Missing May

Reflection -BW

The process of this project has been an interesting journey. I found the process of weblogging to be fun and interesting in the beginning and a burden at the end. Having said that, I feel that I know more about this book than I would have if I just read it all in one sitting. Having to analyze the characters, the setting, and the motives made me know and understand the book better. That is where I see a benefit for children. Children will understand the books meaning much more if they have to be accountable to their group members for an appropriate response. I understand the importance of the project now.

Reflection-SBC

At first I wasn't too thrilled about this semester long project. In the beginning, for a brief moment, it was fun. Then the process of completing it became more than tedious. I would strongly suggest orchestrating it very differently with future cohorts. It wasn't until today that I saw the benefits of the project's existence. Although I personally hope to never hear the word weblog again, I must say that this experience has been one that strengthened my teaching abilities. Thanks!

Reflection-MG

This experience with Edublogs was one that thought would never end. I felt that the process was too long, especially for one book. I do think that Edublogs could be put to good use in a classroom. I would use them after the students had experienced literature circles inside of the classroom several times. With careful planning, Edublogs could be a great success in the classroom.

The Journey of this book - BW

While reading this book I found it very difficult to limit my reading to one short chapter a week and find something interesting to write about on each chapter. I found myself wanting to read ahead or becoming bored with the book because it is such a short book and I could only read it once a week (the chapters are sometimes 3 or 4 pages). However, having just finished the book, I realized how much I wanted to continue reading about these characters. I loved the ending and wanted to know more. I realized that even though the book seemed to be more of a task than enjoyment at times because of weblogging, I learned much more about this book because I had to think about what I needed to write about. I had to analyze parts of the book in ways that I wouldn't have. I think that I would use weblogging with my students, but I wouldn't make the story last so long. That was the difficult part for me.

Confession Chapters 9, 10 and 11 (Opps!) CCT

I just couldn't stand it any more and I read all the way to the end of the book. As of 9:54pm Eastern Standard Time, no one has died because of it. Sorry everyone, I stood it as long as I could. Besides, I had already made all of my predicitions so finishing the book wasn't a real handicap for me at this point-just a character flaw. Now that it's out of my system, I think I can say this weblog business does have its strengths. After all, if I hadn't been working on a project, I would have read the whole thing the first night without much thought. Then it would have been a real struggle to remember in what chapter Summer first meet Cleatus, etc. Rereading the smaller sections of text in order to make an appropriate posting really made me realize what a gift Cynthia Rylant has for similies. Almost every action or emotion in the book is just LIKE something else. It really works to create a picture of her characters and the setting. I found myself using the phrase, "...she was treated like a homework assignment." (page 7) when talking to a friend last week.  Besides that, it's cool to talk about my weblog. So far I haven't found anyone outside of our cohort who really knows what I am talking about!

Curious-Ch.6-SBC

I'm curious to know if any of you are having difficulties with this whole literature circle, reading only one to two chapters per week, and commenting on stuff thing. I understand that the book is short. I also understand that in order for us all to say on the same track with our postings and comments that we've got to read together at a similar pace. My problem is that it takes so much away from the book itself. I'm not enjoying this book simply because I'm restricted in reading it. It to me has become a hassle instead of a learning experience. Am I the only one who feels this way? Perhaps more importantly, is there any way of getting around this?