Tuesday, October 28, 2008
What'cha Been Reading? (2)
Open blog today! Take a few minutes and tell me about what you're reading - I know some of you checked out new books yesterday! What's exciting? What's funny? What's confusing? Talk to me about what you're reading!
Countdown to Christmas Jars
In exactly one week guys, (next Wednesday) we will begin reading Christmas Jars written by Jason Wright! We will officially be in the month of November and Christmas won't be far away! Can't wait to see your reactions to this wonderful story!
Mrs. H
Mrs. H
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Smile and Say Cheese! (1)
Fall is in the air! Isn't it great? It's my favorite time of the year! Well...let's get on to this week's topic of discussion!
It's a given that if you can picture the characters, places, and events of the story as you read, your comprehension and enjoyment will be increased. We've already talked about how good authors describe their characters so that you can "see" them in your mind, and you all shared some great examples from your books. Now, as we move into descriptive writing in class, I want you to spend some more time looking for "snapshots" (frozen moments) in your books - vivid descriptions of people, places, and things that allow you to see the pictures in your mind.
For example, in the book I'm presently reading entitled The Shack by Wm. Paul Young here is an example of a great snapshot from it:
"The snowbanks had vanished, and summer wildflowers began to color the borders of the trail and into the forest as far as he could see. Robins and finches darted after one another among the trees. Squirrels and chipmunks occasionally crossed the path ahead, some stopping to sit up and watch him for a moment before plunging back into the undergrowth. He even thought he glimpsed a young buck emerging out of a dark glade in the forest, but on second look it was gone. As if that weren't enough, the scent of blooms began to fill the air, not just the drifting aroma of wild mountain flowers, but the richness of roses and orchids and other exotic fragrances found in more tropical climes."
Can you "see" that great picture? Now find me a great snapshot from your book!
It's a given that if you can picture the characters, places, and events of the story as you read, your comprehension and enjoyment will be increased. We've already talked about how good authors describe their characters so that you can "see" them in your mind, and you all shared some great examples from your books. Now, as we move into descriptive writing in class, I want you to spend some more time looking for "snapshots" (frozen moments) in your books - vivid descriptions of people, places, and things that allow you to see the pictures in your mind.
For example, in the book I'm presently reading entitled The Shack by Wm. Paul Young here is an example of a great snapshot from it:
"The snowbanks had vanished, and summer wildflowers began to color the borders of the trail and into the forest as far as he could see. Robins and finches darted after one another among the trees. Squirrels and chipmunks occasionally crossed the path ahead, some stopping to sit up and watch him for a moment before plunging back into the undergrowth. He even thought he glimpsed a young buck emerging out of a dark glade in the forest, but on second look it was gone. As if that weren't enough, the scent of blooms began to fill the air, not just the drifting aroma of wild mountain flowers, but the richness of roses and orchids and other exotic fragrances found in more tropical climes."
Can you "see" that great picture? Now find me a great snapshot from your book!
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