6th Grade Students,
You have now had some practice with finding meaning and completing Heqet sayings. Now, please create your own Heqet-ism, a phrase that Ranofer's friend Heqet might say. Post your Heqet-ism below. Due Friday, November 30, by 5:00 p.m. Don't wait. Time flies, as the clock said to the eagle.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Through the Prison Bars
Students, You have now had a chance to meet and get acquainted with Turner Ernest Buckminster III. As he struggles with his new surroundings and the weight that rests on his shoulders, he is coming to better know himself... but does he like what he sees?
On p. 42 of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Turner says he hates himself for playing the minister's son as he begins to realize that his life is not his own. Does he have a choice in the matter? Could he have handled the situation any differently? Could he have avoided embarassing himself and/or his father?
Answer and defend your stance with examples from the novel.
DUE October 12, 2012, by 4:30 p.m.
On p. 42 of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Turner says he hates himself for playing the minister's son as he begins to realize that his life is not his own. Does he have a choice in the matter? Could he have handled the situation any differently? Could he have avoided embarassing himself and/or his father?
Answer and defend your stance with examples from the novel.
DUE October 12, 2012, by 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
What's So Utopian 'Bout That?
Students,
We live in a world full of memories, good and bad, and one in which human experiences are marked by joys, pains, discomfort, pleasure, etc. Imagine a world such as Jonas's, a utopian world that is devoid of differences, pains, and... choices.
Consider this passage:
"But why can't everyone have the memories? I think it would seem a little easier if the memories were shared. You and I wouldn't have to bear so much by ourselves, if everybody took a part."
The Giver sighed. "You're right," he said. "But then everyone would be burdened and pained. They don't want that."
Would you want to live in a world in which decisions, memories, and feelings were removed? Argue your stance and provide evidence for your decision. What would the pros and cons be if you decided to live in a utopian society?
DUE Friday, April 27.
We live in a world full of memories, good and bad, and one in which human experiences are marked by joys, pains, discomfort, pleasure, etc. Imagine a world such as Jonas's, a utopian world that is devoid of differences, pains, and... choices.
Consider this passage:
"But why can't everyone have the memories? I think it would seem a little easier if the memories were shared. You and I wouldn't have to bear so much by ourselves, if everybody took a part."
The Giver sighed. "You're right," he said. "But then everyone would be burdened and pained. They don't want that."
Would you want to live in a world in which decisions, memories, and feelings were removed? Argue your stance and provide evidence for your decision. What would the pros and cons be if you decided to live in a utopian society?
DUE Friday, April 27.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Writing Contests Stretch Imagination
Many of our students are considering or actively working on entries for the Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse's annual Imagination Contest. What a wonderful opportunity this is to practice creative writing and to stretch the imagination! Writing contests such as this one allow writers to hone their skills or imagery, storytelling, and writing for an audience. They allow expression to spill off the page, covering the eyes and sensibilities of professional and amateur judges who are authors in the own rights. They allow writers to share -- share a love, share a vision, share a story.
While our students are working on their own drafts, I decided to enter a writing contest as well... I am a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and I would love to attended the society's national conference held each summer in Los Angeles. The three-day summit boasts of fantastic keynote speakers, lectures, workshops, and critique sessions with writers much like myself (many of them well-more experienced). SCBWI is currently holding a writing contest that awards a conference scholarship to one lucky writer, chosen by their merits and submission of a 200-word story based on the following illustration prompt.
Unlike the Flintridge stories of 750 words or less, I was saddled with the task of telling a brief tale in just 200 words. The text that follows is my story, entitled "The Search for Abel's Abacus." Who knows if I will win that scholarship... but what I do know is that I loved sitting down with my PC and my imagination to work my way through several drafts. I hope this final draft's a winner, and I hope you enjoy the read!
The Search for Abel’s Abacus
As the dory rocked to and fro, I gazed into the endless sea of digits that seemed to stretch to infinity along an endless liquid horizon. Our search for Abel’s ancient abacus was not going well, and I was beginning to slide into despair as the chill and darkness of night encircled our little vessel. Without the abacus, our dear friend Abel would not be able to complete critical calculations for Queen Cipher. As the night sky darkened and our lanterns guided the way, we hoped that our efforts would add up to a successful search.
Suddenly, Watchdog sounded his alarm and chimed out a command: “Bring the boat about! There’s something below the surface at our 11 o’clock!” From the stern, Tollbert dug his oar into the soupy sea and lowered his mighty arm to steady the craft. Below us a slight shimmer gave us a glimmer of hope.
From above, a number of chirps from Figure, our winged friend, confirmed our quarry had been found! Abel’s abacus was quietly suspended, dangling delicately from a 6 (or was it a 9?). Watchdog, with both bells a’ringing, barked, “What a find! What a sight! Everything will be all right tonight!”
While our students are working on their own drafts, I decided to enter a writing contest as well... I am a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and I would love to attended the society's national conference held each summer in Los Angeles. The three-day summit boasts of fantastic keynote speakers, lectures, workshops, and critique sessions with writers much like myself (many of them well-more experienced). SCBWI is currently holding a writing contest that awards a conference scholarship to one lucky writer, chosen by their merits and submission of a 200-word story based on the following illustration prompt.
Unlike the Flintridge stories of 750 words or less, I was saddled with the task of telling a brief tale in just 200 words. The text that follows is my story, entitled "The Search for Abel's Abacus." Who knows if I will win that scholarship... but what I do know is that I loved sitting down with my PC and my imagination to work my way through several drafts. I hope this final draft's a winner, and I hope you enjoy the read!
The Search for Abel’s Abacus
As the dory rocked to and fro, I gazed into the endless sea of digits that seemed to stretch to infinity along an endless liquid horizon. Our search for Abel’s ancient abacus was not going well, and I was beginning to slide into despair as the chill and darkness of night encircled our little vessel. Without the abacus, our dear friend Abel would not be able to complete critical calculations for Queen Cipher. As the night sky darkened and our lanterns guided the way, we hoped that our efforts would add up to a successful search.
Suddenly, Watchdog sounded his alarm and chimed out a command: “Bring the boat about! There’s something below the surface at our 11 o’clock!” From the stern, Tollbert dug his oar into the soupy sea and lowered his mighty arm to steady the craft. Below us a slight shimmer gave us a glimmer of hope.
From above, a number of chirps from Figure, our winged friend, confirmed our quarry had been found! Abel’s abacus was quietly suspended, dangling delicately from a 6 (or was it a 9?). Watchdog, with both bells a’ringing, barked, “What a find! What a sight! Everything will be all right tonight!”
Monday, January 30, 2012
In Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Gary Schmidt utilizes varied literary devices to bring the setting and characters to life. For example, the author brings the sea breeze to life through personification. Examples of personification include:
"But then it fell panting in the hallway, gasping for breath." (p. 23)
"The sea breeze remembered that autumn wasn't far away and began to blow colder." (p. 212)
"The sea breeze found him and twisted around him." (p. 213)
Find other examples of personification, metaphor, similes, hyperbole, alliteration, etc., from Chapters 1-9. Provide two examples in your response to this blog post. Due Friday, February 3 by 4 p.m.
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT:
Tell the story of Turner and the citizens of Phippsburg and Malaga Island from the viewpoint of the sea breeze, giving the sea breeze a definite characterization and motivation. Follow typing guidelines. Email Mr. B or submit a hard copy. Worth 10 points. Due Friday, February 10.
"But then it fell panting in the hallway, gasping for breath." (p. 23)
"The sea breeze remembered that autumn wasn't far away and began to blow colder." (p. 212)
"The sea breeze found him and twisted around him." (p. 213)
Find other examples of personification, metaphor, similes, hyperbole, alliteration, etc., from Chapters 1-9. Provide two examples in your response to this blog post. Due Friday, February 3 by 4 p.m.
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT:
Tell the story of Turner and the citizens of Phippsburg and Malaga Island from the viewpoint of the sea breeze, giving the sea breeze a definite characterization and motivation. Follow typing guidelines. Email Mr. B or submit a hard copy. Worth 10 points. Due Friday, February 10.
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