Mrs. DelMonaco’s Blog

Shiloh- Final Reactions

Share your final thoughts and reactions to the book. Would you recommend this book to another fifth grader? Why or why not?

If you could write a letter to Marty, what would you want to tell him?

Do you like Marty’s character? Why or why not? Describe his character using character traits and examples to support each trait.

17 comments Posted in Uncategorized April 14, 2010

Shiloh, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

After reading Chapters 1-2 in Shiloh, share your reactions. Choose one of the following prompts to respond to. Remember to use a topic sentence and at least 3-4 supporting details.

* If you were Marty, do you think you would be able to mind your own business regarding Judd and Shiloh? What would you have done if you were Marty?

* How would you feel about having to leave a dog with Judd Travers? Have you ever been in a similar situation before? Explain.

15 comments Posted in Uncategorized March 8, 2010

Chapter 14 Reading Response

How did the events in Chapter 14 make you feel? Why?
If you were seeing a member of your family for the last time, what you want to say to him or her?
Why does Joetta think that Kenny has changed his clothes?
How did the author create the feeling of shock that Kenny experiences?

Please respond to one or more of the following prompts.

13 comments Posted in Uncategorized February 9, 2010

“The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963″

Chapter 10 Response

Have you ever felt scared the way Kenny and By feel at the Tennessee rest stop? Describe the situation you were in.
Do you think it was a good idea for Dad to ignore Momma’s plan and keep driving? Why or why not.
What were some of your reactions to the Watsons’ trip?

24 comments Posted in Uncategorized January 26, 2010

The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963

Readers Response Page

Chapter 9:

What do Momma and Dad want Byron to learn in Alabama?
Do you understand Joey’s reaction to the angel? Would have reacted the same way?
Why do you think Momma planned the trip so carefully?
Do you think that Kenny will like the South? Explain why or why not?

22 comments Posted in Uncategorized January 20, 2010

Create a Story II (Mrs. DelMonaco’s 2009-10 Class Story)

13 comments Posted in Uncategorized October 26, 2009

“Riding Freedom,” by Pam Munoz Ryan

As we read about Charlotte’s courage to follow her dreams, blog your reactions the the book.

Is there a particular part of the book that makes you laugh, cry, wonder????

17 comments Posted in Uncategorized October 22, 2009

NEWEST TFK DEBATE…Should a 13-Year-Old Girl Be Allowed to Sail Around the World Alone?

Laura Dekker, 13, lives in the Netherlands. SHe wants to be the youngest person to sail alone around the world. Her voyage would take place ina 26-foot boat. The trip could take up to two years. Larua would have to deal with gad weather and mechanical problems by herself. Her father is an expert sailor, and he says that Laura is too. He supports her wish to go on the voyage. But judges in the Netherlands have said not so fast. They think the trip might be too dangerous for a young person. They will make the final decision at the end of the month. What do YOU think? Should Laura Dekker be allowed to set sail? Post your view.

timeforkids.com/debate

13 comments Posted in Uncategorized October 22, 2009

Debate Topic: Should Kids Go to School Year-Round?

According to the National Association for Year-Round Education, about 3,000 schools in the United States have year-round programs. President Barack Obama approves. “The challenges of the new century demand more time in the classroom,” he said. But some educators say the extra class time does not necessarily mean more learning. “It is more important that we use the time that we have in school well,” says education expert Elena Silva. What do you think? Should more kids trade pool time for school time?

timeforkids.com/debate

45 comments Posted in Uncategorized October 9, 2009

Summer News

Hello! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacation so far, despite all of this rain

I would love to hear from you about what you’ve been up to. What is your favorite part about summer? Where have you visited or vacationed? What books have you been reading? What movies have you seen?

My children and I have been doing a lot of reading. My daughter and I have been reading “The Magic Tree House” books together. (I’m sure some of you have read these books when you were younger) We are also planning a camping trip for August. I can’t wait to sit by the campfire and eat S’mores! YUMMY! Does anyone have a favorite summer treat?

Hope to hear from you soon! :) Mrs. D

18 comments Posted in Uncategorized July 2, 2009