Parrish's Ponderings

Now that you have read over half of Homeless Bird and responded to several questions it is time to write your own blog post.

Directions: Compose a blog post on Homeless Bird that includes evidence and support for your opinions to the following questions.

1. Using your understanding of plot, how does Koly adapt to her surroundings and make the best out of bad situations? Does she adapt? Use quotes and passages from the book to help support your answer.

2. What is the theme of the book so far? Use your book to find specific examples of recurring themes.

3. How does Gloria Whelan use literary devices in Homeless Bird? Are there any comparisons that she uses throughout the book?

Please answer all three questions in paragraph form, making new paragraphs for each question. You will be graded on your use of specific examples from the book and how well you support your opinions with examples. You will also be graded on composition (grammar, periods, capital letters, spelling). So it would behoove you to begin writing on a word document, and proof before you finally post. You will be given two 45 minute class periods and one 30 minute period to complete this.

Please write questions in the comment section and I will answer them as soon as I can.

There are several important and meaningful quotes from this chapter. What do you think is the most meaningful or thought-provoking for Koly. Please explain why you have picked the quote, and why you think it is important for Koly.

Please make sure you proofread your work before you post.

There are so many differences between Koly’s life and our own. Arranged marriage, leaving her parents at age thirteen, and coping with the loss of a husband, father-in-law, and sister-in-law are just a few examples.

In your own words, what do you find most troubling, frustrating, or disturbing about the life Koly has lived so far? Why do you feel this way and what are some examples from the book and your own life that have helped you draw this conclusion?

Please be sure to proofread your work!

Another bad turn for Koly! Can she ever catch a break?

1. What do you feel when you read this chapter? Why do you feel that way?

2. Is there anything positive to the events that happen at the end of the chapter? Remember what Bud said “when one door closes and another one opens.” Explain your answer.

PROOF READ BEFORE YOU POST!!!!!!

At the end of Chapter 5 Koly says “I felt my last bit of happiness disappearing.”

1. What are some things that you you would if you were Koly? Be sure to explain your opinions!

2. Make a prediction. What will Koly do to make her situation better? Be sure to explain why!

What are some things the Koly does that make her feel better about her situation. Give at least two examples and explain why they help her feel better.

Homework….

None! You’re off the hook!

Mr. P

After reading chapter two, things seem to be going from bad to worse for Koly.

1.What, in your opinion, is worst part of her situation? What do you she can do to make the best of her situation?

2.What is your favorite part of the book so far? What is your least favorite part of the book?

A traditional Thanksgiving for my family was a trip to my grandmother’s house, literally over the river and through the woods, up and down some mountains to Port Republic, Virginia. Port Republic lies between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghany mountain ranges in the Shenandoah Valley, a tiny speck on the map, my mother and her family grew up there. Our extended family gathered here each November for the annual feast.
As a child we usually arrived Wednesday afternoon to a slow trickle of family coming in from various places. It was usually the most exciting time because there was such a flurry of activity. My mother, aunts and grandmother would spend most of the time in the kitchen while the children ran around, playing tag, football, screaming, and normal kid things. The Wednesday night meal is and always fired oysters, a delicious bivalve that is never finer than in the cool fall month of November. I usually gravitated to the garage where the oysters were fried, mostly for the ability to grab the oysters as they came out of the “Fry Daddy” and enjoyed the conversation of the men in the family as they told tales and laughed heartily.
Turkey Day would start with the activity of raking “Nan’s” yard that of course had been neglected all fall. All of the cousins, and uncles would help rake, blow, and bag the leaves, while the mothers and Nan would prepare the meal. There was always and huge pile by the end of the morning that was left at the bottom of a hill in her yard. Jumping in that pile was easily the most fun of the fall.
After raking, we got cleaned up and began the long wait. That moment when all the guests have arrived, but the meal is not completely ready. The long, painful wait. Every passing moment seemed to be hours, and we have actually waited hours before, but there is no greater words to hear than, “it’s time, everyone sit down at the table.”
After dinner there were the usual football games to watch, and my brother and uncles would be playing guitar and singing in another room. The sun was usually setting over the mountains to the west, and there was often a brilliant pink red hue, with grey cirrus clouds. The chill in the air could be felt as we walked around the back yard admiring our effort to make the place a bit tidier.
As we got older we still continued to go to Port Republic, but it wasn’t as frequent. Maybe every other year until it became a burden for Nan. We sold her house in 2007 and ever since have had separate family Thanksgivings. Nan still comes to them at 93, and we relish the time we still get to spend with her. But it isn’t the same. I will never forget the times we spent in Port Republic.
What memories do you have of your Thanksgivings growing up? What will your children remember? Have you shared your stories and talked with them about what you use to do? I hope you will find time to share this week.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

This book reminds me of spending time with my grandparents. What are you experiences with your grandparents like?

Mary Alice is “learning the ropes” in this first section of the novel. What are some of the differences she faces moving from a big city like Chicago to a small town like Grandmas? What would it be like for you to leave a big city like Atlanta and move to a small town in Georgia? What would be some advantages or disadvantages you might have?