Book Discussion!

We started class with a YouTube video someone made of Thor's hero journey to help the students get a better grip on how to pick out elements of the hero journey in any story. 

We then talked about the hero journey in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  The hero journey in this book is a bit different in order of events, but still has all the same elements. 

We finished class with a great discussion and how the book is an allegory to the plan of salvation. 

The Setting

It is important to know a little about the author of a book to understand their motives and what messages that could be included in their writings.  We started

To understand why the Pevensies were sent away from their family in London, we talked a little about WWII and watched this:

To get an idea of what the Blitz was like and why children were evacuated, we watched this: 

We talked a little about propaganda, and the message Great Britain was sending with this documentary.

Finally, I introduced (or reviewed) Joseph Campbell's Hero Journey and asked them to think about it as they read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for next week's discussion. 

Hopefully, next week everyone will have the book read and ready for discussion. 

We're going to Narnia!!

Lit Wits go to Narnia!  

Greetings Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve!

This semester we are taking a trip to the land of Narnia!  We are reading the books in the order that they were published, not chronological order.  I like how the series unfolds that way.  

Inspire your students to try to have The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe read by the second week of class, Sept 24.  I would think most are familiar with the story.   If they have read it recently, have them skim through it before class. 

I had a fun time on the field trip to Tacoma Nature Center/Snake Lake last Thursday, and I hope you all did, too! I really enjoyed imaging myself being in Brian's shoes--alone in the wilderness, and talking with you all about why and how being prepared is so important. I wish we could have spent more time there, but that's a great reason to go back! Thanks to Sister Hiatt for coming along with us, too!

This week, we will begin our discussion of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor. Make sure to have the book COMPLETED by class on Thursday...there may be a quiz! Great job to those of you who finished Hatchet! I am very pleased to see that more of you are finishing the books on the list, and proud of you; some of these books are not easy, but you are challenging yourselves, and that's the best way to learn new things. Remember that we will plan a fun outing as a reward for all those students who finish all the first semester required reading (I really hope everyone in class achieves that goal so we can all celebrate together!)

Our last book for the semester is The Family Under the Bridge. It's a very quick read, so make sure you get that one finished, too. Then you'll have 3 weeks off to catch up on second semester books. Happy Reading!

Here are the links to some awesome websites if you guys want to know more about sailing ships:

http://www.thepirateking.com/index.htm

http://amhistory.si.edu/onthewater/

These sites have lots of information about all kinds of ships, sailors, history of sailing, etc.: all you ever wanted to know and more! Check them out...with permission, of course!

Last week we learned a little about the Yukon--or Klondike--Gold Rush. If you want to know more (and I hope you do), there are tons of books, videos, and web resources available. A great place to start is the library, of course! Remember: writing is an art form, and art mimics life; therefore, authors typically write about things (themes, events, characters) they have experienced in their own lives. It's really fascinating to dig into an author's background, and find out what events and people helped to shape their stories. You'll learn a lot of interesting information, and have fun in the process!

This week we'll begin our discussion of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. I haven't been able to find an audio version of this book, so you'll all have to actually read it. PLEASE finish reading the book by this Thursday! You can do it--you may have to sacrifice something else, like TV or video games--but I know you can! If you don't understand everything in the book, that's okay; just make sure to bring up your questions during discussion. Have fun, and see you all Thursday!

We'll be going for a walk for a few blocks near the church on Thursday as part of our A Wrinkle in Time enrichment activities, so any parents who would like to come along are welcome. We'll be giving our solar system a little perspective and, I promise, you won't be disappointed! Also, everyone bring a jacket in case of cool or rainy weather.

Next week we'll begin discussing White Fang by Jack London. Please make sure you have either finished reading the book or listening to an audio recording BEFORE you come to class on 10/9. It's difficult to discuss a book if you don't know the story, and class won't be as interesting for you, either. I really liked White Fang, and I'm sure you'll like it, too. Plus, there's a great movie version that I would encourage everyone to watch after you've finished the book. See you all Thursday!