Thoughts on Week 1:
Hey Guys,
(I guess I should tell you that I often refer to everyone as "guys"; no offense girls- I grew up with brothers.)
Okay, let me guess. The conversation probably went something like this:
Your Mom: "So, honey, how was your first day of literature class?"
You: "Okay."
Your Mom: "What did you do?" (You know moms are never satisfied with just "Okay." or "Fine." They always want to know more. Moms are like that; it's best just to go with it.)
You: " We listened to some goofy books and dug in the sand."
Your Mom: "Oh." ("I'm paying money for this?" she thinks to herself.)
(I guess I should tell you that I often refer to everyone as "guys"; no offense girls- I grew up with brothers.)
Okay, let me guess. The conversation probably went something like this:
Your Mom: "So, honey, how was your first day of literature class?"
You: "Okay."
Your Mom: "What did you do?" (You know moms are never satisfied with just "Okay." or "Fine." They always want to know more. Moms are like that; it's best just to go with it.)
You: " We listened to some goofy books and dug in the sand."
Your Mom: "Oh." ("I'm paying money for this?" she thinks to herself.)
Digging Into Literature
So, to impress your parents at the dinner table tonight, this is what you say:
You: (Say this in your most intelligent voice.) "Today in Mrs. Foster's Literature class I discovered that there are certain elements found within stories. They are as follows: character, setting, plot, conflict and theme. Also, we discussed that all stories have conflict; this is what raises interest." (WOW! I have to say you sound smart- and I'm not even sitting at the table with you!)
Your Parents: "That's very good! Did you discuss anything else?"
You: (Again, in your most intelligent voice.) "As a matter a fact, we did. As we were digging in our buckets and discovering story elements, we discovered a mirror at the bottom of the bucket."
Your Parents: "Oh??"
You: (In your most logical tone of voice.)"Yes, because as you uncover story elements and make discoveries within a story, you also discover more about yourself and the world around you." (Then you shovel a heap of mashed potatoes into your mouth.)
You: (Say this in your most intelligent voice.) "Today in Mrs. Foster's Literature class I discovered that there are certain elements found within stories. They are as follows: character, setting, plot, conflict and theme. Also, we discussed that all stories have conflict; this is what raises interest." (WOW! I have to say you sound smart- and I'm not even sitting at the table with you!)
Your Parents: "That's very good! Did you discuss anything else?"
You: (Again, in your most intelligent voice.) "As a matter a fact, we did. As we were digging in our buckets and discovering story elements, we discovered a mirror at the bottom of the bucket."
Your Parents: "Oh??"
You: (In your most logical tone of voice.)"Yes, because as you uncover story elements and make discoveries within a story, you also discover more about yourself and the world around you." (Then you shovel a heap of mashed potatoes into your mouth.)
LAST THING!!
Check the Class Notes page on this website. I'll put stuff there for you each week. In case you are wondering, NO you do not have to take notes. Just read or watch.
HINT: The information there will probably come up in class the following week, and I have been known to reward those students who have the correct response to questions. ; )
Also, check our class schedule so you know how far to read this week. Jot down any thoughts or questions you might have in your notebook each day you read. Next Thursday write me a letter on your online journal, like we discussed in class.
Have a great week! We will "dig" into Raiders From the Sea next time.
HINT: The information there will probably come up in class the following week, and I have been known to reward those students who have the correct response to questions. ; )
Also, check our class schedule so you know how far to read this week. Jot down any thoughts or questions you might have in your notebook each day you read. Next Thursday write me a letter on your online journal, like we discussed in class.
Have a great week! We will "dig" into Raiders From the Sea next time.