Indiana Reading Journal Volume 44 Issue 1 Volume 45 Issue 1 | Page 17

3. Hiroshi doesn’t understand idioms (like when his teacher says he doesn’t want to push him). Make a list of 10 idioms that are used commonly in English. Write a 2-3 sentence explanation of each idiom.

4. Skye comes up with English tips for Hiroshi. If you were giving English tips to an international student who was learning the language, what tips would you give? Write at least 10 tips.

Dessertsデザート – 20 pts each, due Wednesday, May 13

1. Hiroshi notices many differences between the U.S. and Japan. As you read the book, make a T-chart of all the differences. Put Japan on the left and the U.S. on the right. You need at least 12 differences. Then choose one that stands out to you the most. Write at least 200 words about that difference and why you think it might make things difficult for Hiroshi to understand. Turn in your chart and short essay.

2. At the end of the book, Skye decides to use her Japanese name. Interview your parents to find out how you got your name. Write at least 200 words telling the story of your name. Then use an online translator to find the Japanese characters for your name and write them on your paper.

3. Research the Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival. Then write a letter that Skye might write to her friend, Lucy, about the festival and her participation in it.

4. The book Joyful Noise includes “poems for two voices” – poems that are meant to be read aloud by two different people. The position of the lines on the page lets the readers know who reads when. Look at the examples from the book at this website: http://browseinside.harpercollinschildrens.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780064460934

Write your own poem for two voices: one voice should be Skye’s and the other should be Hiroshi’s.

Catalog Item Descriptions

Tools & Building Materials:

-Your group will be assigned a colored mini crate to use during the kite building process. You’ll use the same crate each day and return it to the shelf at the front of the room at the end of the period.

-Permanent Markers are located on the podium, and will be shared with all students. Borrow what you need and return when you’re finished. All markers must be returned daily.

-1 Dowel Cutter will be available on the back shelf. Measure and mark your dowel before cutting it.

-Copies of Kite Patterns are available for your use. It is strongly recommended that you purchase a set of patterns. They can be written on, marked up, taken home, etc.

Structure Materials

-Wooden Dowels of various sizes are used for the structure of the kite.

-Straws work well for attaching dowels to the kite at corners.

Kite Sail Materials

-Kite Paper in a variety of colors is available. This is similar to the Washi paper Hiroshi and Skye use in the book.

-Plastic Bags may be used for the kite sail. You will want to select either paper or plastic, depending on the style of kite your group chooses to make.

-A Scrap Box is available. If you have scrap material, please place it in the box. You may also use materials in the box.

Tail Materials

Kite tails help balance the kite and look attractive in the wind. They’re often several yards long.

-Surveyor’s Tape is a light-weight plastic material. Several color choices are available.

-Kite Paper Strips in a variety of colors are useful tail material.

-Ribbon in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns is available.

Flying Material

-Kite Line is used on the kite in order to balance the kite correctly when flying. All kites must include, at a minimum, a loop of kite line in order to attach the hook and handle.

-Flying Handle, hook, and line will be available to every group on the day we fly kites in class. The handle, hook, and line are pre-assembled. These will be returned at the end of the kite flying period. Please do your best to avoid knots or cutting the line so that they’re available for other groups to use.

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