A Single Shard

A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park, is a great book I read for my MAT class and put together a memory box for (see memory box below). The book is about an orphaned homeless boy in 12th century Korea who begins working for an old potter. The boy, Tree-ear, wants the old man, Min, to teach him how to make a pot, but Min explains that he only would teach his son, who happened to have already died. Eventually Tree-ear proves his worth and the old man considers him his son.

It was a great story, simple and straightforward. I loved the setting (small coastal 12th century Korean town), which is different from many books I have read. It gives an interesting perspective on what life may have been like for a homeless orphan in that time period. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Min and Tree-ear and how it developed/matured throughout the story. It is great storytelling since it held my interest and made me think. However, at the same time, the story is lighthearted and fun.

Random thoughts after reading:

• Might connect the book with activities in the classroom, like pottery/clay molding art, talking about different types of family structure (orphans), discussing other cultures, etc.
• I enjoyed the relationship development the best: between Tree-ear, Min, and his wife. I love family stories.

The memory box I put together is pictured here. It is simply a collection of various items I found around my house and each item has some significance to the story. Great for easy presentations.




--Mr. Riedl
2009-09-23

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

The Mouse and the Motorcycle, by Beverly Cleary, is the first of Cleary's books that I have read. It is about Keith, a boy with a toy motorcycle, and a mouse. Keith spends the weekend in a motel room and befriends Ralph (the mouse living in the wall), who wants to ride the toy motorcycle. Ralph gets into predicaments as he ventures away from his home on the motorcycle.

The book was very well written and easy to read. I absolutely love this book because of how adventurous Ralph is, as well as how creative Beverly Cleary was by inventing "mouse language" and allowing the motorcycle to be powered by Ralph making "vrroomm vrroomm" sounds with his voice. So cute.

Random thoughts after reading:

• Great life lessons in this book regarding friendship, forgiveness, responsibility, and the importance of family.
• For an art project/activity in the classroom, I might have my students make a map of where Ralph traveled throughout the story.
• I loved how Ralph had his own family and he was the adventurous one of all of them. Made me think of it like a real human family and how there are many kids like that.

--Mr. Riedl
2009-09-23

C.S. Lewis' Letters to Children

C.S. Lewis' Letters to Children, edited by Lyle W. Dorsett and Marjorie Lamp Mead, includes a brief introduction describing Lewis' childhood history. The rest of the book is a chronological list of selected letters to children that he wrote over the years. Lewis spent time every morning writing responses to all of the letters he received. The time span of these letters to his younger readers dates from 1944 to his death in 1963.

I absolutely love this book. After reading this and realizing his love for kids as well as his own childishness, I think he is wonderful. His humor is subtle and easy to miss, and it is especially funny to imagine the kids reading the letters. But most of all, I enjoyed his heartfelt responses to those who loved his books. He is honest, respectful, and doesn't talk down to the kids.

Random thoughts after reading:

• After hearing Lewis write to the kids about the Narnia series, it has inspired me to read the series on my own.
• I might use this book to motivate my students to write to their favorite authors. Could make it a class activity.
• C.S. Lewis is a great example of a man that thinks little about himself and lots about others: specifically the little kids anticipating a letter back from their favorite author.

--Mr. Riedl
2009-09-23

Welcome to Mr. Riedl's blog!

Here on this blog you will find updates regarding assignments and projects, as well as book recommendations and descriptions for students.