Beastly

I just finished Beastly by Alex Flinn.  This book was based on the classic tale "Beauty and the Beast."  However, I really liked the modern twists and turns in the novel.  Now, I want to see the movie.

I just started the Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.  I don't know why I am on this books made into movie kick.

Scholastic Book Fair

I finished I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore last night.  I loved it.  I know the movie is out and I certainly want to see it soon.  I am passing on my copy to Mrs. S. but they might be selling copies at the book fair.  Remember, we are going to the book fair for half the class on Tuesday. 


The genre is science fiction.  I really don't want to give away much in the plot.  Here's a link to the movie trailer:
http://www.findnumberfour.com/
http://iamnumberfourfans.com/pittacus-lore/

I downloaded You Don't Know Me by David Klause onto the Nook Color. 

http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/0374387060.asp

I really think we should read this INSTEAD of the Ron Clark book in period 2.  However, I will not disregard "the vote." Technically, the R.C. book was #2 after the recently ditched Graveyard Book. (Sorry, J.G.! You're sick one day and we veto the book...)  What do you think?

New Study: The Flu Increases Reading!

So I made up the title!  I don't know if most people read more when they are sick but I certainly do.  Since Friday, I've read: 

Holly's run away before, but this time she actually gets away...

Runaway by Wendelin Van Draanen
Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman

My name is Shawn McDaniel.  I'm 14 years old.
  I think my father is planning to kill me.

Nobody expected the end to come this fast!

Empty by Suzanne Weyn 

and


How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl fare as on of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse?



Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler.  I'll post comments on them on my Shelfari (on right).  However, I think that Runaway was my favorite.  Stuck in Neutral was an amazing, quick read.  Empty was scaring. (It's not if, it's when...) Hunger was really disturbing. 

Now, I'm reading I Am Number Four.  So far, it is really good. 

Persuasion

Today, we are in the computer lab using the Holt Online Essay Scoring. This is a part of our online Holt textbook where students can write an essay and the computer will "score" it for them.  This gives students instant feedback so they can improve their writing.  Is it worth the time and effort?  We shall see! So far, we have had a few issues.  One essay disappeared. Another essay froze and could not be thawed out.  Yet another essay was written in all caps and could not be scored. 

Students have been using the online graphic organizer.  We just figured out that you can copy and paste from the graphic organizer into the text box.  So far, I like the Holt Online Essay Scoring.  What do YOU think?

P.S. Make sure you print, write your name on your essay, and then read the model essay.  What could you improve on next time?

Class Novels: What We Are Reading Now....

Every single day, students are given at least five to ten minutes to read independently at the start of our language arts class.  During this time, folders are passed out, paper distributed, and students may take AR tests or podcast.  At the end of class, we try to read as folders are collected and we have done our wrap up activity.

Period 1 is reading Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson.

Period 2 has voted to read Neil Gaiman's Graveyard Book. However, so far, they still prefer to read their independent novels.

Period 3 is reading The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan.
Period 4 has taken on the challenge of reading Michael Grant's Gone.  It is a long book but this class is committed to finishing it in record time!
Period 6 is finishing up Haddix's Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey.

Although we try, we don't always have time to read every single day.  However, we aim to read at least five minutes at the close of every class.  Some students still decide to read their own independent novels.

"You have to read this book!"

Big thanks to S.F. and M.P. in 6th period for putting up this awesome bulletin board!  This is where students can fill out a ticket and put it in the appropriate genre pocket.  When students are looking for a book in the genre, he or she can check that pocket and take the ticket.  New books and author of the week books will be placed on the top shelf.  Feel free to put a great book you just finished on the top shelf. 

Also, great job to A.K. in 3rd for completing the 40 Book Challenge!!! Wow, A., you even beat me by reading 41 books so far this year in a variety of genres.  For her efforts, Anna received the bookmark timer from our DC donors.  Amazing job!  Please remember to keep filling in your "40 Book Challenge" genre chart every Monday.  (I admit that I forget sometimes but try to keep it up.)

Favorite Reading Quotes

"No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting. She will not want new fashions nor regret the loss of expensive diversions or variety of company if she can be amused with an author in her closet."
— Lady Montagu, providing advice on raising her granddaughter, 1752

I like quotes. I was wondering if other people had a favorite quote about reading. I just found the quote above. However, I don't know if I could pick a favorite. This would be the closest: "Words are the only things that last forever."
-William Hazelitt

Also, I wanted to see if I could copy a picture on this blog using the iPad. It didn't work:(