Blue ain't just a color....

HI guys!  Another reading blog here, this time on our new book.  This blog is due by Friday, February 22nd (in three more days!)

Here are your thinking tasks:
1)  Thinking Question:  What do you know about different art forms?  (Schema)
2)  Thinking Question:  How can you learn more about all the different forms art can take?  (Inquiry)
3)  Thinking Question:  Who is our resident "art expert" at Iveland and could answer your questions?  (Exploration/Investigation)

Do:
1)  Create a list of questions you could ask to learn more about different art forms.  Each person must develop at least two good thick questions about art forms to ask the expert.

2)  Schedule a time to ask the expert your questions in an interview style.  Note:  Think of ways you could give the expert your survey besides sitting down to ask directly.  What are other ways to communicate with someone and get the information you need?  Hint:  Use technology!

3)  Record the information in a neat and organized manner using the blog to post your questions and answers in an interview format.  (Not sure what that is?  How can you find examples?)

4)  Based on what you already know about our story, what art form can you infer that Kira is skilled at?  What did you read that makes you think that?

Note:  There need only be one post from the group with all of your names on it.  You may take turns typing if you like, but multiple posts are unnecessary.  Thank you for following directions.  Still not sure what to do?  Read it again! 

Ms. T.

Fifth Giver Post - Farewell to Jonas...or is it?

Well here we are at the end of our story about Jonas, Gabe, Asher, the Giver, all these characters I hope you have grown to love just a little.  The text below is an excerpt from an interview with the author Lois Lowry about the ending of the story.  Read it first and then respond to the questions asked.

Interview excerpt:
Question:  Do Jonas and Gabe die at the end of the story?
Author's Answer:  "I don't want to put my own feelings into it, my own beliefs, and ruin that for people who create their own endings in their minds.  I will say that I find it an optimistic ending...so I'm always kind of surprised and disappointed when some people tell me they think that the boy and the baby just die.  I don't think they die.  What form their new life takes is something I like for people to figure out for themselves...I think they're out there somewhere and I think that their life has changed and their life is happy and I would like to think that's true for the people they left behind as well."

Questions to respond to:

1) What do you think happened to Jonas and Gabe?  The author says she doesn't think that they die, do you agree with her? 

2) As the book ends Jonas hears music and singing as he and Gabe race down the hill on the sled.  Do you believe he really hears those things or is he imagining them? 

3)  If you could ask one good question of the author of The Giver, what would you ask her?

Make sure you answer ALL 3 QUESTIONS!  I look forward to hearing your responses and I hope you enjoyed the book.

The Giver #4 - Best Job Ever

Fourth Blog Post Gentlemen,
I changed what we talked about just slightly to make it a bit more fun!

Task #1
First, go to Paws in Jobland (click the link) and click Job Finder to see what jobs are best for you.  Then go to Jobland and look at the areas highlighted for you.  When you choose a highlighted place it will list some jobs you might like.  Look through the jobs and watch a couple slideshows to see what you would be doing for that job. 

Task #2
Make a list of the jobs you liked the best out of the ones suggested for you.  Then post your job on the blog and tell why you think you would be best for that job. 

Have fun!  PS, I can't wait to see what you guys choose!

The Giver Post #3 Stirrings and Questions

After reading Chp. 5-8, you should have a better idea of what the community is like. 

Task #1
Here are a couple questions about the text:
1) What was different about Jonas' folder of instructions?
     a) he didn't get a folder
     b) it only had one sheet of paper
     c) it was written in another language
     d) his folder had more than everyone else's folders

2)  What do you think the stirrings are?
     a) bad dreams
     b) hopes for the future
     c) feelings
     d) choices

Task #2
What could be some of the advantages of everyone being the same? 
What would the disadvantages be?  Explain what our society would be like if everyone was the same.  What do you like about everyone in our society being different and having choices that lead to differences? 

Luke's Group (The Giver Post #2)

Okay fellas, so we have now read through Chp. 1-4 of the text.  When we last met as a group we discussed rules in their culture that are different from our own culture.  This blog I want you to consider the character Jonas and what you know about him from what you have read. 
Which is the best word to describe Jonas:
A) hilarious
B) wasteful
C) thoughtful
D) curious

Post your response and explain what you read that makes you think so. 

Task #2
Start a BOTG in your notebook to describe the character Jonas' feelings throughout the story.  Remember you are going to add to it as you read the chapters.  We are only in the beginning at this time.

Due Monday Nov. 26

The Giver (Luke's Group)

Hi and welcome to your first blog! 

Task #1
When we last met we talked about a Utopian society or "perfect place".  Your assignment was to write in your Reader's notebook about what your version of a Utopian society would be.  Use what you wrote in your notebook and record it below as a comment. 

Task #2
Read Chp. 1-4 of The Giver

Due November 13

Juan Miguel Sees Three

Now that you have finished the story of Juan Miguel, you should be able to synthesize part of the plot to better understand the theme or message of the story.  Synthesizing is how you think about what you read.  I have two questions for you to answer as part of the blog for this week.  Remember to post your opinion with your name and then tomorrow respond to the posts of two other people on this blog. 
Here are the two questions:

1)  What lesson do you think Juan Miguel and the servants learned by the end of the story? 

2)  How are the servants and Juan Miguel similar and different from each other? 

We will talk about the theme when we meet for our next strategy lesson.