holes

Final Reflection

This project has been a learning experience. I feel that I have learned a lot from discussing and working together as a group to present Holes to our classmates. I enjoyed hearing other group members ideas, thoughts, and interpretations of the book which often presented me with another point of view in which to see the author's intent. At times it was difficult to stay motivated to keep up with postings. I really missed the social aspect of the traditional literature circle structure. In the furture I would use weblogs as a recording devise of the activities of a literature circle not the means in which to conduct it.   

WebLog Reflections

I enjoyed using the WebLogs as a means of communicating with my
classmates about their ideas.  I learned a lot from what they
interpreted from the book and it helped me think even more about the
story.  I have to say, though, it was hard for me to not jump
ahead in the book.  I'm the kind of person that likes to finish a
book in one day without stopping, so I found this difficult.  I
often had to go back and reread until I remembered what I had been
reading. 

I would use WebLogs in my classroom, but maybe not necessarily for
literature circles for students like me.  I like what Ms. Davis is
doing with the House Elementary students; they use their WebLogs to
communicate current events.  I think I could use the WebLogs to do
something like that with my students.  It would be different and
they could share their information at home.  Overall, I think it
is a worthwhile tool for any instructor.

Sam and Mary Lou-TMT

"By the end of the first semester, Onion Sam had turned the old run-down schoolhouse into a well-crafted, freshly painted jewel of a building that the whole town was proud of." (page 110)

It amazes me that at one moment the townspeolpe were so grateful to Sam, and then in an instance they destroy the school and murder him and Mary Lou because he is seen kissing Kate.  I think that his story is a realistic depiction of what life was like between the two races during that time.

Stanley and Zero-TMT

I think Stanley and Zero contiuing their friendship at the end of the book was great.  However, I wonder if they ever discussed the relationship that their ancestors had.  Also, do you think that Stanley continued to teach Zero how to read and write?

Technology

I found a webquest designed for fourth and fifth grade students at www.teachertools.net/New_Folder/holes/.  This webquest was designed by Douglas Price.  On this site he includes activities for students to complete, such as a family tree and character research.  I think this site will be very helpful to gain insight on how much students understood the book.

Digging Deeper-TMT

I found a cool book on www.amazon.com entitled, Stanley Yelnat's Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake. The book is told as if Stanley is the author.  He writes about what happens after he left Camp Green Lake. He explains why each camper is there, how to dig a hole, ways to identify desert wildlife, and much more. This book includes quizzes periodically throughout the book that tests readers' knowledge of the book Holes.

Learning Reflections

I really enjoyed this book.  I have noticed that approximately seventy-five percent of the fourth and fifth grade students that I have met have also read this book.  However, they do not seem to have unanswered questions.  I still do not understand the time period in which this book takes place. It seems as if it takes place in the present, but factors such as digging holes as punishment do not seem realistic for this time.

Playing with words-TMT

"You'll be buzzard food in three days." (15)

Mr. Sir uses this term in Chapter 4 while explaining to Stanley reasons why he does not want to run away from Camp Green Lake. He is basically saying that without water Stanley will be dead in three days.

After being hit by the car, the deer is now buzzard food.

Journey up the Mountain-TMT

From page 160 to 172, Louis Sachar discusses Stanley and Zero's journey to God's Thumb. They begin their journey after consuming the sploosh. As they walk, they decide to climb the ledges alongside of the cliff. Zero becomes sick and passes out. Stanley has to carry Zero up the mountain in search for water.  It is during this time that Stanley realizes that he is now able to do things that he never believed he could do before coming to Camp Green Lake.

The section really shows Stanley's maturity.

New vocabulary-TMT

Precipice (page 174)

A high, vertical , or steep rock.

He took a deep breath, then walked the last fifty yards to the giant precipice and touched it.

I chose this word because I think it would be difficult for elementary students to understand its pronounciation or meaning. However, Sachar gives wonderful context clues that enable the reader to create an idea of how the word is used.

The crew needed special tools in order to climb the precipice.