Literature Summary and Homework 10/1/12

Students worked together this week in class to create their Shirley Temple Wong character collage. 
Using photos, drawings, and artwork they brought from home, students laid out an inspired representation of all that is Shirley...

...and took great pride in their work!

We then spent some time discussing Shirley’s progression throughout the story so far, as students shared their Event/Change log entries for each month.  We brainstormed about what advice we might give Shirley (or anyone!) on how to make friends in a new environment.  Students shared their thoughts on Mrs. Rappaport's speech about Jackie Robinson, baseball, and America, and the significant impact this had on Shirley’s view of herself and her future.  

I provided students with a brief history of the Pledge of Allegiance and students then translated Shirley’s humorous version (“I pledge a lesson to the frog…”) into the true words of the pledge and we discussed the meaning of each word.  Please take the time to review the pledge handout with your student at home.  I also gave them a handout of fun facts about the Brooklyn Dodgers.  They may be interested in reading this student resource guide on the life of Jackie Robinson and his accomplishments, provided by the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

Remember, there is no class next Monday, October 8th - Happy Columbus Day!  Students should finish reading the book for our next class on 10/15.  We will wrap up our discussion of “In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson” with a literary critique roundtable discussion and choose our next book selection!