And they lived happily ever after? (#4 - 5th six weeks)

At long last we have come to the end of our journey with Miyax Julie Edwards Kapugen...and what a journey. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! It's sad to leave all of the characters that we have grown to know so well, but fun, at the same time, to imagine what lies ahead for them.

What do you see in the future for Julie? If you could predict the sequel to her story, what would you place in store for her? If she does indeed return to Kapugen, what will her life be like in his Americanized household? What about Daniel? What about her beloved wolves? Tell me how you think the story would continue.

I hope you enjoyed the book enough to read the real sequel, Julie, by Jean Craighead George, and also Julie's Wolf Pack which continues the story of the wolves. Storytelling at its finest!

Looking forward to your responses!

Love,
Mrs. H

The End is Near! (#3 - 5th six weeks)

And no! I'm not talking about the end of the school year, I'm referring to the end of the novel we've been reading together in class, Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George.
Because she is such a gifted and extremely descriptive writer, I once again want you to look for an example of figurative language in the book today that you particularly like.

1. Quote the figurative language you chose (make sure to use quotation marks!)
2. Identify the type of figurative language it is. (simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, personification, hyperbole, idiom, alliteration, imagery etc.)
3. Lastly, tell me why you picked it.

What's Next? (#2 - 5th six weeks)

Just finishing Part II, Miyax the girl, of Julie of the Wolves, what do you think is going to happen next? Where do you think the story is going? Will Daniel or his family come after Julie? Will Pearl's involvement in Julie's running away be discovered? Will she ever see the wolves again? Is her father Kapugen really dead? Does she ever make it to San Francisco?
So many things to consider! Can't wait to hear what you think! Can't wait to finish the book!

Mrs. H

Class Novel Study (#1 - 5th six weeks)

We have finished Part I, Amaroq the Wolf, of Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, and I can tell that you are enjoying the story. The author has filled the pages with rich, colorful language that only increases our enjoyment.
Today I want you to select a line or section from the story that you enjoyed, quote it, and tell me why you are impressed with that particular selection.
I can't wait to see what you choose!

Mrs. H

Figuratively Speaking! #3

Figurative language (the use of similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, personification, hyperbole, idiom) is all around us, but particularly in the books we read. By utilizing it, the author creates more vivid images for the reader and adds to his/her overall enjoyment of the story.

Look for an example of figurative language in your book today.
1. Give the title and author of your book.
2. Give the example you found (make sure to use quotation marks!)
3. Identify the type of figurative language it is. (simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, personification, hyperbole, idiom, alliteration, etc.)

For example, I am reading:
1. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
2. My example of figurative language: "My sister had cancer a few years ago, so I know the drill."
3. This is an idiom.

Now let's see what you can find!
Mrs. H

What's the Message? #2

The theme of a story is the message about life that the author wants to convey to you. It is never written out or mentioned specifically, but you "get it" after finishing the story. For instance, in Song of the Trees by Mildred Taylor you might say that the theme is the strength of family members sticking together. Another possible theme might be standing up for what's right.

What is the theme (message or lesson about life) the author wants you to take with you in the book you are presently reading? Give me the title of the book and the theme you are discovering amid its pages.

Snow, snow, and more snow! #1

One of these days we'll get back to school and back to blogging!
In the mean time, I'm thinking about Valentine's Day (can't you tell?) and catching up on my reading!
I hope you are too!

Happy New Year! #3

A new year with the promise of new beginnings - that's always a good feeling! I hope that your time off for the holidays has renewed and refreshed you and now you're ready to get back to reading and writing and school in general. I know I'm excited to be back.

Speaking of feelings...I've been thinking lately about the many different ways that I feel while I read, depending on what I'm reading and who wrote it. Sometimes I feel...

surprised...uneasy...fearful...restless...worried...hopeful...annoyed...
peaceful...sympathetic...angry...happy...sad...upset...and so on.

Think about the book you're reading now and the different feelings you've had while reading. Today I want you to give me the title of the book you're presently reading and then tell me (1) how you were feeling and (2) what was happening in the story when you were having that particular feeling.
("I'm currently reading _________ and I was angry when...")

Can't wait to hear what you have to say!
Love,
Mrs. H