Becoming Naomi Leon - Soap Carving

One of Naomi's talents is soap carving. She really believes that the soap is waiting to tell the story and she is just revealing it. It is obvious that this is something that is very important to her and when Clive uses the soap we discover how important it is to her.

As we have been reading we also discovered that Naomi's talent seems to be a trait that her father has. (As well as others in her family)







Believe it or not soap carving is something that people actually do!! There are some amazing pieces of art that are created by artists.

The following is a link for a gallery of soap carvings...hard to believe this is ACTUALLY soap!!!

Soap carving gallery from the Carving Institute

The next link is a link to an artist's website for his own art work. It gives you a little background info on soap carving and you can check out his gallery of the carving that he does. This artist also does fruits and vegetables!

Soap Carving Art

The next link is a blog about how you can create your own soap carvings at home. Please remember if you use a knife or any sharp object to ask a parent for assistance, these are sharp objects we don't just use on our own.

How to do soap carvings

Make your own soap carving

Each Little Bird that Sings - Dismay

One of the forgotten characters in the book is Dismay. He is the dog of the Snowberger family. We talked about in our Literature Circle that the word dismay means, "to lose courage, to feel concern or upset."

I think the author picked the dog's name on purpose to show emotion in the book. Plus the Snowberger's run a funeral home which I am sure it has lots of upset people.

I have done some research about different types of dogs and have included some information that follows.




There is actually such a thing as a funeral dog!! I found the following online at USA today. It is a great read.
Grief Dogs

Dogs sent to Newtown to help residents with grief

Dogs are also a big part of people's everyday lives....not just as pets. Other dogs are working dogs. In the link that follows information is included about what working dogs do.

Working dogs

Dogs are also companions for different types of people. The following link is more than just an article. Take time to dig into it and click on the links to see more information about it.

Canine Companions

Every Soul A Star- The Unusuals

In our reading we find out that Bree and her family will be taking over the campground that is currently run by Ally's family. We also find out that Bree will be in charge of maintaining the Unusuals.

The purpose of the Unusuals is to entertain the guests at the campground. They are "extras" that come with being at the campground.









One of the extras is the sundial.

 

Here is a brief history of the sundial:

History of the Sundial

You can also make your own sundial at home. Here are some directions for that:

Make your own sundial

How did people tell time in the dark? They used a Big Dipper Star Clock.

Here is information on that:

Big Dipper Star Clock

The link below will describe to you why the Star Clock works:

Why does the Star Clock work?


Another one of the Unusuals is the labryinth. This was hard to visualize for some of you. Here is a picture of that:

Here is some information about the labryinth:

History of the labryinth

You can also make your own labryinth. This could be done outside on the sidewalk where you draw it with chalk or just draw your own on a piece of paper. Directions are here:

Creating your own labryinth

Happy READING!!!!

Becoming Naomi Leon-Post #2

Now that we have invested more time and thought into our books and chacters we can see their personalities develop and where the story will be leading us. I want you to think about and respond to these questions:

#1-Predict what you think will occur in the story using evidence from the book. What led you to this thinking and be specific in your answers.

#2-Pick a character from your book and fill in the blanks: If I were ______________________ I would _______________________ because __________________. This is really up to you where your thinking will lead you. Remember characters change and respond to the things in their environment. Be very thoughtful in your answer using text based evidence and specific in your answers.

I am excited to see where this leads our discussion. Happy Reading!!

Each Little Bird that Sings-Post #2

Now that we have invested more time and thought into our books and chacters we can see their personalities develop and where the story will be leading us. I want you to think about and respond to these questions:

#1-Predict what you think will occur in the story using evidence from the book. What led you to this thinking and be specific in your answers.

#2-Pick a character from your book and fill in the blanks: If I were ______________________ I would _______________________ because __________________. This is really up to you where your thinking will lead you. Remember characters change and respond to the things in their environment. Be very thoughtful in your answer using text based evidence and specific in your answers.

I am excited to see where this leads our discussion. Happy Reading!!

Every Soul A Star-Post #2

Now that we have invested more time and thought into our books and chacters we can see their personalities develop and where the story will be leading us. I want you to think about and respond to these questions:

#1-Predict what you think will occur in the story using evidence from the book. What led you to this thinking and be specific in your answers.

#2-Pick a character from your book and fill in the blanks: If I were ______________________ I would _______________________ because __________________. This is really up to you where your thinking will lead you. Remember characters change and respond to the things in their environment. Be very thoughtful in your answer using text based evidence and specific in your answers.

I am excited to see where this leads our discussion. Happy Reading!!

Each Little Bird That Sings Post #1

Now that you have had a chance to get some background information on your author, learn a small amount about your characters and are getting the story started....what are your impressions of the book?What do you like, dislike, would change, etc.? Where do you see the plot of this story headed?

After you have posted your reponse on the blog you need to check back and reply (meaningful reply) to two people in your book club.

Every Soul A Star Post #1

Now that you have had a chance to get some background information on your author, learn a small amount about your characters and are getting the story started....what are your impressions of the book?What do you like, dislike, would change, etc.? Where do you see the plot of this story headed?

After you have posted your reponse on the blog you need to check back and reply (meaningful reply) to two people in your book club.

Becoming Naomi Post #1

Now that you have had a chance to get some background information on your author, learn a small amount about your characters and are getting the story started....what are your impressions of the book?What do you like, dislike, would change, etc.? Where do you see the plot of this story headed?

After you have posted your reponse on the blog you need to check back and reply (meaningful reply) to two people in your book club.

Response #1-Chapter 1 (Becoming Naomi Leon)

What were your feelings and first impressions after reading the opening chapter of this book? Explain using good connections, evidence based terms, and complete sentences.

Response #1- Chapter 1 (Each Little Bird that Sings)

What were your feelings and first impressions after reading the opening chapter of this book? Explain using good connections, evidence based terms, and complete sentences.

Response #1-Chapter 1 (Every Soul A Star)

What were your feelings and first impressions after reading the opening chapter of this book? Explain using good connections, evidence based terms, and complete sentences.

Meet the Author- Pam Munoz Ryan

I was first introduced to Pam Munoz Ryan when I was first teaching with the book Esperanza Rising. If you haven't ever read this book it is AWESOME!! Pam Munoz Ryan has a way of writing very powerful books, books that make you think and draw out a lot of emotion. 

Here is Pam Munoz Ryan's website: http://www.pammunozryan.com/  She has a bio, link of books, etc. Take time to explore and see what she is about. I thought the Q&A section was a lot of fun to read! 

Unlike the other two authors Ms. Ryan does not keep a blog, that I could find. If you find her blog, let me know! However, I did find where she was a guest blogger on another website. I am including that link so you can go through and read what she writes. I feel like it gives us a window into her mind. http://forum.teachingbooks.net/?p=3764 

I am also including a link to a video interview with Pam Munoz Ryan. It is from the website Reading Rockets. It is one of my favorite websites and has TONS of author interviews. If you have a favorite author or want to find a new one this is a cool resource!!! 

Here is the link to the video: http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/ryan/  Right underneath the video is different short videos. Make sure to watch them ALL! 

Now that you have read and watched some interviews with the author. I want you to respond to this post. In your post please include TWO things you have learned about Pam Munoz Ryan and two questions you would like to ask her. Please be thoughtful in your answers and make sure they are in complete sentences. 

 

Meet the author-Deborah Wiles

I was first introduced to Deborah Wiles as an author from another teacher I worked with. I used to write letters each week to my Grandma Nuss and she suggested I read Love, Ruby Lavender. I became hooked on her books and wasn't let down by the book Each Little Bird That Sings.

Here is Deborah Wiles' website: http://deborahwiles.com/  Take time to explore it and and read her bio, about her books, etc. She even has a new book coming out. Once you have clicked on her bio, to the right you will see a link to her blog. It hasn't been updated in the past month, but take time to look at it and see what she is like as a person.

I have found a video where Deborah talks about being an author and how to tell a story. Make sure the sound is turned up high as she is speaking to a group of students and is hard to hear at certain points.

One more short video clip where the author talks about writing. I love to hear about how authors struggle just like we do when writing and how they can inspire us to keep trying at things! 

Now that you have read and watched some interviews with the author. I want you to respond to this post. In your post please include TWO things you have learned about Deborah Wiles and two questions you would like to ask her. Please be thoughtful in your answers and make sure they are in complete sentences.

Meet the Author-Wendy Mass

Wendy Mass is quickly becoming one of my new favorite author's. I didn't realize how many books she has written and I happen to have all but one of them!!! 

I want you to take time to explore her website. She has one of the best author sites I have seen. She even has a blog that is kept UPDATED!!! Here is the link for it: http://wendymass.com/ 

I am also including a video for you to watch where Wendy Mass talks about here book Finally, the book about a girl that is turning 12.  

And one more video...Can you tell I love Wendy Mass? This is a short one where she talks about her book Candymakers. 

Now that you have read and watched some interviews with the author. I want you to respond to this post. In your post please include TWO things you have learned about Wendy Mass and two questions you would like to ask her. Please be thoughtful in your answers and make sure they are in complete sentences.