Young Hun we will have something like this again. Our next book will be the Sign of the Beaver, and we will be using the web and meeting to discuss it. Also, I think we should all plan to go to the movie when it comes out in December. We could go right after school!
Swing, you did an excellent job of explaining what C.S. Lewis wanted to accomplish in his books. Your are correct there will be no more books from Mr. Lewis. This is not always true some authors are published even after they die, because their families license their names to allow others to write under the author's name. I have a question, Swing, would a place be paradise if there were nothing to write about there?
Nat, in light of what Swing says, do you think that maybe the deep magic that Mr. Lewis refers to is the magic of his faith?
Sara, if we accept what Swing says do you think that Aslan can ever really die? I'm glad you are looking forward to the other books -- They will be sold as a boxed set at the bookfair!
I'd like some of you to respond with your thoughts about Edmund. When he begins his journey into evil do you think he had any idea of what he was getting into? Then when he found himself in the middle of it all how do you think he felt. Can you support any of your thoughts with a quote from the book?
Can anyone respond to Taylor's question about why they were hunting the white stag? Emma what do you think?
Bryan, you asked how the lion could come back to life. Do you think your question has been answered by any of the discussion above?
Ian,you asked how the witch came to have her power. Ms. Nall can tell you!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Sardenes and Turkish Delight at school? Nov.2,2005
I hope all of you had as much fun as I did this afternoon sharing our thoughts and questions about this remarkable book!
In looking for answers to some of the questions you posed, I came upon some interesting information. Mr. Lewis apparently had a strong respect and love for children. He would take at least an hour almost every day to answerletters he had received from his readers. He even talked with them as if they were his friends, discussing his next book and asking their opinions. He felt answering the letters was a "God-given duty" and he loved it.
I think he would have liked very much to see us try out the tea recipes from his book and he would have wanted to be with you asking you questions. Because he was, as we discussed, a Classical scholar, he believed that it is very important to ask questions. He often responded to questions by asking his young friend questions to help lead them to think on their own.
He would have loved to hear you discuss what symbols mean. Several of you thought about the symbolism of winter, of white, of Aslan. You tackled some difficult questions.
Ian asked who the main character in the story was. Do any of you have thoughts on this? Does there only have to be one main character?
Candace you helped us tackle the difficult idea of who is "good" in the book. Does doing something bad make someone bad? We didn't fully answer that. Edmund certainly does very bad things in the story, but does that mean he is really bad or evil? You are right to ask why he chose to go with the Queen in the first place!
Nat, I liked the way you chose to support your thoughts with quotes from the book.
Zach, you certainly had an interesting idea about Spring, and I would like to hear more of what you thought.
Swing you brought some excellent insights about who Aslan represented and I like thinking about your question about why Edmund would take the candy from a stranger like the White witch!
Very few of us would choose evil if it looked like evil when we begin to do something wrong. Just like Edmund we let ourselves be taken in when someone flatters us or offers us something we really want.
Bryan and Taylor, your questions go right along with this one. Why would someone sacrifice his/her life for anyone? What grought back Aslan's life?
In looking for answers to some of the questions you posed, I came upon some interesting information. Mr. Lewis apparently had a strong respect and love for children. He would take at least an hour almost every day to answerletters he had received from his readers. He even talked with them as if they were his friends, discussing his next book and asking their opinions. He felt answering the letters was a "God-given duty" and he loved it.
I think he would have liked very much to see us try out the tea recipes from his book and he would have wanted to be with you asking you questions. Because he was, as we discussed, a Classical scholar, he believed that it is very important to ask questions. He often responded to questions by asking his young friend questions to help lead them to think on their own.
He would have loved to hear you discuss what symbols mean. Several of you thought about the symbolism of winter, of white, of Aslan. You tackled some difficult questions.
Ian asked who the main character in the story was. Do any of you have thoughts on this? Does there only have to be one main character?
Candace you helped us tackle the difficult idea of who is "good" in the book. Does doing something bad make someone bad? We didn't fully answer that. Edmund certainly does very bad things in the story, but does that mean he is really bad or evil? You are right to ask why he chose to go with the Queen in the first place!
Nat, I liked the way you chose to support your thoughts with quotes from the book.
Zach, you certainly had an interesting idea about Spring, and I would like to hear more of what you thought.
Swing you brought some excellent insights about who Aslan represented and I like thinking about your question about why Edmund would take the candy from a stranger like the White witch!
Very few of us would choose evil if it looked like evil when we begin to do something wrong. Just like Edmund we let ourselves be taken in when someone flatters us or offers us something we really want.
Bryan and Taylor, your questions go right along with this one. Why would someone sacrifice his/her life for anyone? What grought back Aslan's life?
Thursday, October 27, 2005
You are published authors now!
After reading your posts from Thursday, I think we need to explore
what a blog is. But be sure to check out the changes on the webpage, too!
Here is a blog done by 5th graders from Mamaronek, N.Y.
Here is a site that was designed by elementary students that gives
everything about blogging from A-Z!
We will talk about these sites and blogging more on Monday. Do
these student blogs inspire you to think of things we might do with
the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe?
I would like you to post the list of words you were whose meanings
you were uncertain of by Monday. I have made a list and I am curious
to see if I guessed right.
Here are some of the questions or thoughts I am responding to from Thursday.
Hannah asked, "in the book why does the person start walking in snow is it magic or something?" Hannah also aksed, "in the book are the characterrs good people or bad people?"
1st Hannah, Your question about the significance of the snow is important. What do some of the rest of you think the snow might represent? 2nd -- It seems that Susan, Peter and Lucy are all good -- but what of Edmund? Can we really say that he is bad?
Sophie said, "I think the Faun is really nice to let a child go. But eating Turkey Delight from a magic queen! That is plain wierd. p.s. did I spell Wierd right?"
Yup - You followed the old rule, "I before E - except after C or when followed by A, as in neighbor or weigh."
Anybody want to tackle why the faun lets Lucy go? You are right, Sophie--it is nice.
Also -- I think we will make Turkish delight to see if you all like it.
Emma said, "Mr.Lewis's mother and wife both had cancer and were ill when they died." Good observation Emma. The biographers say that he really went downhill fast after his wife Joy died. It is lucky for us that he wrote the Narnia books before this.
Be sure to post once before Monday. I picked up copies of the book
at the library this afternoon for those of you still waiting for it.
what a blog is. But be sure to check out the changes on the webpage, too!
Here is a blog done by 5th graders from Mamaronek, N.Y.
Here is a site that was designed by elementary students that gives
everything about blogging from A-Z!
We will talk about these sites and blogging more on Monday. Do
these student blogs inspire you to think of things we might do with
the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe?
I would like you to post the list of words you were whose meanings
you were uncertain of by Monday. I have made a list and I am curious
to see if I guessed right.
Here are some of the questions or thoughts I am responding to from Thursday.
Hannah asked, "in the book why does the person start walking in snow is it magic or something?" Hannah also aksed, "in the book are the characterrs good people or bad people?"
1st Hannah, Your question about the significance of the snow is important. What do some of the rest of you think the snow might represent? 2nd -- It seems that Susan, Peter and Lucy are all good -- but what of Edmund? Can we really say that he is bad?
Sophie said, "I think the Faun is really nice to let a child go. But eating Turkey Delight from a magic queen! That is plain wierd. p.s. did I spell Wierd right?"
Yup - You followed the old rule, "I before E - except after C or when followed by A, as in neighbor or weigh."
Anybody want to tackle why the faun lets Lucy go? You are right, Sophie--it is nice.
Also -- I think we will make Turkish delight to see if you all like it.
Emma said, "Mr.Lewis's mother and wife both had cancer and were ill when they died." Good observation Emma. The biographers say that he really went downhill fast after his wife Joy died. It is lucky for us that he wrote the Narnia books before this.
Be sure to post once before Monday. I picked up copies of the book
at the library this afternoon for those of you still waiting for it.
Ms. Mc
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Hi! I think we have gotten you all on now -- If you are having trouble let me know.
Remember to keep those words you are not sure of or any questions in your journal or in a special notebook! We will compile a glossary of new words as we go. Let's all plan to have read at least the first four chapters by next Monday. I want to give you a chance to catch up and respond to the October 25th post, but I will also respond now to the first days set of questions! So.....here goes.
Several of you posted questions or comments that might need discussion.
1. Bryan asked - "I wonder if he wanted to take those kids in during the war?" Bryan I don't know, but I will be looking for an answer for us.
2. Sam asked, "How does the lion live through the execution?" Sam, we will save your question for later! Don't let us forget it.
3. Sara asked, "What is multimedia?" Sara I'm going to ask you to use your knowledge of prefixes. Multi -- means many, and media means ways information can be presented. For example a book is a kind of media, as is a film, or a computer program like powerpoint. So multimedia means a presentation that would have more than one kind of media in it. It might start out with a sound recording, then have pictures in a powerpoint file, and maybe handouts that are printed. That would be a truly MULTI media presentation! Does that help?
5.Young-Hun asked, "Is this a real biology or a historical fiction?" Young-Hun, did you mean biography? It is actually neither. Remember because this book contains things that cannot be explained by natural phenomenon-- boy that was a mouthful! So while it is not historical fiction we can certainly see how historical events might have helped Mr. Lewis in the writing of the story. What do you think?
6. Emma sain, "I think that C.S. Lewis did base Edmund,Lucy,Susan,and Peter on the kids who stayed with him." I'll see if I can find something to confirm that. I think you are right, Emma.
7. Nat said, "I think it is tense and scary." Nat, I'd like to explore this and see if others feel the tension you feel.
8. "I'm wondering what the first book is about. could anyone tell me?" Swing, are you thinking of the Magician's Nephew? That is the pre-qual to our book even though this book was the first one written by Lewis. O.K. fair question, has anyone else read the Magician's Nephew? If you have please respond to Swing's question.
Remember to keep those words you are not sure of or any questions in your journal or in a special notebook! We will compile a glossary of new words as we go. Let's all plan to have read at least the first four chapters by next Monday. I want to give you a chance to catch up and respond to the October 25th post, but I will also respond now to the first days set of questions! So.....here goes.
Several of you posted questions or comments that might need discussion.
1. Bryan asked - "I wonder if he wanted to take those kids in during the war?" Bryan I don't know, but I will be looking for an answer for us.
2. Sam asked, "How does the lion live through the execution?" Sam, we will save your question for later! Don't let us forget it.
3. Sara asked, "What is multimedia?" Sara I'm going to ask you to use your knowledge of prefixes. Multi -- means many, and media means ways information can be presented. For example a book is a kind of media, as is a film, or a computer program like powerpoint. So multimedia means a presentation that would have more than one kind of media in it. It might start out with a sound recording, then have pictures in a powerpoint file, and maybe handouts that are printed. That would be a truly MULTI media presentation! Does that help?
5.Young-Hun asked, "Is this a real biology or a historical fiction?" Young-Hun, did you mean biography? It is actually neither. Remember because this book contains things that cannot be explained by natural phenomenon-- boy that was a mouthful! So while it is not historical fiction we can certainly see how historical events might have helped Mr. Lewis in the writing of the story. What do you think?
6. Emma sain, "I think that C.S. Lewis did base Edmund,Lucy,Susan,and Peter on the kids who stayed with him." I'll see if I can find something to confirm that. I think you are right, Emma.
7. Nat said, "I think it is tense and scary." Nat, I'd like to explore this and see if others feel the tension you feel.
8. "I'm wondering what the first book is about. could anyone tell me?" Swing, are you thinking of the Magician's Nephew? That is the pre-qual to our book even though this book was the first one written by Lewis. O.K. fair question, has anyone else read the Magician's Nephew? If you have please respond to Swing's question.
October 25, 2005
I hope you have all had a chance to explore the webpage, and listen to the prologue to Focus on the Family's radio theater presentation of the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Today, those of you who do not have a copy of the book yet, can pick one up in the library. I will know you visited the blog to find this out because you will come by the library to pick your copy up.
Those of you who got to come to the library and try out the webpage and the blog yesterday --- please post about what you read last night.
How did you feel as Lucy met the faun? The custom they observed in his cave was something that is quite celebrated in England, Tea. Tell me what you know about this custom.
Ms. Mc
Today, those of you who do not have a copy of the book yet, can pick one up in the library. I will know you visited the blog to find this out because you will come by the library to pick your copy up.
Those of you who got to come to the library and try out the webpage and the blog yesterday --- please post about what you read last night.
How did you feel as Lucy met the faun? The custom they observed in his cave was something that is quite celebrated in England, Tea. Tell me what you know about this custom.
Ms. Mc
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Prologue to the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
In listening to the information about C.S. Lewis in the prologue is there a possible explanation for where the story came from? Actually I heard two, one from his childhood and one from his life during the war!
Douglas Gresham, C.S. Lewis' stepson, explains how Mr. Lewis (Jack) took in children during WWII. Do you think he may have modeled the four children in his story after some of the children that he kept during the war?
The wardrobe was real to Jack. Why do you think that might be true? What experiences did Jack have in the wardrobe with his brother?
Mr. Gresham says he has read the book many times and each time he "sees new things in it." How can we understand that? Why would we see something different when we read it over and over?
Please introduce yourself, and then comment on any of the above ideas.
Douglas Gresham, C.S. Lewis' stepson, explains how Mr. Lewis (Jack) took in children during WWII. Do you think he may have modeled the four children in his story after some of the children that he kept during the war?
The wardrobe was real to Jack. Why do you think that might be true? What experiences did Jack have in the wardrobe with his brother?
Mr. Gresham says he has read the book many times and each time he "sees new things in it." How can we understand that? Why would we see something different when we read it over and over?
Please introduce yourself, and then comment on any of the above ideas.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Between Books try this!
Before we begin our next book, let's get acquainted. I'd like each of you to share a book that you read in the last year that you really enjoyed.
Tell a little about why you liked it and what you think you would like to tackle next! I'll start, since I suggested we do this. I just read Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan.
Naomi and her brother Owen live with their Grandmother in a trailer. Life seems settled and if not great, at least it is predictable. But then Naomi and Owen's mother shows up suddenly and turns life upside down.
The book is written as though Naomi is speaking directly to the reader, and it almost feels like you are having a conversation with her as you read. There are moments of humor in this book, but mostly I liked it because it let me find a new friend in Naomi!
I want to get Eldest next. It is the sequel to Eragon by Paolini. It will be very different from Becoming Naomi Leon!
Tell a little about why you liked it and what you think you would like to tackle next! I'll start, since I suggested we do this. I just read Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan.
Naomi and her brother Owen live with their Grandmother in a trailer. Life seems settled and if not great, at least it is predictable. But then Naomi and Owen's mother shows up suddenly and turns life upside down.
The book is written as though Naomi is speaking directly to the reader, and it almost feels like you are having a conversation with her as you read. There are moments of humor in this book, but mostly I liked it because it let me find a new friend in Naomi!
I want to get Eldest next. It is the sequel to Eragon by Paolini. It will be very different from Becoming Naomi Leon!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Out of the Dust
Out of the Dust, a Newberry Award winning title, will be discussed by a group of Westmeade Students over the next few weeks.
Out of the Dust is one of an increasing number of books that tell their story through poetry. Karen Hesse uses blank verse to tell Billie Jo's story. Poetry is one of the most powerful ways to convey meaning. Why do you think that might be true?
If you would like to be part of our discussion, please sign in and lets get started. A good place to begin is at our website http://www.westmeade.net/Library/outofthedust.htm. here you can explore another true dust bowl story from the 1930s. You can also explore the sights and sounds of the time. This can help you understand what life might have been like for Billie Jo.
Even today when the dust blows in the panhandle of Oklahoma and Texas the dust permeates everything. I once hung out white sheets and towels to dry in the warm dry air when a dust storm came unexpectedly. The burnt siena earth permeated those towels and sheets. They never returned to their white color. They were always tinged with the color of the soil.
Just like my towels, Billie Jo is permeated wtih the dust. She asks herself how she can get "out of the dust" when it is inside of her. We will experience how hard her life can be. Yet there is great hope and resilience in her. This book is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared for deep discussion as we learn how she comes to terms with some harsh things in life.
Out of the Dust is one of an increasing number of books that tell their story through poetry. Karen Hesse uses blank verse to tell Billie Jo's story. Poetry is one of the most powerful ways to convey meaning. Why do you think that might be true?
If you would like to be part of our discussion, please sign in and lets get started. A good place to begin is at our website http://www.westmeade.net/Library/outofthedust.htm. here you can explore another true dust bowl story from the 1930s. You can also explore the sights and sounds of the time. This can help you understand what life might have been like for Billie Jo.
Even today when the dust blows in the panhandle of Oklahoma and Texas the dust permeates everything. I once hung out white sheets and towels to dry in the warm dry air when a dust storm came unexpectedly. The burnt siena earth permeated those towels and sheets. They never returned to their white color. They were always tinged with the color of the soil.
Just like my towels, Billie Jo is permeated wtih the dust. She asks herself how she can get "out of the dust" when it is inside of her. We will experience how hard her life can be. Yet there is great hope and resilience in her. This book is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared for deep discussion as we learn how she comes to terms with some harsh things in life.
Monday, January 03, 2005
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Welcome to Dragon Library
Welcome to our Dragon Libary! This is the first post to our Blog. We have been reading and sharing Boxes for Katje this week. It is the story of how one girl in America helped to make a more comfortable winter for all the people of Olst, Holland at the end of World War II.
Sometime boys and girls can make a big difference in the world. Here at Westmeade we are thinking about ways we can do that. What are some ways that you can think of?
Are there favorite holiday books that you would like to talk about here? Just post your thoughts!
I hope this becomes a place where students and parents can carry on conversations about the books they read and what those books mean to them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
