Petang and Cooottchobee

In The Talking Earth, Billie Wind is having quite an adventure. Please comment thoughtfully on one of the 4 questions below. Please, please remember to proofread your work!

A. Billie's experience in the cave changed her. Describe how and give evidence from the book.

B. What messages has Billie received so far from the animals? What more might she learn from them?

C. After Billie leaves the cave, bulldozers arrive and flatten the area for an airport. Why do you think the author included this scene? What effect did it have on you?

D. Why didn't Billie fear the animals in the swamp? What did this reveal about the way she has changed since her adventure began?

The Talking Earth

Please respond to one of the following questions with a short essay. Please remember to use evidence from the text and/or your experiences to support your opinions. Proofread your work before submitting. Comment meaningfully on at least one other student's post. Due Feb. 3. Remember, these posts are part of your grade for language arts.

A. Billie Wind's father suggested that once the Earth became too

polluted, people would have to move to another planet. Tell whether you think this is a possible solution to Earth's environmental problems.

B. Why do you think it is important to the elders that the young retain their faith in the old beliefs?

C. Billie Wind wouldn't let her sister wave the 3 white heron feathers over her dugout canoe as she began her trip. What does this tell you about Billie? What might this event suggest (foreshadow) about the trip Billie was about to take?

The Black Cave - Island of the Blue Dolphins - Chapter 20

Today we read about Karana and Rontu's trip into the Black Cave. What do you think the Black Cave was? Why was it there? Think of any place you know of that is similar in any way and describe it. How would you have felt spending the night in a canoe in the Black Cave? Remember to use to details from the story to support your ideas. Please proofread before you post and remember to include your initials.

You will also need to thoughtfully respond to at least one other person's comment.

Karana's Name - Chapter 18 IBD

In Chapter 18, Karana names her bird a name she wishes she had been given, Lurai. If you hadn't been given your name, what would you like to have been named and why? Remember to answer completely (ex. If I didn't have my name, I would like to have the name Alexandra because I think it is a pretty name and it comes from Alexander, which means defender of man, in Greek)and please proofread your answer! Don't forget your initials!

Island of the Blue Dolphins - ch 7-11

Answer at least two of the following questions. Number your answers so we know which questions you are responding to (example 2) and 5)). Remember to sign with your initials. In addition to your answers, also comment on at least one other blog post to further the discussion.

1.Do you think Karana will stay stranded for much longer? Why do you think so? How might her situation change?

2. What do you think she misses the most about her former life and why?

3. Where do you think the White ship took the tribe? Do you think they'll return for Karana?

4. Why do you think Matasaip couldn't wait for a few minutes for Ramo to get on? Do you believe he was being reasonable or not? Why?

5. Why was it so important to leave the island?

Island of the Blue Dolphins - ch 1-5. Responses due 11/2.

Please respond to one of these questions. Use complete sentences to explain your thoughts using details from chapters 1-5 of Island of the Blue Dolphins. Please make connections to your own experience, knowledge or other stories. In addition to your own response, you must provide a thoughtful comment furthering the discussion posted by a classmate. Please refer to the prompt you are replying to specifically so we can follow the discussion.

--Perhaps if Karana's father, the chief of Ghalas-at had allowed his people to mix with the hunters and be more friendly there would not have been any killing. What do you think?

--Do you think the Russians entered the harbor knowing in advance they would steal otter and murder the villagers? Why do you think so?

--Do you think the slaughter of her people could have been avoided if Karana's father had simply refused to let the Russians hunt the sea otter in the beginning?

Remember to use complete sentences, proofread your work, and use only your initials to identify your posts.

Literature Circle: Character

Which book are you reading for your lit circle? Which character in your book do you like best and why? How are they similar to you? What do you think this character will be when they grow up? Why?

Please post about your book & character and respond to one of your classmates. Posts and comments are due by Wednesday, 10/20.