The Cay Literary Blog

After you have read chapters 15-17 in The Cay, respond to both of the following questions below.  Please write in complete sentences, which show thoughtful consideration of the book. Be sure to answer all parts of the question. Use a quote from the book, write the author’s name and page number and comment on why you used the quote.

1) When the storm was over what did Phillip do for Timothy and why? Why do you think Phillip cried when Stew Cat came back, and not when Timothy died?

2) Ten days after the storm Phillip decided to do something. What did he do and what happened? As a result of what happened, what did Phillip decide?

Write your comments on a word document on Classlink; copy and paste them into a comments box. Be sure to use your first name only. Read and respond to each other’s comments. If you say that you agree or disagree with someone’s comment, tell that person why, respectfully.

After you have read chapters 13-14 in The Cay, respond to both of the following questions below.  Please write in complete sentences, which show thoughtful consideration of the book. Be sure to answer all parts of the question. Use a quote from the book, write the author’s name and page number and comment on why you used the quote.

1) What had Timothy made for Phillip to help him fish? How? Why? How did Phillip feel when he caught his first fish? Have you ever experienced a feeling like that? Describe what happened.

2) What sound did Phillip and Timothy hear? What did the sound mean? What did they do to prepare for the storm? What do you think Timothy meant by, “This year d’sea be angry wid all d’death upon it?”

Remember to write in complete sentences and proofread your writing before you submit your comments or questions to the blog. Write your comments on a word document; copy and paste them into a comments box. Be sure to use your first name only. Read and respond to each other’s comments. If you say that you agree or disagree with someone’s comment, tell that person why, respectfully.

After you have read chapters 11-12 in The Cay, respond to both of the following questions below.  Please write in complete sentences, which show thoughtful consideration of the book. Be sure to answer all parts of the question. When you use a quote from the book, write the author’s name and page number and comment on why you used the quote.

1)  Why did Timothy want Phillip to become more independent? What did Timothy make for Phillip to help him get around? Do you think you would have the courage to explore an unfamiliar place if you were blind? Why or why not?

2)  Timothy thought he had malaria. How did he behave during his illness? What did Phillip do to help Timothy? What was the long term result for Timothy after having this illness? What happened to Phillip and Timothy’s relationship after the illness?

Remember to write in complete sentences and proofread your writing before you submit your comments or questions to the blog. Write your comments on a word document; copy and paste them into a comments box. Be sure to use your first name only. Read and respond to each other’s comments. If you say that you agree or disagree with someone’s comment, tell that person why, respectfully

After you have read chapters 8 – 10 in The Cay, respond to both of the following questions below.  Please write in complete sentences, which show thoughtful consideration of the book. Be sure to answer all parts of the question. Use quotes from the book to show concrete details and follow the up with commentary. Write the page number and comment on why you used the quote.

1) What does the following statement mean, “They had their place and we had ours”? Do you agree or disagree and explain why? Why does Phillip cry? Was this “unmanly”? Why or why not? Have you ever had an experience of crying that was similar to Phillip’s? Describe it.

2) Why does Timothy insist that Phillip work? How does Phillip react to this? What does Phillip realize about his behavior? What begins to happen to Phillip as a result? Have you ever realized something about yourself that you wanted to change? Describe what happened.

Remember to write in complete sentences and proofread your writing before you submit your comments or questions to the blog. Write your comments on a word document; copy and paste them into a comments box. Be sure to use your first name only. Read and respond to each other’s comments. If you say that you agree or disagree with someone’s comment, tell that person why, respectfully.

After you have read chapters 5-7 in The Cay, respond to both of the following questions below.  Please write in complete sentences, which show thoughtful consideration of the book. Be sure to answer all parts of the question. Use quotes from the book to provide proof for your answer, write the page number and comment on why you used the quote.

1)  What two types of birds did Timothy see?  Why was it important for them to look for birds?  What did Timothy see in the early morning of the fourth day?  What happened to Phillip in all of the excitement?  Do you think Timothy had a right to feel anger?  Why or why not?

2) Once they landed on the island, what did Timothy do to prepare them to be rescued?  Why did Timothy leave Phillip and Stew Cat alone?  How did Phillip feel about this and why?  What did Phillip make Timothy promise?  Where was Timothy afraid they had landed?  How did he feel about that?

Remember to write in complete sentences and proofread your writing before you submit your comments or questions to the blog. Write your comments on a word document; copy and paste them into a comments box. Be sure to use your first name only. Read and respond to each other’s comments. If you say that you agree or disagree with someone’s comment, tell that person why, respectfully.

After you have read chapters 3-4 in The Cay, respond to both of the following questions below.  Please write in complete sentences, which show thoughtful consideration of the book. Be sure to answer all parts of the question. When you use a quote from the book, write the author’s name and page number and comment on why you used the quote.

1. Why do you think Timothy gave Phillip only a little water? Why do you think Phillip’s attitude toward Timothy changed when he could only have a little water? Why did Phillip say he was almost twelve?

2. What had Phillip’s mother said about black people? Why do you think she felt that way? Compare Henrik’s attitude toward blacks with Phillip’s attitude. Why did Phillip think it was strange to be lying next to Timothy?

Remember to write in complete sentences and proofread your writing before you submit your comments or questions to the blog. Write your comments on a word document; copy and paste them into a comments box. Be sure to use your first name only. Read and respond to each other’s comments. If you say that you agree or disagree with someone’s comment, tell that person why, respectfully.

After you have read chapters 1-2 in The Cay, respond to one of the following questions below. You are welcome to respond to both questions, but only one is required. Please write in complete sentences, which show thoughtful consideration of the book. Be sure to answer all parts of the question.

1. Compare Phillip’s feeling about the war in chapter one with his feelings in chapter two. Use quotes from the novel to help prove your reasoning. Write the author’s name and page number after the quote.

2. How did Phillip’s father feel about Phillip and his mother leaving the island? Why did he consent to let them go? How did Phillip feel about leaving? Use quotes from the novel to help prove your reasoning. Write the author’s name and page number after the quote.

Remember to write in complete sentences and proofread your writing before you submit your comments or questions to the blog. Write your comments on a word document; copy and paste them into a comments box. Be sure to use your first name only. Read and respond to each other’s comments. If you say that you agree or disagree with someone’s comment, tell that person why, respectfully.

The Cay is a unique story of survival and friendship. Before we start the novel, answer the following questions. Then read the book’s dedication below and make predictions about the story based on it. Answer ALL the following questions:

1) Who was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

2) What was his “dream?”

3) Do you believe that his dream has come true?

Now reflect on the book’s dedication:

“To Dr. King’s dream, which can only come true if the very young know and understand.”

What do you think this dedication means? What do you predict the book will be about?

Write your responses in the comments box as a reply to this posting. Write your first name only in the name box. Do not write your email address, leave that box blank. Please write in complete sentences, using correct English, not IM speak. (You are required to first write your response in a word document, spell check it, then copy and paste into the blog.)

Welcome to The Cay 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 ccollins@hcsd.k12.ca.us.

I invite the sixth grade Core 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 do we begin reading and responding to The Cay?

During the week of February 23, 2009, the students will participate in a prereading blog prior to starting the novel; they will also begin to read and respond to discussion questions. The conclusion of the blog has yet to be determined. After we have finished reading the book and have completed the activities, it may be possible to access the blog, but some of the discussions may no longer be active.

Who is the administrator of the Crocker The Cay blog site?

I, Chris Collins, 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 The Cay?

There are three 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 Core teacher. Finally, students can check the Crocker website and check M. Collins’s web page at http://crockerschool.hcsd.k12.ca.us.

How will students access the blog?

Students will learn how to use the blog in Core class. 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?

Every day 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 Core 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. There will also be directions given for using Edublogs.org. 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 The Cay?

The Cay is a required Core novel for sixth grade students. The genre is realistic fiction. World War II and the Caribbean provide the setting for the story. The students will meet Phillip and Timothy; the two main characters who develop a unique friendship through unusual circumstances. The novel touches on several important themes including friendship, judgments, and self-reliance. It is well-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 ccollins@hcsd.k12.ca.us. If you have any positive or constructive feedback, please feel free to contact me.

Chris Collins