33 Mrs. Lord's Visit

Cynthia Lord was here!

I don't know about you, but her visit is always a highlight of my school year. I find her advice about writing to be priceless. And I love hearing the 'behind-the-scences' stories of her writing process.


Discussion Points:
a. What are your thoughts about Mrs. Lord's visit?
b. What part did you find most interesting?
c. Least interesting?
d. If one thing could have been different about our day with her, what you it be? How would you change her visit?

Let's write!


Here is a link to Mrs. Lord's on-line journal. I think her entry about visiting York is great!

32 The End

We've finished Rules. Let's share our impressions, likes, dislikes, questions and criticisms.

Please be sure both comment and respond to others' comments!


Discussion Points:
a. What were your favorite parts of Rules?
b. What are your criticisms of Rules (the things you thought could be better)?
c. Talk about your favorite and least favorite characters, and why you feel that way.
d. What questions are you left with?
e. What do you wish had been different?

Let's write!


Bonus: I'll give a pack of Smarteez to the first person who can correctly identify the TWO conjunctions in the first (and only) three sentences in this blog post.

31 Talking With Word (Cards)

Please reflect on your experience with your word cards. 

Discussion Points:

a. What was it like to be unable to speak?

b. Was any part of the simulation particularly frustrating? If so, which?

c. Was the simulation easier than you thought it would be? If so, how?

d. Do you have a better understanding of what it might be like to have a disability like Jason's? If so, talk about your new understanding?

e. What else would you like to say about using word cards?

Let's Write!

30 RULES: Jason and David

Welcome back! I'm excited to begin blogging with you again. I can't wait to read your thoughts and ideas. Let's get started.

In Rules, Catherine has two people in her life who live with unique challenges. Her brother, David, is autistic. And her friend, Jason, has a condition which has not yet been named. But we know that no matter what it is called, Jason can't talk, walk or use his hands well.

What I'd like you to do is contrast and compare David and Jason. Let's also talk about how Catherine deals with each character.

Before you begin writing, read all the comments that others have written and read the discussion points. Use both to guide your answers. You don't have to answer every discussion point. Pick one or two. However, I want each of you to write something unique. Please do you very best NOT to write a comment like any you have read.

And don't forget to comment on others' comments. That is the most fun part!

Discussion Points:
a. What are their similarities?
b. What are their differences?
c. Do David's and Jason's disabilities make them similar? How?
d. Do they make them different? In what ways?
e. How does Catherine deal with each character?
f. How does Catherine feel towards each character?
g. How does each character feel towards Catherine?
h. Do they share similar feelings?
i. Or are their feelings towards her very different? How?

Let's write!