December 14

Classwork Today – Block 2/6

Class,

As we continue to read “Fish in a Tree,” I wanted to give you time during class to reflect on what we’ve read so far.
I would like you to spend ten minutes on this.

1. Take the first few minutes to think  about what you want to say. Jot this down somewhere so you stay focused as you write.
2. Think about including your answers to the following questions:

  • What do you think about Ally?
  • What do you think about her classmates? Who do you find likeable – why or why not?
  • What do you think of Mr. Daniels? Explain.
  • Do you find the story authentic and real-to-life? Explain why or why not.

3. After you are finished, before you submit for review, please check that you have:

  • used capitals when needed;
  • used correct punctuation;
  • elaborated with text examples;
  • and spelled words correctly.


Posted December 14, 2015 by Mrs. O'Brien in category Uncategorized

About the Author

Greetings! I'm Mrs. O'Brien! I teach sixth grade language arts for Loudoun County Public Schools in Northern Virginia. This is the classroom blog I created to share all of the fabulous things the students do in class with their parents, teachers, other students, and the entire blogosphere!

1 thoughts on “Classwork Today – Block 2/6

  1. Mrs. O'Brien (Post author)

    I like Ally as a character and I find myself rooting for her. Sometimes I get frustrated when she doesn’t stand up for herself. I also get frustrated at her fixed-mindset mentality and how mean she can be to herself. It got me wondering about the messages I tell myself when I can’t figure something out or when I compare myself to others. I think everyone does this but some of us struggle more and have a harder time shaking the negative thoughts. If I could speak to Ally, I would tell her to be kind to herself. She’s experienced some pretty rough times losing her grandfather, moving so often, and missing her father who’s deployed. I would tell her to focus on everything she excels at like drawing, caring about others, and being unstoppable even when reading and writing are such a struggle.
    I think Keisha and Albert are wonderful friends because they encourage Ally to look at her unique gifts. They also confide in her their fears and insecurities so she knows she’s not alone feeling like she doesn’t fit in. Another character who does a great job supporting Ally is Mr. Daniels. He’s such a positive, optimistic character. I like how he strives to find lessons and activities that will highlight the unique strengths of his students. For example, the mystery box activity (for Ally) and the superhero writing (for Oliver). I get frustrated sometimes because it’s very difficult to find the time to do everything for my students that I wish I could.
    I think it’s authentic how Lynda Mullaly Hunt includes details such as Mr. Daniels not always knowing every single thing that’s going on in class with his students…for example, when Ally tells the reader that Shay is good at acting one way in front of the teacher and another way in front of the class when he’s working with a student. This rings true to me as a teacher. It’s a frustrating part of my job because I don’t want any student to deal with disrespectful, bullying behavior. But it’s an important discussion point for each of my blocks, too. If I can’t hear and see every little thing, then we need to look out for each other and make sure no one is being mistreated beind my back. We each need to do our part to create a safe and fun class environment.

    Reply

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