Mrs. Drabyk’s Blog

Hello Fellow Americans,

Our country has voted, and we now have a new President-elect! Check out TFK’s coverage of the 2008 Presidential election. Go to the Blogroll and click on the TFK link.

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!

Hello Historians,

Our time as colonists is coming to an end and we now must return to the 21st Century. Before we say farewell to our colonists, take a moment to reflect on the experience and share your thoughts about the courage it took for these men and women to stand up to King George III. Deborah Sampson also wanted freedom. Explain what kind of freedom she wanted and if she ever found it. Remember to use the text to support your responses.

Greetings Readers,

Now that the A. Wolf and Cinderella’s Rat have opened our eyes to different viewpoints, I would like you to use your “Once upon a time…” knowledge and author your own version of a well known fairy tale. Click on this link to show your character’s point of view!  Be sure to comment on your experience with point of view.  http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/fairytales/

Hi Animal Lovers,

Well, We are just about finished with this amazing story. After you have completed the book please add a comment about the friendship between Kona and Stumpy. Also, please share your opinions about the use of personification and how it changed the way the story was told.

Hello Bloggers,

“And their off!” The teams have begun the race and are rocketing through the trails. I thought it would be exciting for us to keep up with the race from a dog’s perspective. I’m inviting you all to join Zuma, the Iditarod’s own star dog reporter as he reports on the day to day action from the Iditarod. Click on Zuma under the BLOGROLL and read Who Am l? Zuma!   Also, check out the link titled Sled Dogs to find out more about these amazing canines!

Hello Bloggers,

Tonight’s assignment will include accessing the Time For Kids (TFK) site and read the article titled Wolves Make a Comeback. Please share your opinion about the situation and add a comment on whether you agree or disagree. Please remember to support your response.
Mrs. Drabyk