Mrs. Carol LaRow's 7th Grade English Classes

Student Reactions to an "All Class" Novel

As students read and discuss the novel, they write discussion questions. Students write questions as they read each chapter. Questions must be "discussion" not "recall." The students are encouraged to write questions they would like to see discussed in class. They may include ideas or content they have true queries about and address any topic that will help them arrive at the meaning of the novel.

In this blog, students have written their thoughts about particular chapters. Other students are invited to react to any of the reflections students have posted.

The class blog can be used to augment class discussions. As students discuss the novel, they come to understand characters' actions, author intent, theme, plot, etc. They arrive at the meaning of the novel as they listen to and interact with each other's opinions.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Chapter 1:

As I start to read this novel, I wonder why the authors have it raining as Sam returns to his parents' tavern to tell them about the fact that he's joined the Rebel Army, on the side of the Patriots. I wonder if weather will be important for setting the tone of the novel?
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2 comments:

student 12 said...

I think that it's raining because the book is going to be about war and the effect it has on the Meeker family and the whole town. I think authors often use the weather to go along with the mood of the book. Sam comes home and tells his family he's joined the army. His father is so mad he bangs his fist on the table. The rain outside seems to match the mood inside.

June 21, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Student10: said...

I agree. I think it's raining outside when Sam comes home after joining the army because his news isn't good for the family. It sort of tells you that things aren't going to be good.

June 21, 2008 at 7:21 PM

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