Collaborate Constructively

Unlike normal literature circles, which are completed alone, this time we were assigned a partner to complete our literature circles with. I was paired up with Owen, a boy from my group. I liked working as a pair better, as I was able to talk with my partner and get feedback on my work. There are parts of the literature circle in which I understood more clearly than my partner, however my partner better understood other parts. This allowed us to help each other to make our work even better. By working together we had more time to edit and correct our finished work.

A problem my partner and I faced was the fact that we were unable to communicate with one another. Unfortunately we never exchanged phone numbers and we were never online at the same time. If we had been able to talk about our work, and the thinking behind our work, we would have been able to edit and revise our work a lot easier.  In order to solve this problem we left notes and information regarding our work via email and on our actual document.

By completing literature circles with a partner I was able to gain a new perspective on different parts of the book. My partner’s responses helped me to understand the main characters problem and situation even clearer, overall this helped me to better understand the novel.

In conclusion, literature circles are an effective way to work but even more so with a partner to assist. Collaborative efforts really help to improve the overall quality work and allow us to receive positive feedback and suggestions.

URL PICTURE 1 BOOK:http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbp_NmLmp9e9_EDYamb3BV-z_WAKS4Ln7z1x23I63LQUktNZ_k 

URL 2 PICTURE 2 CHILDREN TALKING: http://www.clipartpal.com/_thumbs/034/1/sal981209bwr_tnb.png

Literature Circle Reflection

            During the first two literature circle discussions for the novel 'The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle' by Avi, my group explored many topics. We used these topics to start discussions.  One of the main topics we explored was the section in the book in which the 'round robin' was found in Ewing's chest, one of the key elements in the book.  This was an important part as it was one of the places in which the story depended on. Without this part being here the whole entire story would have to change. By discussing this and various other topics, I was really able to empathize with the main character, Charlotte Doyle.


            Some reactions I had towards the book was the fact that every chapter ended with some sort of suspense. By the author (Avi) doing this, readers are hooked and want to read on. This also causes readers to make predictions about what will happen next. Another reaction I had was that the author (Avi) uses very descriptive words in order to give readers a picture in their mind. This helps readers to understand the setting and characters even more.


            I predict that Captain Jaggery will cause havoc on the boat and punish those involved in the 'round robin'. Charlotte's outlook on captain Jaggery and her ability to trust him will change dramatically. I also predict that Captain Jaggery will murder someone and then blame the murder on Charlotte. Captain Jaggery will then hold her for trial, accuse her of being guilty (as it states in the introduction) and then attempt to get rid of Charlotte.


            To conclude, Literature circle discussions have helped me grow as a reader in many different ways. They have helped me to feel empathy, relate to any personal incidents, become more aware of the characters and the setting and just understanding the story with greater depth.

SYMMETRY IN KL

I took this picture of my two seater couch with two matching cushions. In this picture the couch has one line of symmetry. It's line of symmetry runs directly through the middle of the couch (top to bottom). The line of symmetry intersects the line between the two seats.