Hunger Games Conference Book Discussion

Thanks to 9 exuberant 8th graders from Sullivan Middle and some terrific 7th and 8th grade students at Sims Jr. High School in Union, SC, we held an engaging video conferenced book discussion with SKYPE. The topic of this discussion was The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. Students led the discussion and brought up questions about characters, politics, social problems, love, and self-examination.

On a personal note, this is one of the most engaging books I've read for a long time. The sequel, Catching Fire is coming out in September 2009.

Have you read The Hunger Games? Would you like to continue the discussion? Post your comments here.

If you attended the virtual discussion please help us by filling out the survey.

Current Events - Rap Style

Do you think news is boring? As an IB student you should keep up with what's going on in the world. Maybe you would like to but don't have time to watch TV news or read a newspaper, or even check the news online. Not a problem! Now you can subscribe to The News in Rap at http://vimeo.com/user806127.

Poetry Month in April Coming Up Fast!

It's almost that time again! Time for a poetry special event. We usually sponsor an all day drop-in to write and perform poetry. Help me plan something different this year. Let's plan it around the lunch periods and have students come in to perform. What are some of your ideas? We can bring in a stool and bright lights and refreshments. How will we go about sharing our poetry with each other? Get your creative juices flowing and send me some ideas!

Where is the Pike?

Our stuffed fish is taking the "fish philosophy" seriously. He has either been fish-napped or left on his own. He is 1)choosing his attitude by not accepting boredom but by becoming world famous. (at least famous in our school community, but it's a start) 2) He is definitely playing. Have you seen the photos of him at the public library and Winthrop Lake? 3) From the conversations heard around the school he has been successful in making someone's day by creating new energy throughout our school. 4) He is present, or here for us. Even though he's not physically in the media center right now, he is making his presence known!

So, now we have received 4 photos of his changing whereabouts and notes that do not indicate any mistreatment. In fact, we are beginning to think he is having such a good time that perhaps he doesn't want to come back! What do you think? Do you think you know what he is up to? Why? What will make him come home? What is he thinking? Send in your comments and ideas by clicking on the "comment" button below.

6th Grade Book Lunch Coming Up Soon!

Come sign up to participate in the book lunch on February 5th, 2009. We will read and discuss Swear to Howdy, by Wendelin Van Draanen. This is a popular book that includes hilarious situations, friendship, sibling rivalry, and sadness. All you have to do is sign up, take a quick survey as an anticipation guide, read the book, and do one of the activities. Of course, you have to show up for lunch on Feb. 5th! I will provide the pizza, drinks, dessert, and discussion.

One of the activities is to comment on this blog entry about the book. Don't know what to say? Here are some ideas: What do you think makes a good friend? or Why do you think the author wrote this book? or What was your favorite part of the book and explain why. You can keep the discussion going by checking the comments.

Not coming to the book lunch? You can still read the book and respond by submitting your comments.

Glogster for Educators

I know this is a blog for students for the most part. However, both teachers and students may be interested to know about Glogster. I have been waiting for an educational version that educators can use with classes. Now we can! I see this used as a Web 2.0 product of a research unit. Each student will have his or her own page to create, or a group of students may create a page. 21st century standards for information literacy includes the ability to "inquire...apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge...share knowledge." Students can include text, graphics, movies, pictures, and more to create products that the viewer (and learner) will find engaging.

Standing Against the Wind

If you are an 8th grader who is coming to the book lunch on Dec. 17th, you may opt to make a comment about this book, Standing Against the Wind, by Staci L. Jones. If you don't know what to say or how to begin, you may want to 1)talk about one of the characters and how you can relate to them or 2) if you made a movie of this book, who would play the parts and why? Or, you can simply start a discussion about the book.

You don't have to attend the book lunch in order to add to the discussion. If you have read the book, please leave your comments.

Twilight Celebration!

Are you a Twilight fan? Sign up to participate in the celebration to be held in the reference room on Friday, November 21st during all lunch periods. Test your knowledge of Twilight with Twilight Jeopardy! There will be giveaways too. We'll eat pizza (like Edward dared to do) and share our favorite parts of the book. The movie opening is the same day. Can you wait???? Don't forget - come by the media center to sign up to attend.

Announcing the 1st Book Lunch of the Year

Finally, it's time to announce the first book lunch. I'm starting with 7th grade and once again, it's The Breadwinner, by Deborah Ellis. This book is a great tie-in with our IB program and serves as a great eye-opener. Students, this book lunch is different from all the others. Come on in to sign up because we still have a few openings. Be sure and post your comments right here to begin a discussion. The book lunch will be held on Wednesday, October 29th.

New Club to Promote Literacy

Do you like to plan activities? Are you creative? If so, you may want to join the Media Club. Members will promote literacy at Sullivan by producing public service announcements to put on FNN. They will promote the South Carolina Jr. Book Award Program, and will visit a nearby elementary school to present a literacy based activity with children. Members may want to create a podcast, upload a student created video to School Tube, and lots more. Pick up a membership application in the media center.