The Watsons -- Teacher Comments

Here's where we post comments received by teachers participating in Book Club Online. You're invited to comment about any aspect of the lesson plan for The Watsons Go to Birmingham, or about the Book Club program in general. Don't worry if your class isn't following our lesson plan exactly -- we'd love to hear about alternatives that work for you! (Click here to submit your comments.)
FEBRUARY 9, 2000
FROM: Jean Samples Grade 4 Herod Elementary Houston, TX	MESSAGE: Just read a teacher comment regarding specific reading skills references from Learning Links. I use the one from Perfection Learning. I have found their teacher manuals are excellent for those students who need extra help with specific reading skills, such as cause/effect, fact/opinion, sequencing, meaning in context, etc. They're at www.perfectionlearning.com
FEBRUARY 7, 2000
FROM: Rae Fear Grade 8 Oak Park Middle School Lake Charles, LA	MESSAGE: I realize this info may be late for some but you would have the reference for next year. I found a study guide which follows closely to the bookclub chapter readings. The guide provides vocabulary skills discussion questions and various literary devices. .The publisher is Learning Links Toll free phone number 800-724-2616
FEBRUARY 3, 2000
FROM: Beth de Anda Grade 6 Lake Louise School Palatine, IL	MESSAGE: Is there a schedule on the site somewhere that explains what chapter we should be at for the on-line discussion? I'm assuming that we need to be in approximately the same place. I can't find any guidelines for this. Answer: Thank you for your question. The schedule page for the current online discussion, The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963 can be found here. The introductory page for the current online discussion, The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963 can be found here.
FEBRUARY 1, 2000
FROM: Mrs. DuPree Grade 7 Marshall Middle School Marshall, WI	MESSAGE: We have finished the first two chapters so far. It has been gratifying to hear a class that complained bitterly about the last book we read actually say they think this is a good book. They are reluctant to read in the first place, and they really seem fired up about this book and this forum! Thanks to whomever is responsible for putting this together. What a great idea.
JANUARY 31, 2000
FROM: Mrs. DuPree Grade 7 Marshall Middle School Marshall, WI	MESSAGE: Today was spent primarily on finding the website and familiarizing ourselves with how it operates. Students have been assigned Chapter 1 for homework. By tomorrow, many of them should be ready to start participating in the discussion.

FROM: Marlyn Payne Grade 6 Nichols Middle School Evanston, IL	MESSAGE: We began today on schedule and the students are fired up. Since we do not have the net in our classroom, I am selecting three students daily to go to the library and send their comments. We are reading this book in context with the school desegregation movement of the 1950's and 60's . I have a list of references if anyone is interested. It makes sense to tie it all together.
JANUARY 20, 2000
FROM: Jean Samples Grade 4 Herod Elementary Houston, TX	MESSAGE: I found a video at BlockBuster called "Four Little Girls," produced by Spike Lee. It's a documentary about the situation in Birmingham in 1963 and the church bombing. Some of the other teachers might want to look into purchasing or renting it, at least as a resource for themselves. It's got some pretty rough scenes in it -- a couple of lynchings at the beginning that are a little much for young eyes, but it's worth it for the teacher's background. Just wanted to pass that on!