Literature Circles

In Language Arts, we have been working on Literature Circles. We are beginning by reading two novels as a class before breaking off into small groups with self selected novel. The jobs that we have practiced are:

Word Wizard
Discussion Director
Summarizer
Story Connector
Real-Life Connector
Illustrator

The first novel we read was Stuart Little by E.B. White. After reading, students (you all) created posters to depict a scene from the novel not already illustrated in the book.

Illustration by D. D.

Currently, we are reading Because of Winn-Dixie. After we are done reading this novel as a class, you will be divided into groups, and get to select which novel your group wants to read. 

Are there any jobs you think we can add to our list of tasks? 

What did you think of Stuart Little?

What do you think of Because of Winn-Dixie so far?

Are you excited about Literature Circles and getting to pick your group's novel?

Comment below and remember to leave your initials, so I can give you credit for commenting.

Risky Behaviors

Daredevil sky-diver Felix Baumgartner

Our current unit this quarter in Language Arts is called "Risky Behaviors". We have been looking at people that choose to take risks either because of their work or for their entertainment. We have read about mountain climbing, being an astronaut, BMX rider, or skateboarder, whale watching, and a variety of other behaviors that require folks to take risks.

But we also take risks everyday without having to have some crazy job or practicing an extreme sport. Sometimes just stepping outside our front door requires us to take a number of risks. We weigh the costs and benefits, and decide how to respond. For example, I might get run over by a car on my way to work, but if I don't take a risk and walk to work then I won't be able to make a living and support my family. My students might laugh at me when I start talking in class, but if I don't take a risk and start talking in front of all of them then they won't really learn much.

Think about the risks you take on a regular basis, or have taken in the past. In the comments section below, leave a comment describing a risk you have taken. What were the costs and benefits of those risks?

Remember to write your initials after your comment, so I know who to give credit for the comment.