Discussion A

DIRECTIONS:
Your group will be graded on a FOCUSED online seminar that relates to CHAPTER 7 of Shadow Spinner. You may use your novel for help.

Rules:
1. No out loud communicating of any kind. Noises or talking will lose points.
2. Start by re-capping the chapter
3. Discuss what characters do, think, and say
4. Respond to what other say about them
5. stay on topic.
6. stay on topic.
7. stay on topic.
8. Discuss what you like about the novel
9. Ask questions
10. make predictions

Scoring Points:
1. Thoughtful and related comments
2. Thoughtful and related responses
3. Use of quotes and page numbers from the book that create discussion
4. Discussions that involve everyone's ideas
5. No dominators
6. No spectators

Discussion B

DIRECTIONS:
Your group will be graded on a FOCUSED online seminar that relates to CHAPTER 8 of Shadow Spinner. You may use your novel for help.

Rules:
1. No out loud communicating of any kind. Noises or talking will lose points.
2. Start by re-capping the chapter
3. Discuss what characters do, think, and say
4. Respond to what other say about them
5. stay on topic.
6. stay on topic.
7. stay on topic.
8. Discuss what you like about the novel
9. Ask questions
10. make predictions

Scoring Points:
1. Thoughtful and related comments
2. Thoughtful and related responses
3. Use of quotes and page numbers from the book that create discussion
4. Discussions that involve everyone's ideas
5. No dominators
6. No spectators

Discussion C

DIRECTIONS:
Your group will be graded on a FOCUSED online seminar that relates to CHAPTER 9 of Shadow Spinner. You may use your novel for help.

Rules:
1. No out loud communicating of any kind. Noises or talking will lose points.
2. Start by re-capping the chapter
3. Discuss what characters do, think, and say
4. Respond to what other say about them
5. stay on topic.
6. stay on topic.
7. stay on topic.
8. Discuss what you like about the novel
9. Ask questions
10. make predictions

Scoring Points:
1. Thoughtful and related comments
2. Thoughtful and related responses
3. Use of quotes and page numbers from the book that create discussion
4. Discussions that involve everyone's ideas
5. No dominators
6. No spectators

Discussion D

DIRECTIONS:
Your group will be graded on a FOCUSED online seminar that relates to CHAPTER 10 of Shadow Spinner. You may use your novel for help.

Rules:
1. No out loud communicating of any kind. Noises or talking will lose points.
2. Start by re-capping the chapter
3. Discuss what characters do, think, and say
4. Respond to what other say about them
5. stay on topic.
6. stay on topic.
7. stay on topic.
8. Discuss what you like about the novel
9. Ask questions
10. make predictions

Scoring Points:
1. Thoughtful and related comments
2. Thoughtful and related responses
3. Use of quotes and page numbers from the book that create discussion
4. Discussions that involve everyone's ideas
5. No dominators
6. No spectators

Find the Suspense!

Using your Shadow Spinner novel (you'll need to take it home). Write a short passage from the story where Susan Fletcher (the author) builds suspense. Put the passage in quotes.

After you write the quote, discuss what the author does to build the suspense in the story. What words or literary devices does she use?

Also, agree or disagree with what other bloggers have written and give some feedback.

Lastly, please review the rubric so you can make sure you receive maximum points.

Marjan's Portrayal (CLOSED)

Do you think the author does an accurate job writing about the thoughts and feeling Marjan might have towards her situation? Explain, discuss, clarify, and contribute (see rubric about how to go about it).

NEW BLOGGING RUBRIC

Every couple weeks, your comments will be graded using this rubric. For a hard copy, you can download it from mrkaelin.com. Click on the image to see a larger image.

OPTIONAL POST: What Do You Believe In? (CLOSED)

Do you practice a religion? Do you hold a life philosophy? Why or Why not? Do you have ideas about how to live and what happens to a person after he or she dies?

Do NOT respond to anyone with judgement

Writing for kicks! (CLOSED)

Shadow Spinner really explains Persian cuisine (food and meals) beautifully. What's your favorite food or meal? Try and tempt us by writing a very short description of your favorite food.
Here's mine...



A velvetty, gooey layer of fresh mozzerella blankets over tangy tomato sauce. The pepperoni and sausage are tender and fresh. Black olives choke the crust and artichokes lie as shrapnel. (If I'm feeling funky) some pineapple adds a subtle sweetness and crunch. It winks with steaming oil after running the slow marathon through the pizza oven. My pizza. BACK OFF.

Giorgios in San Jose has my favorite local pizza pie.

What do you think so far? (CLOSED)