03 The Nuts and Bolts of Stories

We've been breaking down stories into their most basic parts: characters who have wishes or problems, the corresponding solutions and what the characters learn.

We have been using picture books to help us understand the different ways each part of a story can look. We have also been using picture books in our practice of taking apart stories.

For example, in class we read Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems. This story is about Leonardo. He is a monster who is different. He is too cute for his own good. He wants to be scary, but he just isn't. This makes him unhappy with himself.

In the end, Leonardo's problems are solved when he realizes that it is good to be cute and that he can be a wonderful friend.

And he learns that being different is great!



Discussion Points:

So, now it is time to see how much you understand. In your first comment on this post, please include the five basic parts of a story you have independently read, and finished or almost finished, this year:

1. The protagonist.
2. The protagonist's outer problem.
3. The protagonist's inner problem.
4. The solution(s) to the protagonist's problems.
5. What the protagonist learns.

Let's write!

02 Jess and Leslie

Jess is the main character, or protagonist, in Bridge to Terabithia. He is a ten-year-old boy who just began fifth grade. He has lived in the same town all his life. He feels like he is a scaredy-cat. He has a secret crush on one of his teachers. He loves to draw, but knows his hobby makes him a target for teasing and bullying. Jess comes from a big family. He is the only boy. Jess's father treats him differently than he treats the girls. Jess wishes he and his father had a closer relationship.

Leslie is the secondary main character. She is a not-quite-ten-year-old girl who looks like a boy. She's new to town. She comes from a rich family. She has a sense of humor. She is a very good athlete. She's fast. She is a great writer. Leslie wants to make friends with Jess.

These are the characters' traits we've talked about in class. 

Think. Hard.

What other traits do either Jess OR Leslie possess?

I would like each of you to try think of one trait no one else has thought of. Just one.

Think. You can do it.

Discussion Point:

a.What other traits do either Jess OR Leslie possess?

Let's write!

01 The Book You're Reading Now

Right now I'm reading a book called "The Barn" by Avi.

I chose this book because I've liked other books by Avi. I also read the blurb on the back cover and thought the book sounded good.

Discussion Points:
a. What book are you reading now?
b. How did you choose the book you're reading now?
c. Do you know what book you're going to read next?

Let's blog!

Welcome to Bloggin' With Your Noggin!

This year you will be writing about your reading here, on this blog. We will be talking about the books we're reading as a class, our independent reading choices and how the books we're reading are changing our lives.

I can't wait to begin!

Here is how things will work. You will read this blog on a weekly basis. Each week I hope to publish at least two new posts. Each post will be followed by Discussion Points. Discussion Points are questions meant to help you think and write deeply about the post.

You will then write one thoughtful, fairly long comment about that post. I will read and publish each comment. As each week progresses, you will revisit this blog and read the comments your classmates are writing about each post.

You will then respond to a comment one of your classmates has written.

Each of your two weekly comments will be read by me. I will grade each comment. How you're graded will be explained in class.

So, let's begin!


Discussion Points:
a. What is your reaction to having to contribute to this blog?
b. What are your questions about how this will work?

Let's blog!