August 1-9: Read Introduction and Chapters 1-7

Now that you have read the first chapters of Sideways Stories from Wayside School you can probably tell that it is very different from the other two books that we have read this summer. Many of the stories sound impossible, similar to the tall tales we learned about in 4th grade. Pick one crazy story that you have read so far and explain why it could not happen in real life.

August 10-16: Read Chapters 8-15

You now know half of the students from the thirtieth floor of Wayside School. Think of something that happened to you at school that relates to the students at Wayside. It can relate to any of the students: Paul knew he would get in trouble for pulling Leslie's hair, Jason was a tattle-tale, Rondi was misunderstood, Maurecia ate so much of her favorite food she got sick of it, or relate to any of the other students.

August 17-23: Read Chapters 16-23

We always say there is a reason for everything. Some of the kids at Wayside School do not seem to believe this though. DJ smiles for no reason, Kathy dislikes everyone, and Ron loves kickball even though he is horrible at it. Tell us about something in your life that does not have a reason behind it.

August 24-30: Read Chapters 24-30

You read 30 crazy stories from Wayside School. Most of these stories could never really happen. Now is your time to be crazy and creative! Make up your own "sideways story" to add to Wayside School. Be creative and have fun! Make us laugh if you can!

July 6-12: Read Chapters 1-3

After reading the first 3 chapters of this book, you will realize this kind of reading is very different from Skinnybones. There is a lot of information on the diagrams, pictures, and journal entries. Describe some of the most interesting facts you learned about sharks so far.

July 13-19: Read Chapters 4-6

The Magic School Bus series does a nice job of putting actual facts in a fantasy setting and has characters that add to the adventure. Which character would you like to go on an adventure with if you had the chance? Include your reasons why you chose this character.

July 20-26: Read Chapters 7-8

Pick one topic about sharks from the book and try to find another website that has more information about that topic. When you post your blog be sure to copy the website address and tell what three additional facts you learned.

Chat Box

Here is a place to just let each other know what you are doing over the summer!

June 8 -14 Posting Area

Skinnybones

By Barbara Park

Now that you have read Chapters 1-4, Alex has many ways of dealing with the events that happen in his life. Choose one event, like the spilled cat food, commerical contest he is entering, show and tell time, awards for baseball or the bully TJ Stoner, and relate it to an event in your life.

June 15-21 Posting Area

You are well into the book and ready to post for Chapters 5-8!
Have you ever tried getting out of something you didn't want to do like Alex? Also, predict what will happen at the game?

June 22-28 Posting Area

You finished the book! Babara Parks is the author of this book and many other children's books. Be sure to check out the author website under the "June Links" at the right of this blog.

Why do you think she chose to write a realistic fiction book like Skinnybones? What message might she want readers to get?

Extras on the Book

Now that you have finished this book, can you think of a project you could work on this week? It could be a poem, a diary entry of an event that happened to you, a report on your favorite baseball team/player and maybe make it on PowerPoint or PhotoStory3, write a commercial for a product of your choice or even for Kitty Fritters, submit a site you found that links to the book or a related topic...your choice...have fun and be creative! If it works to publish it as a post here you can or create the project on your computer and email it to me, tberan89@charter.net. I will try to publish it for others to view once I get it!