I discussed the plan with Dr. Abby. Alexa and I discussed the author's use of figurative language and reviewed the different types. We also looked at vocabulary that she will encounter in the beginning of the book and different themes that she will see throughout. We discussed the tone/mood of the book, the descriptions, the narrator, the location, and what was happening at the time in Germany in 1939. Afterwards, we read together and stopped to identify words and language that was significant. Alexa had already started annotating the text and did a wonderful job at reading.

Continuing with The Book Thief. Katya is preparing for a test on literary terms and vocabulary.

Ted Talk -- discussed content and Matt Cutts. Katya will write a brief essay for Tuesday. We are analyzing visual text within the Book Thief in one of the chapters.

Alexis and I worked on critical reading using the beginning portion of The Book Thief. In doing so, we naturally covered a few rhetorical devices, discussed word choice, what created the dark humor mood, the narrator, and other elements of writing employed by this remarkable author. It is exceptionally good creative writing in the genre of historical fiction, and serves well as a model to aid students in their own endeavors toward creative writing.

In this lesson, Katya reviewed earlier academic vocabulary and literary terms. We added four new terms as well. Mechanics of writing, editing and revising, were practiced on her History book writing, providing authentic opportunities for error analysis, correction, and concision. Working on this large amount of writing also creates ways to develop the critical thinking standard, clarity.

Today we worked on Skype using Katya's history paper for publication. By editing together she learned authentic use of the mechanics of writing, necessary before submission for publication, and paramount in high school/early college curriculum.

kata left early today

Not present

Notes from Patterns for College Writing textbook on "Invention" (prewriting). Katya took notes as we Skyped, with intermittent explanations of terms, strategies, and concepts. She has a list of the eight elements of critical thinking from which we will work on mastering critical thinking, critical reading, and critical writing plus developing substantive academic content. Part of our session was devoted to strategies for narrowing from a general subject (war) to specific topic (which war and battle, for example). HW: Incomplete homework includes a two paragraph headnote on The Book Thief, as well as questions given for The Book Thief up to page 99. If possible, Katya will complete these responses by January 8, otherwise we will pick things up at that point together. Best holiday wishes to Katya and family from Dr. Abby!

We met on Skype today, reviewed and added vocabulary words (plus a literary term), and discussed writing the first paragraph of the headnote for an essay on The Book Thief. It will include an in-text citation from an internet interview with Zusak. An example of "woven quote" was given on the Skype text as reference. Critical reading of the Prologue gave opportunity to discuss mechanics of writing, strategies for setting tone, high and low diction, as well as use of space to gain reading attention and engagement. Homework: begin the questions given on the email sheet for The Book Thief up to page 100. Write a short bio paragraph of Zusak.