English: Reading

15/06/20

Here are the final 4 chapters of Charlotte's Web. If you listened this far, you deserve a reward - no questions this week, just listen to the end of the story and enjoy it.

Be prepared with some tissues, chapter 21 is very sad!

08/06/20

This week I have chapters 16, 17 and 18 for you (the title says 19 accidentally!) Wilbur is finally off to the fair!

After reading:

Here are a few quick questions about each chapter

1. Chapter 16:Mrs. Arable tried to do Avery's hair. Describe what it looked like...
2. What did Mrs. Zuckerman decide to give Wilbur and why?
3. How did the old sheep convince Templeton that going to the fair was a good idea?
4. Figure it out: How do you think Wilbur feels going off to the fair? What clues did you find in the story to make you think this?

1. Chapter 17: What are some of the things Fern and Avery wanted to do/buy at the fair?
2. What 2 things pleased Wilbur about his new pigpen?
3. Why were Charlotte and Wilbur worried about Uncle (the pig in the next pen)?
4. Figure it out: Charlotte says "I don't seem to have the energy I once had. My age, I guess." What do you think she means by this?

1. Chapter 18: What new word did Templeton bring back for Charlotte?
2. What did Fern do after her nap?
3. What did Charlotte say she would show to Wilbur in the morning?
4. Figure it out: Templeton says "This will be a night to remember in a rat's life." What do you think he's going to do at the fair?

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02/06/20

Apologies, I forgot to change the date last week! Chapters 10-12 are still there. Just scroll down past this week.

We are now on to chapters 13, 14 and 15 of Charlotte's Web. I hope you're enjoying it. We're well into the second half of the book and I promise I will finish it before the official summer holidays

Before Reading Each Chapter

• Make a prediction about what you think is going to happen next. Use any clues you have, for example, the title of the chapter, or what has happened in the story so far.

During Reading

• Pause the video to make connections to what's happening in the text. It could be a connection to another book, a movie or TV show, or your own life.
• Pause the video to self-question. Ask yourself some "I wonder" questions. "I wonder how..." "I wonder when..." "I wonder why..." "I wonder what..."
• Visualize what is happening in the text. Make a movie in your head. As you read, the picture in your head should change.

After Reading Activities

• Write down your connections. They could be book to book, book to movie/TV or book to life. Choose one to illustrate (draw a picture). Use the phrase "______ in the story reminds me of ______"
• Answer the questions below.

1. Chapter 13:What new word did Charlotte write in her web to describe Wilbur?
2. Who discovered the new word?
3. Mr. Zuckerman said no more manure for Wilbur's bed, what did he want Lurvy to give him instead?
4. Templeton brought the word "radiant" to Charlotte. What packaging was the word "radiant" on?
5. Name a gymnastics trick that Wilbur could do.
6. Figure it out: Why do you think Charlotte encouraged Wilbur to do flips?

1. Chapter 14: What are Fern and Mrs. Arable doing while they are chatting?
2. Fern told her mother the story of Charlotte's amazing cousins. Can you remember why they were so amazing?
3. Why did Mrs. Arable go to visit Dr. Dorian?
4. How old does Mrs. Arable say Fern is?
5. Figure it out: what kind of man do you think Dr. Dorian is? What clues did you find in the story to make you think this?

1. Chapter 15: What insect sang about the end of summer?
2. Name something Wilbur did to make himself look "radiant"?
3. Charlotte says she will be too busy to go to the fair with Wilbur. Why will she be busy?
4. What insect did Charlotte eat?
5. Figure it out: Wilbur knows that "If he could distinguish himself at the fair" he could win some prize money for Mr. Zuckerman. To "distinguish himself" means to make himself stand out from others. How do you think a pig could make himself stand out from others?

25/05/20

Ms. Doherty's group check her page HERE.

I have chapters 10, 11 and 12 of Charlotte's Web for you this week. We finally find out Charlotte's plan to save Wilbur...

As always, you can read or listen to the whole video, or you could take it one chapter at a time.

Before Reading Each Chapter

• Make a prediction about what you think is going to happen next. Use any clues you have, for example, the title of the chapter, or what has happened in the story so far.

During Reading

• Pause the video to make connections to what's happening in the text. It could be a connection to another book, a movie or TV show, or your own life.
• Pause the video to self-question. Ask yourself some "I wonder" questions. "I wonder how..." "I wonder when..." "I wonder why..." "I wonder what..."
• Visualize what is happening in the text. Make a movie in your head. As you read, the picture in your head should change.

After Reading Activities

• Write down your connections. They could be book to book, book to movie/TV or book to life. Choose one to illustrate (draw a picture). Use the phrase "______ in the story reminds me of ______"
• Answer the questions below.

1. Chapter 10: What position was Charlotte in as she waited for an idea to come?
2. What animals did Avery have in his pocket?
3. What kind of pie did Mrs. Zuckerman bake?
4. Who worried a lot about the Zuckerman's swing?
5. What happened to Avery when he tried to catch the spider?
6. What caused the awful smell in the barn?
7. Figure it out: why do you think a boy like Avery would want to catch a spider?

1. Chapter 11: What was the weather like?
2. What words were written in Charlotte's web?
3. Mr. Zuckerman and Lurvy thought the pig was extraordinary but who did Mrs. Zuckerman think must be extraordinary?
4. Did Mr. Zuckerman and the minister manage to keep the secret about the spider's web?
5. What was Avery's punishment?
6. Figure it out: Why do you think Wilbur's meals were increased from 3 to 4 a day?

1. Chapter 12: Why was Charlotte annoyed with the geese?
2. Who was missing from the meeting?
3. What message did the lamb suggest to write in the web?
4. What message did Charlotte decide would be best to write in the web?
5. How did the old sheep convince Templeton to help?
6. Figure it out: How will Templeton be able to help Charlotte?

18/05/20

Here are the next 3 chapters of Charlotte's Web. This week, the old sheep has some very bad news for Wilbur... You can read or listen to the whole video or you could take it one chapter at a time.

Before Reading Each Chapter

• Make a prediction about what you think is going to happen next. Use any clues you have, for example, the title of the chapter, or what has happened in the story so far.

During Reading

• Pause the video to make connections to what's happening in the text. It could be a connection to another book, a movie or TV show, or your own life.
• Pause the video to self-question. Ask yourself some "I wonder" questions. "I wonder how..." "I wonder when..." "I wonder why..." "I wonder what..."
• Visualize what is happening in the text. Make a movie in your head. As you read, the picture in your head should change.

After Reading Activities

• Write down your connections. Choose one to illustrate (draw a picture). Use the phrase "______ in the story reminds me of ______"
• Answer the questions below the video

1. Chapter 7: What little insect annoys everybody on the farm?
2. How many meals did Wilbur eat every day?
3. What terrible news did the sheep have for Wilbur?
4. How did Wilbur feel when he heard the news?
5. What good news did Charlotte have for Wilbur?
6. Figure it out: How do you think the sheep knew what was going to happen to Wilbur?

1. Chapter 8: Where was Fern's brother Avery?
2. Who was Fern talking to in the kitchen?
3. What did Fern have to get ready for?
4. What is the doctor's name?
5. Figure it out: Do you think Mrs. Arable is right to be worried about Fern?

1. Chapter 9: How many parts do each of Charlotte's legs have?
2. Why does Charlotte need such expert legs?
3. What did Wilbur foolishly boast that he could do?
4. How did Templeton help Wilbur?
5. Where did Wilbur wish he could be?
6. Figure it out: Why do you think Charlotte stuck up for Wilbur when the lamb made a nasty comment?

11/05/20

Reminder to Ms. Doherty's group to check in on her page. Click

This week, we are continuing with the next 3 chapters of Charlotte's Web. We are finally going to meet the title character! You can read or listen to the whole video or you could take it one chapter at a time.

Before Reading Each Chapter

• Make a prediction about what you think is going to happen next. Use any clues you have, for example, the title of the chapter, or what has happened in the story so far.

During Reading

• Pause the video to make connections to what's happening in the text. It could be a connection to another book, a movie or TV show, or your own life.
• Pause the video to self-question. Ask yourself some "I wonder" questions. "I wonder how..." "I wonder when..." "I wonder why..." "I wonder what..."
• Visualize what is happening in the text. Make a movie in your head. As you read, the picture in your head should change.

After Reading Activities

• Write down your connections. Choose one to illustrate (draw a picture). Use the phrase "______ in the story reminds me of ______"
• Answer the questions below the video

1. Chapter 4: What was the weather like at the beginning of this chapter?
2. Can you name three things that Wilbur planned to have for breakfast?
3. Who is Templeton?
4. Why did Wilbur not eat his food?
5. What did Wilbur hear just before he went to sleep?
6. Figure it out: Lurvy noticed that something was wrong with the pig. Wilbur wanted to be loved but what did Lurvy think was wrong with the pig?

1. Chapter 5: How many times did Wilbur wake during the night?
2. Why could the goose not sleep?
3. What did Wilbur hear in his dreams?
4. Who is Charlotte?
5. Name 3 insects that Charlotte likes to eat.
6. Figure it out: The goose knows that Mr. Zuckerman plans to kill Wilbur - why would the kind farmer kill the pig?

1. Chapter 6: What insects visit the apple trees in summer?
2. What animals help to cut down the hay?
3. What exciting event happened "on a day in early summer"?
4. How many goslings did the goose have?
5. What did Templeton want to keep?
6. Figure it out: Why did Templeton want to keep the rotten egg?

05/05/20

We are beginning a new novel this week. "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White tells the story of a little girl called Fern and her pig Wilbur. Why is the book called Charlotte's Web? Well, for now you can make a prediction and as we read on, you will find out!

This week, we will read the first 3 chapters. As always, you can read along with me or if you would rather read yourself, click on the link below the video.

Charlotte's Web Click on the title if you would rather read by yourself.

1. Chapter 1: What had happened during the night just before the story started?
2. What is Fern's father's job?
3. How did Fern feed the little pig?
4. What did Fern name her pig?
5. Why did Fern's father decide to let her keep the pig?
6. Figure it out: do you think Fern and her brother Avery get along with each other?

1. Chapter 2: What did Wilbur do while the children were playing in the water?
2. Why did Mr. Arable need to sell Wilbur?
3. How did Wilbur stay warm at night outside?
4. Why did Fern's uncle decide to buy the pig?
5. Figure it out: why do you think Wilbur followed Fern everywhere?

1. Chapter 3: Describe Wilbur's new home.
2. How did Uncle Homer catch Wilbur?
3. How did Wilbur feel when he was walking back to his pig pen?
4. Figure it out: How do you think Uncle Homer felt when the Wilbur was following him back to the pig pen?
5. Figure it out: do you think the goose is a good friend?

27/04/20

We are taking a break from fiction and novels this week. I have some non-fiction reading for you. It is from one of the "BOLD GIRLS" books in our class library: Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls.

The short stories of 100 inspiring real women are in the book, and I have chosen 8 for you to read:

• Ada Lovelace (mathematician) born in 1815 in Britain
• Alicia Alonso (ballerina) born in 1921 in Cuba
• Brenda Chapman (director) born in 1962 in the USA
• Cleopatra (pharaoh) born in 69BC in Egypt
• Florence Nightingale (nurse) born in 1820 in Britain
• Jane Goodall (primatologist) born in 1934 in Britain
• Mae C. Jemison (astronaut and doctor) born in 1956 in the USA
• Wangari Maathai (activist) born in 1940 in Kenya

Once again, you can listen and read along with me. If you would rather read the story yourself, press play and turn the sound down, pause each page for as long as you need!

During Reading

• Pause the video to make connections to what's happening in the text. It could be a connection to another book, a movie or TV show, or your own life. It will be interesting to notice if you find it easier or more challenging to make connections when the text is non-fiction...
• Pause the video to self-question. Ask yourself some "I wonder" questions. "I wonder how..." "I wonder when..." "I wonder why..." "I wonder what..."
• Visualize what is happening in the text. Make a movie in your head. Of course, these are real women, so you could do some research and find some real photos of these women and their work.

After Reading Activities

• Write down your connections. Choose one to illustrate (draw a picture). Use the phrase "______ in the text reminds me of ______"
• Answer the questions below

Questions:

1. Wangari Maathai: What country is Wangari from?
2. Find out: what continent is this country part of?
3. Why did the government cut down trees?
4. Where did Wangari and her friends get seeds to plant the new trees?
5. Where did they plant the saplings (young trees)?
6. Figure it out: why do you think other people decided to help Wangari?
7. Figure it out: why do you think Wangari was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
8. What did Wangari do to celebrate her award?

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1. Brenda Chapman: What was Brenda's hobby when she was young?
2. How old was she when she asked for a job in Disney Studios?
3. What did Brenda study in CalArts (college)?
4. Brenda realised that princesses in films were often helpless. Why was this?
5. Brenda wanted to create a new type of princess, so what movie did she write?
6. Figure it out: why do you think Princess Merida has red, curly hair?
7. Figure it out: how do you think Brenda felt when she won an Oscar Award?

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1. Alicia Alonso: Was Alicia born with bad eyesight?
2. How long did Alicia have to stay in bed?
3. While Alicia was sick, she danced the only way she could - how?
4. What ballet did she teach herself to dance?
5. Why did Alicia get a chance to dance with the New York City Ballet?
6. Figure it out: how do you think Alicia felt on her first night dancing in "Giselle"?
7. Figure it out: why did Alicia dream of teaching ballet in Cuba?

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20/04/20

Here is the second half of The Famous Five - When Timmy Chased the Cat.

Before Reading Each Chapter

• Make a prediction about what you think is going to happen next.

During Reading

• Pause the video to make connections to what's happening in the story. It could be a connection to another book, a movie or TV show, or your own life.
• Pause the video to self-question. Ask yourself some "I wonder" questions. "I wonder how..." "I wonder when..." "I wonder why..." "I wonder what..."
• Visualize what is happening in the story. Make a movie in your head.

After Reading Activities

• Write down your connections. Choose one to illustrate (draw a picture). Use the phrase "______ in the story reminds me of ______"
• Answer the questions below the video

Chapters 5-8

Questions

1. Chapter 5: What were the children looking for?
2. Who thought they knew where Timmy had dropped his badge?
3. What did Dick say to tie on to Timmy's collar to keep him safe?
4. Why did the children hardly need their torches?
5. What did the children hear in the darkness?
6. Figure it out: Why would Julian not let George and Timmy walk home by themselves?

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1. Chapter 6: Where did Anne think the voices were coming from?
2. How did Julian feel?
3. Why would the lady the children met earlier not have heard the voices?
4. What fun did Anne think people might be having inside the house? (3 things)
5. What sound did Timmy hear that made his ears prick up?
6. Figure it out: Why would Julian say to hold on to Timmy when they saw the cat again?

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1. Chapter 7: How did Dick get up to the balcony?
2. How could he see where to climb?
3. Why could Dick see into the room? (2 reasons)
4. What did Dick see on the floor in the house?
5. What kind of music was playing on the radio?
6. Figure it out: Why did the children figure that all the doors would be locked?

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1. Chapter 8: What colour hair did the lady have?
2. What did the lady ask for?
3. Why did the lady slip?
4. Why did she turn on the radio?
5. Why was the lady glad that she had her outdoor coat and clothes on her?
6. Figure it out: Why did Julian turn off all the lights and slam the front door?

Chapters 1-4

1. Chapter 1: What were the four children doing at the start of the story?
2. Why did Julian not want to go for a walk?
3. What did Anne want to do?
4. What word did Timmy hear that made him excited?
5. What visitors were calling over in the afternoon?
6. Where did the children decide to go that afternoon?
7. Figure it out: why did mum say it would be easier if the children were out of the house when dad's visitors came?

1. Chapter 2: What did Timmy chase?
2. What was the name of the house they arrived at?
3. What colour was the cat?
4. Where did the cat disappear to?
5. Who did George hope not to meet?
6. Figure it out: why did George think she might meet a gardener?

1. Chapter 3: Did Timmy come when he was called?
2. What was in the yard at the back of the house?
3. What was the little woman wearing?
4. Where were the owners of the house?
5. What did the woman feed the cat?
6. Figure it out: if the little woman is not the owner of the house, who do you think she is?

1. Chapter 4: What did Anne hear as they were leaving the house?
2. Who did the children think were talking?
3. What was the film about?
4. Where did the children go after the cinema?
5. What did Timmy lose?
6. Figure it out: who do you think the children heard talking?