Sharing Informational Texts/Biographies

• Sharing and discussing Informational Books
o Informational Books convey factual information about the world; their main purpose is to inform readers about a subject, place, issue, or idea. Remember, a good informational book not only informs but excites the reader!
• Let's share our books and BIO POEMS!

For April 18 Please:

• Read Ch. 10 Temple Text
• Read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
• Please check out information and links below for Harry Potter.
• You will post a response (on your blog) about Harry Potter. You should also comment on several other blogs! :)
  
• Please think about and blog about the following:
  

• J.K. Rowling’s writing has often been referred to as being so descriptive that it is though you are in the theatre watching a play or a movie; her words create such vivid mental images in your mind. You will soon take on the role of a “Thematic Thinker” as you present important themes through this fantastical work of fantasy. As you have read, many novels classified as high fantasy embody the classic theme of the struggle between good and evil. Harry and his friends are part of this struggle as they face the evil of Voldemort in "another world." Part of the power of fantasy lies in the truths it reveals about the “real world.” Think about any of the many themes that are revealed in this book. For example: power of love, bravery, loyalty, prejudice, making choices/decisions, names and identities, dreams, truth, determination, fear, desires, rebellion/rule-breaking, success , or any other themes you think may be appropriate. Please blog about Harry Potter through these many thematic connections. Be specific and reference the book through specific examples.
  

• The Mirror of Erised plays an important role in this later part of the book. Think about what the mirror symbolizes, the significance of the mirror to Harry Potter, and the theme captured by this mirror. Create a visual representation of what you would see in the Mirror of Erised along with an explanation of your image. Please post to your blog. :)

• Discussion Roles (Perfect for reading this novel with your students!)

· http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/rowling.htm

(Everything you need to know about J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter)

· http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/home.asp
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/web/hogwarts/index.jsp

· http://www.edleston.cheshire.sch.uk/projects/harry/harry.htm

· http://www.kidwings.com/index.htm (Virtual owl pellet dissection)

· http://www.carolina.com/owls/guide/pellets.asp (owl pellets)

· http://www.owlpelletkits.com/pages/513061/index.htm (purchase owl pellets)

Censorship Issues:

v http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.htm http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/challengedbanned/challengedbanned.htm

v http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/censor_entry.html http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/rah_treas_ful_nov_p2.html

v http://www.boulder.lib.co.us/general/selection.html#appendices (Materials selection policies and REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION FORM )

v http://eduscapes.com/seeds/censor.html (Wow! Wonderful resources for you!)

For April 22, Please complete the following:

• Read Ch. 7 Temple: Poetry
• Read Contemporary Children’s Poetry! Please check out Temple’s suggestions and bring a Poetry Anthology to class!!!
• As you BLOG this week, post (type) your favorite poem from a children’s poetry anthology. Be sure to include the reference and your response to the poem. As you respond to the poem, be sure to comment on the Elements of Poetry that your poem highlights. Please refer to your Temple Text.
• Check out some of my favorite poet’s web sites:
• http://www.jackprelutsky.com/
• http://www.nikkigrimes.com/
• http://www.paulbjaneczko.com/
• http://www.kristinegeorge.com/index.html
• http://www.pbs.org/now/transcript/transcript_nye.html

Read as many children's poets as possible; bring your poetry books to class on April 22.