Mrs. Drabyk’s Blog

Welcome to Mrs. Drabyk’s Blog

Grab your keyboards and get ready to blog!

You may be asking, “What’s a blog Mrs. Drabyk?” A blog is a place on the Internet that allows invited guests to interact by commenting about specific topics.  For instance, we will be using this blog to discuss our guided reading books.  Here we will be able to talk about story elements such as setting, plot, and the characters.  You will also be able to give your own opinions about the books we read.

I have also set up some links to web sites that are fun and helpful.  You can find them listed under BLOGROLL on the right hand side of the page.  Please take some time to read some of the posts and comments from my other classes.  I hope you are as excited as I am to begin this blogging adventure!

What type of connections can you make between the book, The Secret Room, and the video you watched today? Please give details to support your response.

How do you think Annie felt about her father’s secret?

Hello Readers,

Share a time when you would no longer be able to see a friend or family member. Tell a little bit about the situation and how it made you feel.

After you have finished reading Chapter 1 please respond to the prompt below.  Write your answers in the comment box.

Please describe Annie’s character.  Use evidence from the book to support your answer.  Remember to go back to the book if you need help identifying her character traits.

Dear Bloggers,

As we begin our new novel, please take a moment to view the link in this post. The information and pictures provided are from a Holocaust survivor who was friends with Anne Frank. Anne Frank became world known after her diary about the Holocaust was found many years after her death. Please add a comment or share a connection you may have about this article.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/frank/hanneli.htm

Hello Readers,

Here you will be able to share your thoughts and opinions about the independent books you have read.  Remember to follow the book recommendation format presented in class.   You may also comment on another student’s book recommendation or suggest a different book written by the same author.

Happy Reading! 

Mrs. Midlarsky and Mrs. Drabyk

Dear Mrs. Midlarsky,

Wow! This summer I was a part of a secret operation involving intrigue, mystery, and a lot of entertaining escapades with my friend Peter.  You’re probably wondering what jet setting international country I spent vacationing at this summer.  Well, believe it or not, I didn’t even need to go to the airport to experience this exciting adventure.

            You see, this all took place in the book I read this summer called The War With Grandpa by Robert Kimmel Smith.  My new friend Peter is actually Peter Stokes, the main character of the book.  Peter was given an assignment from his teacher to write something true and meaningful about his life.  Peter decided to write about the time his grandfather came to live with his family and how a war erupted once he arrived.  The problem of the story occurred when his dad told Peter that he would have to give up his room so his grandfather could move in.  This did not sit well with Peter so he and his two friends, Steve and Billy, devised a plan of action to discourage Grandpa Jack from wanting to live in Peter’s room.

            I really liked this book because I felt a connection to Peter’s situation.  I too had to give up my room when my great aunt visited us from Florida.  I was definitely not happy about the situation, but I thought that perhaps I could get something from this deal!  My mom and dad told me that they appreciated my generosity and thoughtfulness by letting old Aunt Betty stay in my room.  I was actually setting them up for a trip to the toy store for my hospitality and it involved getting a new Wii game.

            This book was so interesting and exciting to read.  I had a difficult time putting it down.  It is definitely one of my top ten suggestions for reading this year.  My favorite part of the book happened to be when Peter began setting up all of those tricks on his grandfather.  I know it wasn’t very nice of him to do that, but it really made the story so suspenseful.  Anyway, I hope you enjoyed your summer and also had time to read a few good books. 

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                       Your Student 

                                                                                          After you read your book, write a letter to your teacher sharing your thoughts, connections, and opinions of the book.  Use the following ideas to help you write your letter. I think…  I liked…    I didn’t like…I feel…because   My favorite part was…because…I wonder…    I wish…    If I were…I would… These are just a few ideas to get you started.  You all did a great job with your reading journals so you are all ready for this project. 

Hello Fellow Americans,

Judson Moon has officially begun his run for the presidency. Do you think he is really serious about this? Use evidence from the chapters to support your opinion!