It's summer reading time!

What a perfect day to start my summer reading.  I am reading El Deafo by CeCe Bell.  So far it is such a heartwarming story with some funny parts and some sad parts.  Most surprisingly, it is a graphic novel!  I'll let you know when I'm done.  Happy reading!!

Week 4 Writing Challenge

Sample:  One character I think is a hero is 

Week 1 Writing Challenge

Here are a few samples of how you might choose to answer. Please fill out the form and click on the submit button.


SAMPLE 1

I think I'll be reading realistic fiction a lot this summer, because that's the kind of books I usually like. I like to read stories that remind me of people I might know in my life. Sometimes I can connect better if the people seem like people I relate to in my everyday life.


SAMPLE 2

This summer I would like to read fantasy. I like reading about things that don't really happen, like talking dragons and magic. It takes me on an adventure right in my own home!

Week 2 Computer Challenge

Here's a sample of a slideshow. Share yours with us, if you can.We'll add your google slideshows to the blog, if you send them to us during the summer.

Week 3 Acting Challenge

Turn a book or a scene from a book into a play. Try acting it out with your friends! Share your script or write about your experience.  See the sample below the form for ideas and script formatting!


Sample:

      I decided to turn The Duckling Gets a Cookie?! by Mo Willems into a play.  I chose it because the whole book was told in conversation, so it would be easy to act out PLUS I think it is funny.  I wrote stage directions based on the illustrations.  I had a Pigeon costume from Reading Week last year, and I asked my friend to play The Duckling.  We made a cookie out of paper to use as a prop.  We performed the play for a small audience, including my mom and dad.  We tried to memorize our lines, but I forgot a few and had to look at the script.  In the end, I think the play was very funny because the book was funny to begin with and the audience enjoyed it!

The Duckling Gets a Cookie?!: The Play

Characters: 

The Duckling, who wants a cookie

The Pigeon, who also wants a cookie

[The Duckling walks onto stage]

Duckling: Hello!  May I have a cookie, please?

[A cookie is thrown to him from off stage]

Duckling: Oh!  Thanks!  That was very nice of you! Oh! [looks at the cookie] Look at all those nuts.

[The Pigeon runs onto stage]

Pigeon: Hey! How did you get that cookie?! [folds arms and glares]

Duckling: I asked for it.

Pigeon: You asked for it...

Duckling: Politely.

Pigeon: Say, does that cookie have nuts?

Duckling: Yes.

Pigeon: So, you got a cookie with nuts just by asking?!

Duckling: Politely

Pigeon:  I ask for things ALL THE TIME! 

[Pigeon goes to the center of the stage]

Pigeon: I ask to drive the bus!  I ask for hot dog parties!  Do I ask for candy?  I do.  It doesn't have to be a big bus, you know...  I'll ask for a "French Fry Robot" every now and then.  I've asked for a walrus!  Right now, I'm asking, "Why?"  [jumping around like crazy] Why?  Why?  WHY?  [puts hands on hips] Ohhh...there's more!  Sometimes I ask for a hug.  Or I'll ask for one more story!  I can't count the times I've asked for my own personal iceberg.  I ask to stay up late!  Oh yeah, I'm the asking-est pigeon in town!  

But do I get what I ask for?

[really freaking out now]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!  

[sits down and crosses arms, pouting]

It's not fair.  Ducklings get everything!  Pigeons like cookies, too!  Especially with nuts.  WHY DID YOU GET THAT COOKIE?!

Duckling: So I could give it go you.  

Pigeon: And ANOTHER THING - hubba- wha?!?  You're giving me that cookie?  

Duckling: With the nuts.

Pigeon: That is so...nice!  Thank you.  Thank you very much.

[eating the cookie and walking off stage]

Mmmm....!  [chomp]  That is one cool duckling.  [chomp].  Yes, sirt!

Duckling: [waves after the pigeon]  Bye!  May I have another cookie, please?  [puts hands on hips] But this time, no nuts.

THE END!