Hello Students!

It has been a long time since we discussed our book, I’m anxious to have some good closing discussions. 

As many of you know Gennifer Choldenko, the author of Al Capone Does My Shirts, has agreed to answers some of the questions we may have about the book.  Rememeber that she may not be able to answer all of the questions. 

Mrs. Choldenko is also interested in where we live and go to school.  I think it would be fun for each class to post a little bit about their school, and surrounding area. 

Lets get some good discussion started here!

Thanks Mrs. Choldenko, 

Mr. Witt

Now that we have finished the book I would like to focus our posts and discussions on the ending of the book. 

Use some or all of the following questions to spark some good discussions.

–What do you think about the ending of the book?  Did you like it?

–How did Natalie all of the sudden get into the Esther P. Marinoff School?  Did the warden help?  Did Piper help?  Do Mom and Dad know that Moose helped Natalie get in?

–How did the relationship between Piper and Moose change from the beginning of the book to the end? 

–If you could write another chapter, would you?  What would it be about?

–If there was a sequel to this book would you want to read it?

–Overall thoughts on the book.

I have enjoyed reading all of your posts.  I believe we are finally getting some good discussions going.  Your posts now are much better than they were at the beginning of the book.  Keep up the good work!

Have a Happy Holidays! 

Mr. Witt

Hello!  I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I am sure you are looking forward to Christmas break! 

My questions to you will be a little different this time.  They will require some “deep” thinking about how you would modify Al Capone Does My Shirts.

• If you could change the qualities of one of the characters in the story, who would it be and how would you change that character in the story?
• Once you have changed this character, tell us how you think it would change the storyline so far.
• Do you think this would be a good change and make the story more interesting?  Why or why not?

I will be anxious to read your comments about how you would transform a character in the story and how you think it would change the storyline.  I think it is a great story so far – maybe your changes would make it even better????  It will also be interesting to see everyones’ responses to your changes – do you think people will agree with you? 

Below is another video, this time one sharing real news footage covering three inmates’ attempts to escape from Alcatraz prison. After you view it, please feel free to post your questions, comments, or opinions. Remember, however, that you won’t be able to access the video at school, so set some time aside over the weekend to view and make comments. Happy Thanksgiving!

Take a tour of Alcatraz Prison by viewing the video below. Then consider questions you have, comments you’d like to make, or opinions you’d like to share based on what you’ve seen and post new comments. Remember, though, you probably won’t be able to view the video at school, so set some time aside over the weekend to catch a glimpse of this famous prison! Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello 7th Graders, you may read the post below, or click on the link to the video.

Link to Video

I think our blogging is coming around, but we still have a ways to go.  We teachers want to see more thoughtful and more insightful posts.  Try to read most or at least some of the posts from the other students.  This in turn should trigger some discussion, ideas, or predictions.  All we can ask is that you do your very best every week.  By the way, it is OK to post more than once a week.

Here are some questions that I would like you to consider when you post this week.  Feel free to comment on these questions or any other topic that you feel is worth discussing.

Question number 1 is about relationships; discuss the relationships between some of the characters.  For example, how are Scout and Moose getting along?  Or what is going on with Scout and Piper?   

The second question is about Natalie.  Do you think she is getting better?  How can you tell?  How have the relationships between Natalie and the rest of the kids on the island changed?  Why?

The last question is about fairness.  Do you think the Warden is fair?  Why is it important to be fair?   Does the Warden give special treatment, good or bad to any of the characters? Why?  Also, is it fair that Moose gets punished for something he didn’t even do? 

If you have any other topic you would like to discuss feel free to do so.  

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

-Mr. Witt

It’s hard to believe that we’re already half-way through our book! I’ve posted a list of topics to analyze – DIG DEEP, everyone. You may consider these topics OR post your opinions, comments, open-ended questions, predictions, and connections on characters/events you feel strongly about. Whatever you do, support your view with specific details from the book.

So … how do you view or feel about:

- Moose’s relationship with his mom based on these chapters?
- Moose’s attraction to and suspicions about Piper?
- Mrs. Kelly’s advice that Natalie needs to spend time with other kids?
- Moose’s personality traits? (Especially now that we’re half-way through the book – what kind of person is Moose? How do you know?)
- the way the author describes characters?
- what might happen next and why?

Remember to check back regularly in order to comment on other students’ posts. Let’s really give each other something to talk about! : )

Mrs. Moege

This is week three’s blog (Chapters 9-12; pp. 53-79) – sorry it is a little late!  In this blog, I would like you to think about the conflict in this book so far.  In short stories, there is usually one major conflict or problem but in longer stories, there could be several conflicts.  Conflict adds excitement and suspense to a story and it usually becomes clear what the main conflict is at the beginning of the story.  As the plot unfolds, the reader starts to wonder what will happen next and how the characters will handle each conflict or problem.  Consider these questions to help you begin your blogging this week but don’t limit yourself to these questions —

1.  What do you think is the main conflict in this story so far — explain why you think it is the main conflict?

• What caused this conflict – in other words, why is this conflict such a “big deal”?
• Who in the story is affected by this conflict?
• Put yourself in the storyline – would you think this conflict would be such a “big deal”?
• Can you relate or connect to your life in any way to this conflict?   Explain your answer.

2.  What other conflicts are in this story so far?  Please explain them.

• What caused these conflicts?
• Who in the story is affected by these conflicts?
• Why do you think they are not the main conflict? 
• Can you relate or connect to your life in any way to these other conflicts?  Explain your answer

Post some of your own questions to the group – I have enjoyed your comments!  You have been very good at thinking about what is going on in the heads of all the characters and what you think will happen in the story!  Keep blogging and I will be looking forward to reading your comments!

Week two of our blog is already here!  This week I want us to focus on relationships between the characters.  Some of the characters in this book seem to get along, while some do not.  Use some or all of these questions to get you started thinking!  

1.  Describe Moose and Piper’s relationship.
                -Do they like each other?  Why?  Why not?
                – Will their feelings for each other change as the book progresses?

2.  Discuss the relationship between Piper and her father, and how it could affect the rest of the story.

3.  How has Moose’s relationship with his father changed?  Why?

4.  What did you think about Moose’s first day of school? 

Make some predictions and post some questions to the group.  I know we can do better than 19 comments.  Check in periodically to read and respond to what the other students post.  It IS OK to post more than once a week. 

–Mr. Witt