Blog Introduction

Welcome to the Tuck Everlasting response to literature weblog. In this post I will answer some questions that you may have about this type of discussion forum. If your question is not answered here please send me an email at mtorello@hcsd.k12.ca.us.

I invite the sixth grade English students, their families, Crocker faculty, and other community members to join us in our blogging discussion. This is an exciting opportunity to share the experience of reading a novel, responding to discussion questions, viewing the entries of other readers, and even commenting on others responses.

When will we begin reading and responding to Tuck Everlasting?

In mid May, students will participate in a prereading blog prior to starting the novel. We will then begin to read and respond to discussion questions. The conclusion of the blog has yet to be determined.

Who is the administrator of the Crocker the Tuck Everlasting blog site?

I, Mary Torello, a sixth grade English teacher at Crocker Middle School, am the administrator of this blog discussion. Troy Hager, the Crocker technology teacher, is assisting with content of the blog.

How will the students know what pages to read in Tuck?

There are a few ways to find out the reading assigned for the day. First, students can check the blog to learn what pages to read and respond to the questions. The second way is to find out in class from the teacher.

How will students access the blog?

A blog can be posted from any computer with internet access. Students are able to use school computers in the classroom, lab, and library. They will typically have one to two days to respond to discussion questions.

What discussion questions will be included with the project?

There will be different discussion questions posted on the blog. Students will add their responses to the questions through posting a comment on the blog entry. Readers will be able to read each others responses and can discuss the questions through the use of comments.

Is posting comments on the blog safe for students?

Anyone who has the web address to the blog can view it and its contents. Only our English students, their families, and Crocker faculty have access to comment on this blog. Each student that posts must use his/her first name only. Students will learn how to sign in and post a comment during class. Any comment that contains a last name, inappropriate language, or a large number of errors will be removed or edited by an administrator.

Why read Tuck Everlasting?

Tuck Everlasting is a required Core novel for sixth grade students. The genre is fantasy-sort of... The setting of the story is somewhat ambiguous-definitely the United States, probably early to mid 1900's. The students will meet two distinct families, several main character, and a villain! The novel is about life events and difficult decisions. It is beautifully written and highly engaging.

Why blog for school?

The blog is a collaborative tool for learning. Blogs provide a different forum for communicating ideas; they go one step outside the classroom discussion and beyond written responses on paper that only the teacher can access. “Through the unique process of blogging, students are able to read more critically, think about the reading more analytically, and write more clearly.” From Will Richardson, Blogs, Wikis, and Podcasts, 2006.

If you have any questions about this blog that were not answered above or you would like to join us please send us an e-mail at mtorello@hcsd.k12.ca.us. If you have any positive or constructive feedback, please feel free to contact me.

Mary Torello