Making Connections

To launch our adventure into realistic fiction, I chose Wonder by R.J. Palacio for my read aloud. Due to the weather, we’ve had many stops and starts. (Although I am not complaining about snow days!) This week, we finished part 1, told by August’s point of view and began part 2, told by August’s sister Via’s point of view. I could tell the students were disappointed to leave August, but recovered quickly when they were able to learn more about August from his sister. We are practicing making connections while we read in order to understand and make meaning. Our connections should help us empathize with a character or understand how an event in the story is important to the unraveling of the plot and author’s purpose for writing.

To summarize: August just overheard someone who he thought was his friend, share some hurtful comments to another student, Julian. Julian has not made it a secret that he doesn’t care for August. Also, Via tells us what it feels like to be August’s sister. She relates her four week trip to Grans while August has one of his many surgeries. She confesses that Grans considers Via her favorite since August already has many angels looking out for him.

Here’s what the students said:

Jessica: The part where August walked into the room and overheard Julian reminded me of when I walked in on my parents talking about Christmas because they didn’t know I was there.

Carlie: The part where August heard them (Julian & Jack) talking about him reminds me of the time I walked up on people talking about me. It made me sad just like they August felt sad when he heard them.

Kai: The part where August heard Jack talking to Julian like he doesn’t like him (August) reminds me when people talk about me behind by back. Just like August, I was made fun of.

Taylor: When I read the part about August and Via’s grandmother dying so quickly, it reminded me of my uncle dying to quickly and unexpected.

James: When I read the part about how August shows emotions by certain movements, it reminded me of how people that can’t hear show emotions with certain movements.

Phebe: When I read about August having so many things wrong with him, it reminded me of the book You Had Me at Woof because the lady that owns the dog, Otto, has problems just like August.

Cassidy: When I read the part about Via going to the hospital to see her grandmother, it reminded me when I went to the hospital to see my great aunt and she was dying when I got there. 

slice #31

31 days of slicing.
31 days of blogging.
31 days of commenting.
31 days of noticing.
31 days of writing.

I can't believe it's over!  There were several days that I thought I wouldn't make it through the entire month.  It was harder than I thought it would be, but I've learned so much.  I've learned that I can consistently maintain a blog, if I just put my mind to it.  I've discovered several new blogs that I enjoy reading & can't wait to check back in on them.  I'm also looking forward to continue slicing, linking up, reading, & commenting on Tuesdays.  I'm also looking forward to taking some time to look back through all 31 of my slices.

To my fellow slicers, thank you!  Thank you for reading & commenting on my posts.  Sometimes it is hard to write & publish for all to see... you made it easier!

slice #30

Today finally felt like spring outside!  My husband & I took the opportunity of a rare Saturday free (he plays in a band & is booked most Saturdays) to head over the mountains & visit Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.  My grandparents give us season passes every year for Christmas, so we  love to go & explore different aspects of the property.  Today we didn't make it in time to visit the house & the gardens weren't in bloom.  We did get to visit The Biltmore Legacy & see the exhibit highlighting the Vanderbilt's travel & collections for the first time.  I'm always amazed at the artifacts on exhibit about their lives.  Today we saw the prayer book Edith Vanderbilt is believed to have carried in their wedding, the rickshaw Cornelia Vanderbilt was carried into her debut party in, the massive Louis Vuitton trunk Edith used for traveling, one of the Harley-Davidson motorcycles used on the estate, & one of George Vanderbilt's travel journals.  Talk about objects that tell stories!!  I even learned that the Vanderbilts were originally booked to sail on the Titanic!  I'm so grateful that we are given this gift every year that allows us to spend time at such a beautiful place!
http://www.biltmore.com/
And, wow, it's hard to believe tomorrow is the last day of the challenge!

slice #29

Another acrostic poem for my daily slice:

Crafterdays are days spent
Relaxing & creating with my kindred friend.
As defined, kindred is similar, in kind, related,
Family.
The friend one can tell anything & have an
Entire conversation with without speaking a single word. A
Rarity for those who find them.  One you
Dawdle days
Away with & be perfectly content with the nothingness.  One
You don't remember not being your friend.  She seems to have always been.

I spent my day with my kindred friend & it was the perfect way to start spring break!

slice #28

First of all, thanks for all the prayers & well-wishes for my grandmother!  She is doing "absolutely great" according to her doctors!

I am officially on SPRING BREAK!!!  There was a definite buzz running through school today.  Anticipation, excitement, chaos.  I am a travel bug & usually have a trip lined up for break, but this year I decided to stay home.  I hope to get several projects accopmlished & just take it easy.

It's hard to believe the month-long slice challenge is almost over!  It's been hard, but I'm glad I stuck with it!

slice #27

As I was walking to my car after school I started thinking about what I could slice today. I turned my phone on & saw several texts waiting for me. That always makes me nervous. Today there was cause to be nervous. My dad's mom, my Nannie, was in surgery, an unexpected surgery. So, now I'm sitting in the ICU waiting room with my dad & uncle.  She is out of surgery & we are just waiting. The nurses say she is doing well, but she has a long road ahead of her. So, please remember her in your prayers!!

slice #26

Today called for an after-school nap.  I love naps & always have.  In fact, I refer to one of the extra bedrooms at my grandparents' house as my napping room.  They keep the vent & door closed, so the room is always a little chillier than the rest of the house.  The bed is extra cozy & the quilts extra thick.  Chilly room plus cozy blankets plus squishy mattress equals perfect combo for a perfect nap.  I, unfortunately, wasn't at their house today & had to make due with my own bed.  Sometimes the urge for a nap hits me in the afternoon, but sometimes (like today) I can tell as soon as the day begins that a nap is in my future.  I was home by 4:00, which is very unusual & probably asleep by 4:15.  I didn't stir until my husband came home & woke me up about 7:00!  I feel recharged & refreshed!  Hopefully that will carry over into tomorrow & I'll be ready to power through the last 3 days before spring break!!!