Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. For inspiration, think about our discussion of Melody being
singled out on stage during round one of the tournament. Everyone had a
LOT to say!
Or, try using the "Response to Literature
Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was
it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 28
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. For inspiration, think about our discussion of Melody being
singled out on stage during round one of the tournament. Everyone had a
LOT to say!
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 27
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. For inspiration, think about our discussion of Melody being
singled out on stage during round one of the tournament. Everyone had a
LOT to say!
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 26
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. For inspiration, think about our discussion of Melody being
singled out on stage during round one of the tournament. Everyone had a
LOT to say!
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 25
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. For inspiration, think about our discussion of Melody being
singled out on stage during round one of the tournament. Everyone had a
LOT to say!
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 24
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. For inspiration, think about our discussion of Melody being
singled out on stage during round one of the tournament. Everyone had a
LOT to say!
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 23
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. For inspiration, think about our discussion of Melody being
singled out on stage during round one of the tournament. Everyone had a
LOT to say!
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 22
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. Think about your group's discussion from Thursday's Lit Circle
meeting for inspiration. Or, try using the "Response to Literature
Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was
it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean!
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean!
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 21
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. Think about your group's discussion from Thursday's Lit Circle
meeting for inspiration. Or, try using the "Response to Literature
Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was
it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean!
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean!
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 20
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. Think about your group's discussion from Thursday's Lit Circle
meeting for inspiration. Or, try using the "Response to Literature
Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was
it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean!
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean!
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 19
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this
chapter. Think about your group's discussion from Thursday's Lit Circle
meeting for inspiration. Or, try using the "Response to Literature
Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was
it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean!
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean!
Out of My Mind - noteworthy passages in Chapter 18
Post a comment here if you flagged a noteworthy passage in this chapter. Think about your group's discussion from Thursday's Lit Circle meeting for inspiration. Or, try using the "Response to Literature Guidelines" sheet for ideas. What stuck out about this passage? Why was it meaningful?
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean!
As always, proofread before you post! Make your thinking clear so others know what you mean!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Out of My Mind - responding to a powerful passage
Check out the attached passage. We will be discussing this part of the story in Lit Circles tomorrow morning. Please be thinking about why I marked it to share wih you...
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Out of My Mind - Chapter 16 discussion questions
Post your question in the "Comments" section below. Use my posts as a
guide. Do I ask my question in just one sentence? No! Remember, you've
got to make your questions dynamic enough that your classmates will have
something to respond to meaningfully.
Out of My Mind - Chapter 15 discussion questions
Post your question in the "Comments" section below. Use my posts as a
guide. Do I ask my question in just one sentence? No! Remember, you've
got to make your questions dynamic enough that your classmates will have
something to respond to meaningfully.
Out of My Mind - Chapter 14 discussion questions
Post your question in the "Comments" section below. Use my posts as a
guide. Do I ask my question in just one sentence? No! Remember, you've
got to make your questions dynamic enough that your classmates will have
something to respond to meaningfully.
Out of My Mind - Chapter 13 discussion questions
Post your question in the "Comments" section below. Use my posts as a
guide. Do I ask my question in just one sentence? No! Remember, you've
got to make your questions dynamic enough that your classmates will have
something to respond to meaningfully.
Out of My Mind - Chapter 12 discussion questions
Post your question in the "Comments" section below. Use my posts as a
guide. Do I ask my question in just one sentence? No! Remember, you've
got to make your questions dynamic enough that your classmates will have
something to respond to meaningfully.
Out of My Mind - Chapter 11 discussion questions
Post your question in the "Comments" section below. Use my posts as a
guide. Do I ask my question in just one sentence? No! Remember, you've
got to make your questions dynamic enough that your classmates will have
something to respond to meaningfully.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Out of My Mind - discussion questions
Post your question in the "Comments" section below. Use my posts as a guide. Do I ask my question in just one sentence? No! Remember, you've got to make your questions dynamic enough that your classmates will have something to respond to meaningfully.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Out of My Mind - new additions to Melody's family
We've met a couple of additions to Melody's family (one furry, one human). Describe how the introduction of these new characters changed the dynamics of Melody's life at home. Melody's feelings about Penny must be complicated! Analyze how Melody must have felt as she watched her sister reach the typical milestones of a baby/toddler. Do you think having Butterscotch around helped? Be specific and clear with your thinking.
Don't forget to fully re-read and edit your answer before you post!
Don't forget to fully re-read and edit your answer before you post!
Out of My Mind - Ollie!
In chapter 8 we finally get to meet the star of the book's cover - Melody's pet goldfish. What is significant about the story of Ollie the fish? Why do you think the author included this anecdote? Try to think beyond the obvious... How does Ollie's life mirror Melody's? Describe Melody's feelings when she is unable to tell her mother what really happened. Is this inline with what we've learned about her typical frustrations? Why or why not? Be specific and incorporate evidence into your explanation.
Out of My Mind - Melody's teachers
After reading chapter 7, discuss Melody's teachers since she began going to school. Has she had the privilege of any good teachers yet? Did the majority of her experience with the teachers seem positive? What does this say about her school system? What about the attitudes at her school about teaching children with special needs? Do you think this is right? If you had superpowers,what would you change about her school?
Be sure to full explain your thinking, not just re-tell what you read in the book.
Be sure to full explain your thinking, not just re-tell what you read in the book.
Out of My Mind - dreams
At the beginning of chapter 7, Melody mentions her dreams. She says waking up is a sort of letdown. What does she mean? Why do you think dreams are so important to her? Explain from her point of view. Include specific evidence from what we have learned so far to support your thinking.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Out of My Mind - Mission: Vocabulary!
Let's get inspired by Melody in a quest for new words. Look at a dictionary. Is it possible to learn every single word in it? No way!
If Melody learns new words everyday with Mrs. V, can't we do the same? From now on, when you are doing your assigned reading, I'd like you to use sticky notes to mark unfamiliar and/or impressive words that are used in the book. Let's make it our mission to not blow right past these words when we're reading! Over the next few weeks, we'll take a cue from Melody and not take language for granted.
What could we do with these words? Think about some possibilities and come to our meeting tomorrow prepared to offer up your thinking. Mission: Vocabulary is on! We will discuss this more during our next Lit Circle meeting.
Out of My Mind - water
Just like Helen Keller, Melody has her own experience with water at the end of chapter 6. What did she do with Mrs. V? Why do you think she was so eager to get out and experience it?
Out of My Mind - Walk or talk?
Mrs. V poses an interesting question to Melody in chapter 6: Would Melody rather be able to walk or talk? Walking or talking... Which would you choose? Why?
Out of My Mind - Chapter 6
Who is the documentary about that Mrs. V and Melody watched in chapter 6? What's his connection to the Ice Bucket Challenge from last summer?
Do a little research. How is this person similar to Melody? Different? Why do you think he inspires Melody and Mrs. V to re-do Melody's communication board?
Out of My Mind - empathy
Empathy is a word that I think of every time I read this story. What is empathy? Is it different from sympathy? How? Why is being empathetic an important part of life?
Think of the characters we've met so far in the book. Was Dr. Hugely empathetic toward Melody? What about Melody's teachers? The other students in Melody's school? Her classmates in H-5? Mrs. V?
Thinking of these characters and their character traits, who do you think makes the biggest impact on Melody? Explain your thinking and include specific examples from the story to support your answer.
Out of My Mind - Melody's medical condition
In chapter 4 we learned the name of Melody's condition. Do some research online to find out more about this disorder. What causes it? Can it be prevented? What are some of its symptoms? What types of therapies are there for a person with this diagnosis?
Educate yourself a bit about Melody's condition and then summarize (in your own words) what you learned.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Out of My Mind - Language is powerful!
This novel opens with a discussion of the power of words and language. Did this help capture your attention as a reader? Why or why not? Knowing what we know about Melody so far, why do you think Sharon Draper used this as her hook to begin the story?
If you were the author, would you change anything in the opening? If so, what would you change? Be specific!
Re-read your comment before you post to make sure your thinking is clear.
If you were the author, would you change anything in the opening? If so, what would you change? Be specific!
Re-read your comment before you post to make sure your thinking is clear.
Out of My Mind - connections
Make connections between this book's plot (characters, concepts, or events) and other books, movies, etc. Do you see any similarities between this story and another book? A movie you’ve seen? Of what specifically does it remind you? Does it bring to mind any other related ideas?
Remember to fully support your answer with evidence from Out of My Mind and the book, movie, etc. you are using for your connection.
Re-read your comment before you post to make sure your thinking is clear.
Out of My Mind - Melody's frustrations
By now, you've gotten to know Melody a little better. What kinds of things seem to frustrate her the most? Put yourself in her shoes. What kinds of things do you think would bother you the most? How would you deal with those frustrations? Be specific!
Remember to fully support your answers with evidence from the book. Re-read your comment before you post to make sure your thinking is clear.
Remember to fully support your answers with evidence from the book. Re-read your comment before you post to make sure your thinking is clear.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
How do I post a comment?
Here's a little help for posting comments on the blog:
After you type your comment, it'll ask for sign-in
information. When it asks for "profile", select the
"Name/URL" option. This is where you can type in your first and last
name (ignore the "URL" part...).
You will be given a code to type in to make sure you aren't
a robot. Type it in exactly as it appears on your screen.
Also, be sure you sign with your first & last name at
the end of your comment.
For example:
This blog is awesome. I really love what we've learned
about Jimmy as a character so far in the story. - Susiecakes McAwesome
Monday, January 5, 2015
Out of My Mind - First Official Post!
Welcome to our first Literature Circle blog post of 2015. We will be reading Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper over the next several weeks. I love this book and I hope you do too!
What are your first impressions of Melody? What have you learned about this character so far? Does she remind you of anyone else we've read about this year?
Be sure to fully support your answers with evidence from the book. Re-read your comment before you post to see if your thinking is clear.
What are your first impressions of Melody? What have you learned about this character so far? Does she remind you of anyone else we've read about this year?
Be sure to fully support your answers with evidence from the book. Re-read your comment before you post to see if your thinking is clear.
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