Born To Run - Michael Morpurgo: Alfie

In the last chapter, Craig had Alfie "taken away" because he came up lame in a race and would never be able to run competitatively again.  Craig has always said that the greyhounds are not pets; they are working dogs.  Becky was horrified when she saw what actually happened to Alfie and all the previous dogs that could no longer run.

1. I'm going to ask you to do something hard!  Defend Craig's position: what possible reasons could Craig have for

• not allowing the dogs in the house
• not allowing Becky or anyone coddle the dogs
• not keeping the dogs around after they are no longer able to race

2. What alternatives could Craig have chosen for his dogs, once they can no longer run?

Remember:

Draft your answers in MS WORD. Edit them for clarity and details; PROOF READ them for COPS before copying them into the blog editor and posting them.

Spilled Milk

In the last chapter, Becky told Brighteyes and Alfie about her father's death.  She explained that she would never be able to tell anyone else, not even her mother about the events leading up to it.  Becky believes she is responsible for her father's death because she used all the milk up the previous evening. Her father, who was making their breakfast for them, then had to go out to get some more milk at the corner store because she pretended not to hear him when he asked her if she would go.

Becky believes that her father would still be alive if she had got up and gone for the milk. 

1. Is Becky right to blame herself for her father's death? Explain.
2. What do you think Becky's dad would say to Becky about it? What would you say?

Draft your answers in MS WORD. Edit them for clarity and details; PROOF READ them for COPS before copying them into the blog editor and posting them.

Lazy Words...

The following quote is from chapter one of Born to Run.

"Mrs Brightwell...was always on at Patrick about...using what she called "lazy words", such as 'cool' or 'wicked', or worst of all, 'whatever'."

Explain in your own words what Mrs. Brightwell means by lazy words.  Come up with a list of six other "lazy words" that you or people you  know sometimes use.

Don't forget to include your name when you post.  And of course, your spelling must be "wicked".  If it isn't, then that isn't "cool"...

Math g5 and g6: Volume and Capacity

Measurement Review:
Grade 5s go to this page and try Quiz#7 and #8 for Chapter 8.

Grade 6s go to this page and try Quiz#8 and #10 from Chapter 8.

Make a note of any questions you get wrong.  Pick one from each quiz and post comments on why you got it wrong and what you understand now...

The Giver: How DOES it end?

Re-read pp 174 to 179 on etext The Giver or, if you have a book, read pages 177-180.

The ending of the The Giver may be interpreted in two very different ways. 

1)Perhaps Jonas is remembering his Christmas memory - one of the most beautiful that the Giver transmitted to him - as he and Gabriel are freezing to death, falling into hypothermia and hallucinating in the snow.

Or 

2)Perhaps Jonas does hear music and, with his special vision, is able to perceive the warm house where people are waiting to greet him.  Lois Lowry mentioned both possibilities but would not choose one as correct. 

Choose the ending that you believe, and tell in your own words what happened. 

1. Which interpretation do you think is correct? 
2. Find 3 pieces of EVIDENCE from the book to support your interpretation of what happened from the last chapter. Give page numbers.  (You can paraphrase).
3. Include a quote straight from the book as PART of your evidence.  Give the page number of the quote.
4. What will happen to The Giver? The Community? Jonas and Gabriel now?
5. What fun memories do you intend to make for yourself before you are "released"?

 Do this is MS WORD.  Use WORD TALK to proof read your answer BEFORE you post it.

FRIDAY MATH Review: Triangles...Volume...

Measurement Review:
Grade 5s go to this page and try Quiz#5 for Chapter 8.

Grade 6s go to this page and try Quiz#6 from Chapter 8.

Make a note of any questions you get wrong.  Pick one from each quiz and post comments on why you got it wrong and what you understand now...

Your Memories...

Answer the following question. Copy the question into MS Word. Answer below the question using the Golden Rules. Proof read using WORD TALK. When you have saved the best copy, then copy and paste it into the comments below.

What are some memories (plural!) you would give to someone you care about? Describe the memories in detail: the setting (where and when they took place), who was there, what you did, and why they are so important to you.

Choices, Risks, Books, Happiness...

Answer the following questions. Use your copy of the GIVER to help you find evidence for your answer. You must include a quote from the book that helps explain your answer.

• Why does the Giver say that making choices would be frightening for people? (pp 98, 112, 113)
• Why is The Receiver forbidden to share books or memories with other people in the community? (pp 74, 101-104)
• Think about the set of rules the Giver has to live by. Think about the pleasant and painful memories he contains. Overall do you think the Giver is happy with his life?  Is  he happy with sameness?  Why? (pp 101-107)

Copy the question into MS Word. Answer below the question using the Golden Rules. Proof read it using WORD TALK. 5 sentences minimum per question (JW...5!) When you have saved the best copy, then copy and paste it into the comments below.

Grade 5 Area and Perimeter

Measurement Review (G5 Area and Perimeter)
Grade 5s go to this page and try Quiz#3 and #4 for Chapter 8.

Make a note of any questions you get wrong.  Pick one from each quiz and post comments on why you got it wrong and what you understand now...