We had our own Assignment Day this week in honor of us starting The City of Ember. As I played the role of “Mayor Sanford,” you all got the chance to come to the front of the room, reach into a bag, and pick a slip of paper describing what your classroom job would be—all while dramatic music played in the background and the lights were dimmed. There were two purposes for this activity: 1) I'm trying to teach you that reading should be an experience, and this was a chance for us to actually experience the book—since the very same scene unfolds in the first chapter; 2) Assigning each of you a job in class gives you an important spot on our “team.” No worries though. Whether you got sweeper or messenger, keep in mind that these “jobs” last only until we finish the book—unless you want to keep your job for good!
This year, you should read actively—with a pencil in hand. I encourage my students to view reading as a conversation with the author. When I come across powerful lines, I underline them and re-read them later when I want inspiration. When I come across new or interesting words, I circle them, look them up, and then challenge myself to use them. When I come across lines that are confusing or make me think differently about my own opinions, I write my thoughts and questions directly on the page. This one-sided conversation with the author not only makes reading more interesting, but it also makes me form a more permanent connection with that book. When a book has left a positive mark on me, I want to leave my mark on it as well. Since you are borrowing these books, you cannot write in them. However, starting next week, I’d like to see you using sticky notes!
A few years ago, I searched the internet for Jeanne DuPrau's official e-mail, and when I found it, I encouraged my students to have an actual two-sided conversation with her. As an optional assignment, I told them, "Ask her a question!" Jeanne DuPrau, as you may know, is the author of The City of Ember. What better way to experience a book than to message the person who actually crafted the story? Some of my students were hesitant, thinking that their messages would get buried and forgotten. To my delight, Jeanne DuPrau responded! It’s not every day that an award-winning author thanks you for e-mailing her! Cool, huh?!
-"Mayor Sanford"
This year, you should read actively—with a pencil in hand. I encourage my students to view reading as a conversation with the author. When I come across powerful lines, I underline them and re-read them later when I want inspiration. When I come across new or interesting words, I circle them, look them up, and then challenge myself to use them. When I come across lines that are confusing or make me think differently about my own opinions, I write my thoughts and questions directly on the page. This one-sided conversation with the author not only makes reading more interesting, but it also makes me form a more permanent connection with that book. When a book has left a positive mark on me, I want to leave my mark on it as well. Since you are borrowing these books, you cannot write in them. However, starting next week, I’d like to see you using sticky notes!
A few years ago, I searched the internet for Jeanne DuPrau's official e-mail, and when I found it, I encouraged my students to have an actual two-sided conversation with her. As an optional assignment, I told them, "Ask her a question!" Jeanne DuPrau, as you may know, is the author of The City of Ember. What better way to experience a book than to message the person who actually crafted the story? Some of my students were hesitant, thinking that their messages would get buried and forgotten. To my delight, Jeanne DuPrau responded! It’s not every day that an award-winning author thanks you for e-mailing her! Cool, huh?!
-"Mayor Sanford"