Due November 9 - First Class

As some of you may know, my youngest son and I headed north to help a friend with her B&B. During our stay a fellow inn-keeper died. We have remained in Pennsylvania to help, and that has put us behind schedule. IEW class will begin on November 9, 2016. I have made an adjustment in tuition. The first semester will be $100.00 instead of $200.00.

Our first book is The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Branford (first published in 1961) Most people remember this as a children's book but Branford did not write it specifically for children. That puts the book in a unique genre which is perfect for our class. 

This wonderful story has been made into a movie twice. You probably know what I am going to ask. . . .  Please have your child read it and not watch (or re-watch) the movie until after our class discussion on November 9. As a general rule I strongly encourage my students to read books before watching the movie version.

The assignment that goes along with the book is simple and straightforward.  Please ask your student(s) to:
1) Choose at least 15 vocabulary words from the book.
 They should select unfamiliar words or words that they do not use often.
2) Define each word (include part of speech).
3) Use each word in a new sentence.
4) Note the page number for each word. If the word is used more than once, one page number will suffice. :-)
5) Bring this finished assignment to the first class.

Here is our BOOK LIST for the 2016-17 year:

The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Branford

The Red Pony, by John Steinbeck (short story)

Kisses from Kate,  by Katie Davis  (excerpts)

Snow Treasure, by Marie McSwigan

The Ransom of Red Chief, by O. Henry (short story)

The Underneath, by Kathi Appelt  (Lagniappe book - if we have time)

We will be making our way back to The Lone Star State very soon. I look forward to seeing everyone on November 9 at 1:00.

Aesop's "The Lion and the Mouse"

The Lion and the Mouse
Illustrated by Craig Diminico

Once when a Lion was asleep, a little Mouse began running up and down upon him; this soon wakened the Lion, who placed his huge paw upon him, and opened his big jaws to swallow him. "Pardon, O King," cried the little Mouse, "forgive me this time, I shall never forget it. Who knows but I may be able to do you a turn some of these days?" The Lion was so tickled at the idea of the Mouse being able to help him, that he lifted up his paw and let him go. Some time hunters who desired to carry him alive to the King, tied him to a tree while they went in search of a wagon to carry him on. Just then the little Mouse happened to pass by, and seeing the sad plight in which the Lion was, went up to him and soon gnawed away the ropes that bound the King of the Beasts. "Was I not right?" said the little Mouse. Little friends may prove great friends.

Aesop's "The Ant and the Grasshopper"

The Ant and the Grasshopper
Illustrated by Scott Roberto

In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest. "Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and moiling in that way?" "I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and recommend you to do the same." "Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; we have got plenty of food at present." But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing, every day, corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper knew... It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.

Aesop's "The Bundle of Sticks"

The Bundle of Sticks
Illustrated by Michael Chan

A father had a family of sons who were perpetually quarreling among themselves. When he failed to heal their disputes by his exhortations, he determined to give them a practical illustration of the evils of disunion; and for this purpose he one day told them to bring him a bundle of sticks. When they had done so, he placed the bundle into the hands of each of them in succession, and ordered them to break it in pieces. They tried with all their strength, and were not able to do it. He next opened the bundle, took the sticks separately, one by one, and again put them into his sons' hands, upon which they broke them easily. He then addressed them in these words: "My sons, if you are of one mind, and unite to assist each other, you will be as this bundle, uninjured by all the attempts of your enemies; but if you are divided among yourselves, you will be broken as easily as these sticks." Union gives strength.

Aesop's "The Fox and the Grapes"

The Fox and the Grapes
Illustrated by Ann Palica

One afternoon a fox was walking through the forest and spotted a bunch of grapes hanging from over a lofty branch. "Just the thing to quench my thirst," quoth he. Taking a few steps back, the fox jumped and just missed the hanging grapes. Again the fox took a few paces back and tried to reach them but still failed. Finally, giving up, the fox turned up his nose and said, "They're probably sour anyway," and proceeded to walk away. It's easy to despise what you cannot have.

Aesop's "The Wind and the Sun"

The Wind and the Sun
Illustrated by Kwang Dong

The Wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger. Suddenly they saw a traveller coming down the road, and the Sun said: "I see a way to decide our dispute. Whichever of us can cause that traveller to take off his cloak shall be regarded as the stronger. You begin." So the Sun retired behind a cloud, and the Wind began to blow as hard as it could upon the traveller. But the harder he blew the more closely did the traveller wrap his cloak round him, till at last the Wind had to give in despair. Then the Sun came out and shone in all his glory upon the traveller, who soon found it too hot to walk with his cloak on. Kindness affects more than severity.

Aesop's "Belling the Cat"

Belling the Cat
Illustrated by Suzanne Palmer

Once upon a time, all the mice met, together in council, to discuss the best means of securing themselves against the attacks of the cat. After several suggestions had been debated, a Mouse of some standing and experience got up and said, "I think I have hit upon a plan which will ensure our safety in the future, provided you approve and carry it out. It is that we should fasten a bell around the neck of our enemy the cat, which will, by its tinkling, warn us of her approach." This proposal was warmly applauded, and it had been decided to adopt it, when an old Mouse got upon his feet and said, "I agree with you all that the plan before us is an admirable one: but may I ask who is going to bell the cat?" It is easy to propose impossible remedies.