How Are You Living Your Story?

As we discussed in class the other day, we are all in the process of "writing" our life's story. Each day we have the chance to re-write and revise our story if we are not pleased with the way we are living it.

So I share with you the "revisions" that I have made to my story, and would love to hear the revisions that you have made, or would like to make to your own.

Mr. Coleman’s Recent Revisions, Applied or In-Process:

-Begin each day with exercise; and a time of stillness and contemplation

-Have a day of rest each week where I only do things that bring a richness and fullness to my soul

-Turn off the TV even more

-Buy vegetables from the people who pulled them out of the ground

-Be fully present when I am home

-Be able to identify every tree, plant, and flower that grows in my yard

-Teach my son how to identify birds

-Find new ways to remind my wife each day that I cherish her

-Do the dishes without wishing we had a dishwasher

-Eat non-processed food

-Look for the good in others

-More breaths filled with fresh air

-Continue to look for ways to revise my story...

Different Folks, Different Strokes

In all three of our historical fiction novels, we have seen characters encounter some very challenging circumstances or experiences.We have also seen that two characters who experience the same thing may respond in very different ways. Choose one situation and talk about how two different characters reacted to or were affected by that experience, and how their reactions were similar and or different from the other's.

Here are some examples, but you are encouraged to come up with your own examples:

Al Capone Does My Shirts: Moose and his mom have very different perspectives on what is best for Natalie. You could discuss the differences and why you think they react the way they do.

Milkweed: Uncle Shepsel and Mr. Milgrom have very different responses to life in the ghetto. You could discuss how their responses differ and what you think that says about them as characters.

Gideon the Cutpurse: Gideon and the Tar Man both faced very difficult times and chose to steal in order to keep from starving. While this action was the same, there is a significant difference in the effect that this decision had on each man. Discuss why you think Gideon was able to rise above that lifestyle and become a "better" man, and why the Tar Man slipped deeper and deeper into the life of crime.

Doing the Wrong Thing For the Right Reason?

In all three of our historical fiction novels, we see characters do things that we would consider "wrong," like lying and stealing. We also see that there are circumstances that seem to make what they are doing okay. 1) When, if ever, is it okay to do the "wrong" thing? 2) Who decides whether it is right or wrong? Answer both parts to this question, then share your thinking as you would in a Reading Response.

This week, I want us to focus on noticing how the author uses language. Mark sections in your book that you think are examples of great writing. Write a quote from the book and then explain WHY you chose that passage and why you think it is an example of great writing.