Updates and News

Good Afternoon Parents,

Only 3 more days to go until break! In these three days we have a whole lot of fun, and informational activities planned.  Here is our activity schedule so that you stay up to date on what is happening in our 4th grade classroom.

Monday

8:00-9:05  Winter Celebration (information came home in RED ENVELOPES today)

      HUGE shout out to Ninma Logan, and Tina Spencer for helping me plan our breakfast (they did most of the work and I don't know what I would do without them!).  We met earlier this week to come up with a delicious menu, and some fun activities for the kiddos to do in our short window of celebration.  We will be jingling into the new year together. For our celebration, students in our class have received permission to dress elegant.  We would love to get a class picture where everyone is dressed to impress.  This is a dress up day, NOT a dress down day.  No jeans, or graphic tees.  students can still wear standard attire if they so choose.  You may send in a treat with your child, but it is optional not necessary.

9:10-9:40 Encore performance of the 5th grade holiday show in the cafeteria.

11:45-12:45 Students will take their final unit test for division using the area model, and checking their work.

Tuesday

10:45-2:00  Field trip to the Youth Museum (wear standard attire for 1/2 day field trip)

      On Tuesday, we will be learning about the American Revolution through readers theaters.  All students will have the opportunity to participate.  This interactive learning experience is one of the BEST field trips that we go on this year!  We will eat lunch in the classroom at 10:00 on Tuesday.  Students may bring a lunch or buy a sack lunch from the cafeteria.

Wednesday

      throughout the day, students will be learning about a variety of holidays that are celebrated during the winter months.  Students will learn about what different cultures and countries do to celebrate one year coming to a close and another year starting.

If you have any questions about next week, please let me know.

   

Updates

Science Fair

REMEMBER!!!!! Science fair participation forms are available NOW and are due on December 12^th (forms can be found in the Media Center or online at www.cobblearning.net/erinmsumners)

Projects are due on Friday, January 13^th, 2017 (Turn in to the Media Center)

The judging will begin on....

Tuesday, January 17^th, 2017

Winter Celebration
Our Room Mom is currently working with a few other parents to put together a wonderful winter celebration for our class.  The celebration is scheduled for December, 19th from 8:15-9:15.  More information will be given out as soon as we have it.

Learning Targets for Next Week
Reading - in reading we will be working on standard 4.RL.4 which discusses how to determine the meaning of words and characters in Greek mythology.
Math -  We are going to continue to work on common core division next week.  In fourth grade students DO NOT USE STANDARD ALGORITHM.  We teach students how to divide using place value strategies.  Below you will find institutional videos for the area model, and partial quotients.
Writing - We are currently working on opinion writing, this will continue through the holidays and most likely into January.
Social Studies - There is a 13 colony unit test on Monday 12/12/16.  Students have had a study guide in their social studies journal since 11/29/16.
Science - We complete a web-quest on simple machines today, we will continue to work on simple machines next week and students will have a test on simple machines on 12/20/16.  Here is the webquest we completed that has all of the pertinent information about simple machines. 


Division

Box Method

Box Method video

Partial Products

Partial Products Video

Partial Product Video

WINTERFEST IS Saturday!!!!

"Come and enjoy the arrival of Santa, bouncy houses, a rock climbing wall, a holiday boutique, the lighting of the Teasley Christmas Tree and much more!!!! Tickets for WINTERFEST can be purchased using the link below.  Type in the code CHORUS to save on family packages and other items.  Bring the family and friends and celebrate the holidays with Teasley Elementary School!!!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teasley-elementary-school-winterfest-2016-tickets-29519796506

Updates and Upcoming Events

Field Trip

Tomorrow, students will be coming home with permission slips for our field trip to the Cobb Youth Museum.  Our Field trip will take place on Tuesday, December 20th, from 10:30-2:00  The field trip will cost $5 for your child.  We would like you to pay this ASAP in the envelope that will come home tomorrow.

“COME AND SEE SANTA THIS SATURDAY AT TEASLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL"

All proceeds benefit the Teasley Treble Tones Chorus Spring Musical

Purchase your tickets using this link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teasley-elementary-school-winterfest-2016-tickets-29519796506

Writing Celebration

We will be having a writing celebration for our narrative writing on Thursday, December 1st from 8:00-9:00.  Please come ready to hear some of their AMAZING work.  Students have been working tirelessly to make sure their writing is in tip top shape.  

Writing Celebration and Other News

On December 1, 2016, you are invited to hear your child read their personal narratives.  We have been working so hard on these, and I want you to hear just how amazing these students are at writing.  They are using so many amazing strategies that really make their writing stand out among their peers.

Here is the information

(click to enlarge)

Today was the tiger trot, and the kiddos had so much fun dressing in our "riches" for the Kraftschik Kings.  They ran so hard, and participated in the event with such dedication.  The donation period ends the 30th of November so there is still time to ask your out of town relatives to donate.  The money raised at tiger trot will be put towards purchasing a rock climbing wall for our gym.  Any additional money will be used to support teachers and staff at Teasley, to make sure that students have all the resources that they need.  Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who were out their cheering for our kiddos today, we had such a great turn out and I know that kids loved seeing their fans!

Have a wonderful and safe thanksgiving break!  The students do not have any homework.  If you are looking for ways to practice at home students may do one, some, or all of the following.

• Spelling City Sort 12 Homework is up (it is due December 2, the first Friday after break)
• Front Row Practice - Numbers in Base Ten (we will be doing 4.NBT.5, multiplying 2 by 2 digit multiplication problems after break)
• Study Force and Motion/Simple Machines on Edmodo (we will move onto simple machines after break)
• practice writing a personal narrative using show don't tell.  Here is a great site that walks students through the steps 
• Read for the 40 book challenge 
• Go onto Into the Book to study reading strategies for comprehension.

The Tiger Update

a PTA/PAWS publication

• We had a GREAT day running the Tiger Trot! All students were able to participate in the run during their specials time. Thank you to ALL the volunteers who helped make it a wonderful day for our Teasley Tigers. We have not reached our goal of $35,000 yet, but there is still time to get those pledges in. Be sure to ask family and friends over the holiday break. The last day to turn in pledges is November 30. Incentive prizes were passed out today but students who continue to meet their pledge goals will receive prizes. Way to go Tigers!

• The WINTERFEST vendor deadline is quickly approaching (11/18 at midnight). Be apart of the fun at the Teasley WINTERFEST Tree Lighting on December 3. Use the link below for info and to signup as a festival VENDOR. We are looking for people who sell handmade goods, fashion and jewelry, education and holiday items. Look forward to you joining us!!! www.musicatteasley.com/winterfest

• During this season of giving thanks, it is our tradition to collect a love offering to give to the custodial, cafeteria and front office staff of Teasley for the holidays. Please consider giving a gift to these support staff members who work hard serving, cleaning and looking after our kids to support the wonderful learning environment at Teasley. You can donate by bringing cash or checks to the PTA box or using this PayPal link- http://www.teasleytigers.com/love-offering. Your generous donation will be marked as a token of appreciation for all that they do.

• Shopping on Amazon this holiday season? Did you know if you use the Amazon link on the teasleytiger.com homepage, a portion of your sale goes to the school?! Bookmark the link in your browser as you shop the Black Friday and holiday sales.

• Please tell all your friends and neighbors that live in the Teasley school district that our next Prospective Parent Tour is Monday, December 12th at 8:15am. We would love to have you join us!

The Teasley PTA/Paws wishes all of our families a very Happy Thanksgiving!

The Teasley Mission is to CHALLENGE ALL students to ALWAYS be their BEST!

The Teasley Vision is EMPOWERING life long LEARNERS into a future of INFINITE POSSIBILITIES.

The Tiger Trot is coming up this Friday!

The Tiger Trot is on November 18^th

Put on your running shoes and collect your pledges! It’s time for the Tiger Trot.  Students will be asking for donations for their participation in this event.  Monies collected will go towards the PTA to support teacher materials in the classroom.

Please register your child here.  You will create a login, and then register your child for our class.

Click here to order your Tiger Trot T-Shirt

Click here to visit our class page.

Please share our page, and donate as much as you can, every little bit counts.  We would like everyone to be registered, and encourage you to donate at least $20 if possible. 

Thank you for helping our class to be one of the top donors are Teasley.  (If we are on the top 5, we will get an ice cream party!)

Holiday Hearts

Dear Teasley Families,

It’s time again for the annual “Holiday Heart Program” at Teasley.  Each year our students, staff and community members support families in need during the holiday season.  This year we are trying something new!  We are asking you to buy gifts cards from places such as Wal-mart, Target, Publix, Kroger or QT instead of gifts.  Please assist us in helping these families in our school community by selecting a heart from the Holiday Hearts tree when you visit the school or attend the Thanksgiving Feast.  You can purchase a gift card in any denomination (please write the amount on the card).

Please place your gift card in an envelope marked “Holiday Hearts” and return it to Teasley by Monday, December 12^th.  All gift cards should be placed in one of the black payment boxes or the safe.

If you have any questions please contact Sherise Harris(Counselor for Kindergarten -2nd), or Corinna Oliver (Counselor for 3^rd – 5th) at 770-437-5945.  Thank you for your support and generosity!

Square1 Art Fundraiser

It’s that time again for our Square1 Art Fundraiser!  Your child will be coming home with their own personalized order catalog, original artwork, and free stickers with their art on it!  Order unique gifts and keepsakes with your child’s art on it.  The school earns profit from each order to help enhance their engagement and learning in the art classroom!  You can order via the paper order form or online at www.square1art.com/shop

The deadline for orders is NOVEMBER 17th!  Make sure to get your personalized gifts before this deadline!  If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Brooks at: kaylene.hybart@cobbk12.org

MESSAGE FROM MRS. MUNGIN, MUSIC SPECIALIST!!

We are gearing up for our 2nd annual WINTERFEST Tree Lighting.  We have big expectations for our event this year and hope that you might join us.  If you are a small business owner or would like to be a vendor at this year’s tree lighting please click the link below to apply for a spot.  

Below is the link to apply.  Deadline for all applications is November 18, 2016.

http://www.musicatteasley.com/winterfest

If you have any questions please forward them to winterfestatteasley@gmail.com

Thanks

RM

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Talent Show Update

Talent show auditions have been moved until after Thanksgiving break.  K-2^nd grade will audition after school on Thursday 12/1/16.  3^rd-5^th grade will audition after school on Friday 12/2/16. Permission slips are still due Friday November 11^th.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Stewart (Rachel.Stewart@cobbk12.org).

Click here for the Talent Show Permission Slip.

Fall Pumpkin Project

Fall Pumpkin Project

On Monday, we are planning on doing a fall math and science project. We will need 7 small-medium pumpkins.  Please comment on this post, or text me, if you are able to donate.  Any and all donations will help us to have a positive learning experience.

Treats for Troops!!!

(Click to Enlarge)

Tiger Trot Fundraising

The Tiger Trot is on November 18^th

Put on your running shoes and collect your pledges! It’s time for the Tiger Trot.  Students will be asking for donations for their participation in this event.  Monies collected will go towards the PTA to support teacher materials in the classroom.

Please register your child here.  You will create a login, and then register your child for our class.

Click here to order your Tiger Trot T-Shirt

Click here to visit our class page.

Please share our page, and donate as much as you can, every little bit counts.  We would like everyone to be registered, and encourage you to donate at least $20 if possible. 

Thank you for helping our class to be one of the top donors are Teasley.  (If we are on the top 5, we will get an ice cream party!)

Learning Targets and Much, Much More

Learning Targets

Math - This week in math we are learning about Prime and Composite numbers.  Students took home a chart to complete tonight for homework.  I have also added a new folder onto Edmodo titles "Prime and Composite."  In this folder, students will find videos, game, and review resources to help them.

Reading - We are currently completing a book study on The Tiger Rising.  With this book, we are looking closely at our characters, and making inferences about their feelings, based on their reactions to certain situations.  Students will have a quiz up to chapter 10 sometime this week.

Writing - This week, we are continuing our mini unit on Claim-Evidence-Reasoning for explanations.  Students are learning how to look at science prompts, and experiments, in order to draw a conclusion that will answer the overall question.  In order to answer these questions, students are using our C-E-R technique.  Here is an anchor chart that we are using in class to help.

This prezi will also help to explain, and show C-E-R

This video will help you to better see what we are doing in class.

Social Studies - In social studies, we are continuing our study on Explorers.  The students recieved a study guide on October 10, and there homework has been to make flashcards to study.  Students will have a text on November 2nd over explorers.  Please use Edmodo to find more resources.  You can find our explorers folder under 

Kraftschik's Fabulous 4th Grade-->Social Studies-->Folders-->Explorers

Here is the study guide

Publix Math Night

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A Note from Ms. Mungin 

"Hello Parents,

Students this rotation will be using BLUE practice logs to track their practicing of 3 Recorder Karate songs.  Students should know how to play all songs when they come to class this rotation.  Recorder Karate is winding down and I am so PROUD of students who have been dedicated to practicing their music.  They have truly met the standard of playing notes in Treble Clef on an instrument.  Please lets encourage them to keep practicing and turning in their logs on time.  Students who do not complete a log and turn in for a grade will have a failing grade at the end of the quarter.  All students who don’t complete a recorder log will be sent home with a THINK SHEET which is an alert to let you know that homework was not completed.  CONGRATULATIONS to those kids who have earned all 3 belts!!!  They have a FREE week of practice. I look forward to hearing some great music.

Thanks

Ms. Mungin"

The Boo Hop

"Hello Parents

Friday is Boo Hop!!!  If you wish for your child to attend the school wide Halloween Dance, please click on the link below and follow the 3 directions given.  The last day to pay for Boo Hop is Wednesday October 26th.  You can only submit payment in person.  PLEASE DO NOT PUT PAYMENTS IN THE SCHOOL SAFE BUT IN THE BOXES MARKED BOO HOP.  Boxes are located in the front office and at the ASP check out desk.

Payments received after Wednesday will be returned.

Here’s to great Halloween fun!!!

Teasley Treble Tones Chorus"

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpY8GOTe8Az710E7vNdQDVp6v0Be6TnJto0VQLOc6zSnyGOQ/viewform

Boo Hop and Tiger Trot

Boo Hop

Tiger Trot

November 18^th

Put on your running shoes and collect your pledges! It’s time for the Tiger Trot.  Students will be asking for donations for their participation in this event.  Monies collected will go towards the PTA to support teacher materials in the classroom. 

Parent Teacher Conference Week

Dear Parents,

This week is Parent-Teacher Conference week.  I wanted to give you a few reminders and information to help our conferences run as smoothly as possible.

• This week, we will dismiss 2 hours earlier then usual.  Please make arrangements to make sure that your child is picked up as needed
• Each conference is 20 minutes long.  I have back to back conferences everyday, and I will not be able to go over our allotted time.  Please arrive on time, so that we can have the full 20 minute session.
• Students are encouraged to attend the conference, but they do not have to.  
• The day before your conference, you will receive a reminder in your child's agenda for your date and time.
• If you are unsure of your conference time, please contact me.  

I look forward to meeting with each of you this week, to discuss your child's progress this past 9 weeks.

Recorder Karate

Hello Parents!
This week your child is responsible for practicing all their Recorder Karate songs.  Orange logs will be sent home this rotation and should be returned in 6 days with a parent signature for each day your child practice.  Students will receive $5 in Mungin bucks for each day they practice and a grade of a 100.  Anything less than 6 days will result in a lower grade.  Students who do not bring their logs to class will receive a Think Sheet and CAN NOT bring in at a later time for credit.  Logs are due on time.  Thanks for encouraging your child to practice to increase their knowledge of music.
Regards,
Mrs. Mungin"

Book Fair and Dance Information

Book Fair

Ahoy Mateys,

The Book Fair is ready for Bookaneers to hunt and find their treasures! A wide selection of high-interest books are available at good prices.  Stock up for the holidays! Stop by and shop before or after your conference. See you next week!

(Click to Enlarge)

4^th and 5^th Grade All-Star Dance

November 4^th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Students are encouraged to dress in sports attire/jerseys

$12 admission (includes pizza and water)

$15 at the door

**Registration forms coming soon!

Perfect Attendance

The student connection team would like to congratulate the following students 16 students from Ms. Kraftschik's class who have had perfect attendance and NO tardies for the first 9 weeks of school.  These students will be allowed to dress down on Friday, October 14, 2016.  Each student will receive a dress down sticker to wear for the day when they arrive in their classroom on Friday morning.  Children will be recognized every 9 weeks.  We appreciate you, parents, for getting your children to school on time, every day!!

• Madisyn
• Cristina
• Morgan
• Christian
• Khalil
• Nevaeh
• Daniel
• Shane
• Taylor
• Noah
• Reginald
• Asiyah
• Brea
• Bryson
• Evan
• Ava

New Bus Routes

new bus routes are in the system.  This information is updated and can be found on the Cobb County website.  Please click the link below to access the new routes.   

http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/transportation/busroutes.aspx

A Note From Ms. Mungin

“Dear Parents,

I hope that you are enjoying the recorder playing you are hearing around your house these days.  This rotation all students have a YELLOW recorder log to turn in.  6 days is required 15 minutes a day.  Students should be practicing 3 songs.  When they return to music class they will do group testing on all songs to receive their recorder karate belts.  Failure to complete this assignment will result in a non-passing grade.  Parents please encourage your child to practice by signing their logs.  I appreciate your help.

REMEMBER PRACTICE MAKES A GREAT GRADE!!!

Thanks, 

Ms. Mungin"

Save the Date

Some of these events are soon, and some of them are not, but I'd like you to have a heads up so that we can have a great turn out!  I look forward to seeing you at some of these!

Publix Math Night
5-7pm October 25th

Come have “SUM” fun while you shop for groceries! Let your child use their real world math skills at the different departments at Publix. There will be teachers from Teasley at each station to support this authentic application of learning skills.

Tiger Trot
November 18th

Put on your running shoes and collect your pledges! It’s time for the Tiger Trot. Students will be asking for donations for their participation in this event. Monies collected will go towards the PAWS foundation to support teacher materials in the classroom.

Barnes and Noble Night
4- 7pm December 8th

Come to Barnes and Noble night to complete your shopping list while your child enjoys story time with a Teasley Teacher. Purchases are also wrapped on site by the teachers. We look forward to seeing you!

Campbell Middle School Tours:

Fire Safety Village

Fire Safety Village

On Monday, October 10th, we will be attending the Fire Safety Village.

Green permission slips went home earlier this week, and all but one student has turned it in. 

Students need to wear standard attire, but please make sure that they are wearing pants, shorts, or leggings that are easy to move around in.  There are a few activities that require bending, jumping, climbing, and rolling

We will be eating lunch at the fire safety village, and students will need to bring lunch if they did not tell me earlier this week that they would need to buy a lunch at school.  There were only 6 students who informed me that they would need to buy a lunch at school on Monday, these students were:

• Taylor
• Asiyah
• Noah
• Nevaeh
• Brea
• Jomar

If your child's name is not listed above, you will need to pack a lunch for them on Monday and they must bring their lunch in a disposable plastic, or paper bag.  NO LUNCH BOXES. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Yearbook and Picture Retakes

 Teasley Elementary Yearbook

• Reserve Teasley Elementary School 2016-2017 yearbook.
• "Early Bird" special = ONLY $28 for a HARD COPY!!!!!!
• Prices will increase after December 20th.  Order forms went home the week of September 6th.  You may also purchase the yearbook online at www.TeasleyTigers.com for $29

Picture Retakes

• Pictures came home today. 
• Picture retake day is Monday, October 10, 2016
• Students must wear standard attire for their retake if you would like one.

Retake Day is for:

• Returns - students who already bought a picture but were not happy with the quality.  You must return the entire package on retake day.  Please be sure to fill out the back of the picture envelope with your students information. The picture will be reprinted in the same background as was originally ordered.
  
• Absent Students - Students who were absent o the first picture day and need a picture to go in the yearbook.
  
• New Purchases - Students who want to buy a package of the Retake Day picture.  Order envelopes are available in the front office.  (to order a package of the 1st day picture, please call the GCI portraits office at 770-428-3717)

Welcome Back!

We hope that everyone had a wonderful fall break!  The year is going by quick and we are getting ready to start the second nine weeks already!  The official conference week will be October 17-21, and we will be sending more information home on Wednesday with your scheduled conference time.  Please remember that these are half days for students

Fire Safety Village

 Our first field trip is scheduled for Monday, October 10th.  Green permission slips went home today, please try to return them by Wednesday.  Students who do not turn this slip in by Friday, will not be able to attend the trip.

For the fire safety visit, students must bring their lunch in a disposable plastic, or paper bag.  NO LUNCH BOXES.  If students have to purchase a lunch from school, they will have the opportunity to do so, but it is suggested that you bring a lunch if possible.

Students need to wear standard attire, but please make sure that they are wearing pants, shorts, or leggings that are easy to move around in.  There are a few activities that require bending, jumping, climbing, and rolling

Learning Targets

Social Studies - In social studies, we will be working on Native American Groups which is integrated into writing.  We also be time warping back explorers.

Writing - We will continue to work on informational writing.  This week, we will be focusing on thesis statements and introduction sentences to our body paragraphs.

Language - This week in grammar or language, we are learning about fragments and complete sentences.

Math - In math this week, we are going to continue to work on area and perimeter using formulas.  We will extend our learning this week by working on solving real world problems.   At the end of the week, we will move into interpreting multiplicative comparison statements.

Reading - This week in reading, we are working on inference and explicit information.  This is a HUGE standard in fourth grade.  Students needs to be able to not only locate information, but use this information from the text, and their background knowledge to draw conclusions (inferences).  Here is an informative video on inferring, and an example we did in class using toy story.

Example

Fire Safety Village Form

Here is a copy of the fire safety village waiver if you needed to print out an extra one.

Safety Village Waiver

Media Center

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Please be mindful of library books. 

Many books have been returned to the library wet or damaged and have incurred fines and charges.

Help your student keep library books in good condition.

Remember to keep water bottles and food containers out of backpacks to prevent accidents.

I encourage you to read with your child over the Fall break and visit the public library.  Assist your child in choosing appropriate and interesting books.

Thank you!  Ms. Crosby

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Weather Webquqest for Friday and Monday

Here is the link to our Science Webquest on Weather. To research, you will be using Mackinvia to research. More specifically you will use the databases Britannica online, Worldbook discover, and pebble go science. Enjoy, and be sure to discover the least destructive severe weather!

http://teacherweb.com/SC/RECES/weather/index.aspx

Magical Morning of Math, Learning Targets, and Helpful Hints For At Home

Magical Morning of Math

Thank you so much to all of the parents who were able to make it to Magical Morning of Math today.  It is always so nice to see parents working with their children, and to see their child's eyes light up when they see you walk through the door.  As promised, I have attached the PowerPoint on Multiplication and Division strategies.  I have also included the magic squares in case you wanted to print them out for practice at home.  Enjoy and please let me know if you have any other questions about common core math.

Magical Morning of Math Poster

Magical Morning of Math Partial Quotients

Magical Morning of Math Power Point

Magic Squares

Magic Squares Answers

This Weeks Learning Targets

Reading - Close Reading and Accountable Talks

Writing - Informative Writing/How do we use rubrics

Math - Addition and Subtraction using the standard algorithm

Science - Weather (On Friday)

Helpful Hints for at Home

Here is a great article that will guide you in the fourth grade curriculum.  There is a section for each of the core instructional areas.  In Cobb County, we use the common core standards for reading,writing and math.  This article gives pointers to parents on how to best help your child meet the 4th grade, common core standards.

The Guide to 4th Grade

Reading:

  

While at home, have a conversation with your child AFTER they have read. Make sure you use open-ended prompts and allow them time to fully answer.Ask, and get your children to answer THICK questions:

Ask, and get your students to ask each other THICK questions

• What if…?

• How did…?

• Why did…?

• What would happen if…?

• What caused…?

• What might…?

• How would you feel…?

• What character traits describe…?

• Why do you think…?

• Why is…?

Open Ended Book Discussion Points 

• Write what you know about this topic ~ the setting, the situations in pictures. . . .

• Make a prediction. What clues helped you? Read the first page. Do you need to revise your prediction?

• Write questions you have about this text.

• Read the first page. Does the author make you want to keep reading?  Why or why not?

• Do you think this story COULD happen in real life? Why or why not?

• Where does the story take place? What makes you think so?

• Do you have any connections ~ is the author, illustrator, or subject matter familiar to you?

• What questions do you have so far? Were previous questions answered?

• Describe in detail what you think the main character or setting looks like. (Visualizing) What adjectives and adverbs in the story helped you visualize?

• Which words are you stuck on? Did you figure out their meanings? What are the meanings?

• If a character is telling the story, who is it? Describe this character.

• Does the main character remind you of yourself? Compare and/or contrast.

• What are some clues of how the main character is feeling?

• What are some reasons that the main character does what he/she is doing?

• How does the story make you feel and why?

• What problem does the main character have? How do you predict will he/she will solve it?

• Is the story what you thought it would be about? If not, what surprised you?

• Summarize what has happened so far. Use detail.

• If you could talk to the main character, what would you say?

• What obstacles does the setting provide that the main character must overcome? Would this story work in another setting?

• Is there an antagonist (someone who provides an obstacle) to the main character? What details lead you to say this? 

• CHARACTER TRAITS: In a word, describe the main character. Support this one word using specific actions of the character from the story.

• Was the author trying to teach a lesson? If so, what was the lesson?

• Would you recommend this book to others and if so to who?

• What unanswered questions do you have?

• Tell what the problem was, and how the character solved his problem.

• If the story happened to you, how would you feel?

• Were you surprised at any parts? Which parts?

• What advice would you have given the main character?

• Which character did you like most and why?

• Which character was most like you? How?

• Describe how the character changed from beginning to end of the story.

• What was the climax of the story?

• Summarize the ending.

• What 5 questions would you ask the author? Pick one, and write how you think the author might answer it.

• What was the author’s message?

• How would the characters’ actions change if there was a different setting or time period?

• Did the characters change during the story (round) or stay the same (flat)?

• Describe 2 events that portray the character’s personality.

• What scene would make a good trailer for a movie? Would this book work well as a movie?

• If you eliminated one of the characters, how would the story change? Why?

• If you were the main character, would you have done things differently? What? How? Why?

AVOID LITERAL QUESTIONS.  WE CALL THESE “THIN” QUESTIONS.  

These do not require much thought.