The Power of Words

Words are meant to be used.  It is how we use them that makes all the difference.  Take a look at this video clip and reflect a moment on how two phrases can have the same meaning, but are not equal in power.

"I wrote the same... 

but in different words."

Pride and Prejudice: A glimpse into the era

In Jane Austen's day,  families of the Gentry, or the noble class, usually had breakfast around ten o'clock in the morning.  Dinner would be served around 4 or 5 in the afternoon, and Supper usually followed at ten in the evening.  Towards the end of Austen's life, the Supper hour gradually became later and later so that the Gentry eventually began serving a Lunch in the middle of the day, and had their Dinner later in the evening.  A formal dinner at such a large house such as Pemberley usually included two main courses and one dessert course.  Depending on the hosts, one course could have up to 25 separate dishes; whatever would please even the most eccentric of guests. After dessert, the ladies would usually withdraw into drawing rooms, and the men would stay in the banquet hall and discuss assorted matters.  Later, the men would join the ladies for tea and cakes before the night was out.

Discussion starters:

1. What is your impression of Elizabeth so far in the novel?
2. How would you describe Elizabeth's relationship with her parents?
3. Literary Concept: The term dramatic irony refers to the contrast between what a character knows, and what the reader knows.  Try to find an example of dramatic irony in your first few chapters.  How did this irony affect your opinion of the characters?
4. Making Connections: How does your eating schedule compare to those in the novel?  Try to keep track of what you eat and at what time.  Do you think Elizabeth ate the same way you do? What do you think her favorite food was?

How to read a book

Here are some helpful tips for readers who are having a hard time with their story.  Remember, every great architect,  artist, musician, or writer all began their masterpieces with one thing: An idea.  The idea is what needs nurturing and care to grow into something more.  Everything in life that is important will take time.  The key is to be patient and work at your task diligently, and at a pace that will suit you.  We read because we want to learn, and as we learn we fall more in love with reading.  Remember to take your time!!  Books are meant to be enjoyed.  So have fun!

Pride and Prejudice: Spark Notes!

Need some extra help?  Never fear!  Your Sparks Notes are here! The students that have chosen to read Pride & Prejudice will have this book available for them at the school.  I will have them in the 6th grade classroom, and students and/or parents are more than welcome to come and pick them up.  This book is designed to supplement the novel by explaining certain main events, themes, and motifs that might seem obscure to the younger reader.  It also comes with a glossary of terms and a quiz section to test your student's comprehension.   I will be calling home to remind the students that have taken Pride & Prejudice to come and pick up their Spark Notes.  Please feel free to come and pick them up at your earliest convenience!

Summer Reading: A Brief Overview

Jacob Have I Loved- Katherine Patterson: With wry humor, Sara Louise recalls her turbulent adolescence on Rass Island and her intense jealousy of her own twin sister, Caroline. Sara was the youngest of the two sisters, and has always resented being in her older, prettier sister’s shadow. However, Sara soon discovers her own strengths, and begins to learn more about herself and how she can help others.

A Wrinkle In Time- Madeline L’Enlge: Meg's father mysteriously disappears after experimenting with the fifth dimension of time travel. Meg is determined to bring him home, yet soon discovers this is task is more then she could ever have realized. Meg and her friends must outwit the forces of evil to save their world on this heart-pounding journey through space and time.

20000 Leagues Under the Sea- Jules Verne: Dr. Aronnax and his colleagues embark on an expedition to hunt down a vicious sea monster, who they believe is responsible for the attacks on their ships. Soon they are only to discover the creature is not a giant sea monster, but instead the Nautilus, a remarkable submarine built by the mysterious Captain Nemo. Together Nemo and Aronnax explore the seafaring marvels and forge through the underwater wilderness amongst the ruins of Atlantis. But Captain Nemo's vengeful nature begins to show, and the captives must fight their way to freedom.

The Last Unicorn- Peter S. Beagle: Hidden away in her own sanctuary, the unicorn has little cares for the world due to her magic and immortality. However, when she hears that she might be the only unicorn left in the world, she sets out on a journey to see if there is any of her kind left. After being captured by a circus freak show, and tossed into a series of hilarious events that teach her the true meaning of friendship.  The unicorn and her new-found friends head out on a quest that will take them into the dangerous realms of the unknown. It will be here that the last unicorn will have to face her nemesis, the Red Bull, in order to set free the rest of her kind.

Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen: “It is very often nothing, but our own vanity that deceives us.”  Possibly one of the greatest stories of all time.  When Elizabeth Bennet meets the handsome Mr.  Fitzwilliam Darcy, she immediately dislikes him.  He seems proud, unfriendly, and disagreeable.  But, as their lives become intertwined in an unexpected adventure, she finds herself captivated by the very person she swore she could never love.  Can Elizabeth set aside her own pride long enough to see William for who he really is?  

Dear Parents: Just a note to say......

So very much!!  It has been a privilege to teach your students over the past few months.   Thank you for instilling in your children the desire to learn, the courage to stand up for what is right and the passion to live each and every day for Jesus.  Although we teachers try our best, this simply would not have been possible without wonderful parents and family like you.  Thank you for all you do, and continue to do for your children every day.  God bless!!

"I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. "

Psalm 16:8