Happy Holidays!

Mia's about four times this size now, but it's still adorable! Hope one and all are thoroughly enjoying break... it looks like everyone but me has been reading furiously. :) I've been playing on my xbox. I'm a bad librarian! My goal is to start Analie's book today at some point.

Okay, I won't take up much more time right now, but I wanted to give you all a fresh place to post about what you're reading and whether or not you like it. Joel and Garrison, when you guys finish Ender's Game let me know, and I'll set up a final discussion post!

Merry Merry, Joy Joy!
Mrs. P

Meeting and Book Exchange Thursday!

All right, Bookies,
Nathan came up with a brilliant idea. During our meeting Thursday, let's finish discussing Ender's Game (I believe we got through that book in record time!) and then do a sort of Secret Santa/book exchange. Bring in a (wrapped) book from your collection that you really like or means something to you or whatever that you are willing to loan to someone; we will then draw names and read the lent book over break. The book will be returned to you after we get back. I'll spring for PIZZA again as all of you seemed to enjoy that. Let's make it BYOB. If you guys want to provide something dessert-ish, I'll leave that to you. :) How’s that sound?
Four days to go...Woohoo!
:)
Mrs. P

Discussion--to p. 227

Can I just say how happy I am with where I blindly chose to set the page goal? It was perfect! :) Discuss the following:

1. Read Ender’s internal monologue on p. 184. Does it remind you of someone else in the story and how they think? Who and why?

2. The title of chapter 11 is “Veni Vidi Vici,” which means “I came, I saw, I conquered.” Why is the chapter titled this?

3. Why is the fight with Bonzo in chapter 12 important?

4. What is the special relationship between Ender and Bean? What innovations does Bean contribute to the Dragon Army?

That's it for now. Your thoughts?
:)
Mrs. P

Let's get on the same page...

I know it's going to be impossible until we all finish the book, but I meant it pretty figuratively. I have a dilemma folks-- it seems the majority of you have finished, but three have not. I think we should only discuss the book tomorrow through the original page goal (227). That way we won't ruin it for anyone.

Rachael, I think printing off teachers' comments is a capital idea! If you would do it, that would be wonderful (copying and pasting them into a word document to save paper would be excellent!).

And, looking ahead to our next book, what would we like to do? We could stick to the one-book theme, or we could each read individually and right after we return, hold a book talking session. Let's vote-- what say you?

I'll publish discussion questions for you to ponder shortly...
:)
Mrs. P

I Have a Confession

Due to the weather and my love of hot chocolate and a good book, I read WAY past the goal of chapter 13/p. 227. I have almost finished the novel. Therefore, I will leave it to you guys-- should we stick with the goal as decided, or should we push to finish it by Friday? Jamia might have trouble with that since she just got a copy of it Friday... Let's hear from her before we make a decision.

Hope you guys had an enjoyable weekend!
:)
Mrs. P

First Discussion questions to p. 120

Sorry this is so late! I just finished the assigned pages, but I'll be better for the next goal (which sounds like it might be finishing the book). Let's discuss:

1. Is childhood a right? Does a person robbed of a "normal" childhood have any possibility of stability as an adult? Does Ender have any chance of living "happily ever after"?

2. Why is Ender’s being a Third considered negative? What does this tell you about society
on Earth?

3. What can you tell about this society based on the fact that it has produced a place like the
Battle School?

4. Why does Ender keep trying to get past the Giant’s Drink in his game?

5. Read the conversation between Ender and Dink on pp. 120-121. What do you think of
Dink’s point of view? Do you think he’s right?

:)
Mrs. P

Let's Meet Friday!

I'll be honest; I was reading The Road for most of break (absolutely not for kids-- it gave me nightmares, and that's not easy!), so I am BEHIND our goal of 120 pages. I aim to be caught up by Friday, and this book seems like a fast read. I guess Kenneth would agree! {*grumble* finished twice over break *grumble*} I will post some discussion questions tomorrow, but until then, feel free to discuss or ask questions here.

:)
Mrs. P