Literature Class
  • Home
    • 1st Quarter (weeks 1-9) >
      • Week 1
      • Week 2
      • Week 3
      • Week 4
      • Week 5
      • Week 6
      • Week 7
      • Week 8
      • Week 9
    • 2nd Quarter (weeks 10-18) >
      • Week 10
      • Week 11
      • Week 12
      • Week 13
      • Week 14
      • Week 15
      • Week 16
      • Christmas/New Year Note
      • Week 17
      • Week 18
    • 3rd Quarter (weeks 19-26) >
      • Week 19
      • Week 20
      • Week 21
      • Week 22
      • Week 23
      • Week 24
      • Week 25
      • Week 26
    • 4th Quarter (weeks 27-32) >
      • Week 27
      • Week 28
      • Week 29
      • Week 30
      • Week 31
      • Week 32
  • Book List
  • Students
    • Home
    • Our Books >
      • Raiders of the Sea >
        • Author Information
        • Vocabulary
        • Discussion Questions
      • A Single Shard >
        • Author Information
        • Vocabulary
        • Discussion Questions
      • Adam of the Road >
        • Author Information
        • Vocabulary
        • Discussion Questions
      • Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh >
        • Author Information
        • Vocabulary
        • Discussion Questions
      • Trumpeter of Krakow >
        • Author Information
        • Vocabulary
        • Discussion Questions
      • From the Mixed Up Files >
        • Author Information
        • Vocabulary
        • Discussion Questions
      • The Gold Thread >
        • Author Information
        • Vocabulary
        • Discussion Questions
      • Crispin: The Cross of Lead >
        • Author Information
        • Vocabulary
        • Discussion Questions
      • The Door in the Wall >
        • Author Information
        • Vocabulary
        • Discussion Questions
      • Knock at a Star >
        • Author Information
        • Poetry Terms
        • Discussion Questions
    • Class Calendar (Assignments)
    • What to bring to class
    • How to Build Your Website
    • Dance Mat Typing
    • Crosswords
    • Fun Brain
    • Quizlet
  • Projects
  • Parents
  • Class Notes
    • 1st Quarter (weeks 1-9) >
      • Week 1
      • Week 2
      • Week 3
      • Week 4
      • Week 5
      • Week 6
      • Week 7
      • Week 8
      • Week 9
    • 2nd Quarter (weeks 10-18) >
      • Week 10
      • Week 11
      • Week 12
      • Week 13
      • Week 14
      • Week 18
    • 3rd Quarter (weeks 19-26) >
      • Week 19
      • Week 20
      • Week 26
    • 4th Quarter (weeks 27-32) >
      • Week 27
      • Week 28
      • Week 31
      • Week 32
  • Contact
  • Literary Magazine
    • Information
    • Awkward Awareness

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.)

Digging Into Literature

Picture
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.)


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.