Saturday, December 20, 2008

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Phunny Phobias!

Thanks Billy Bobs for this!

We then went searching and found some other phobias.
Did you know that if you are a vampire you will have Alliumphobia (Fear of garlic) HA HA HA
Here are some more funny ones
Zemmiphobia- (Fear of the great mole rat)
Vitricophobia- (Fear of step-father)
Rhytiphobia- (Fear of getting wrinkles)
Ablutophobia- (Fear of washing or bathing)

Buddy Backchat #4

The Dream Chapter (page 184-192) I found the hardest to read, because of the realistic way that V.M.Jones describes the awful way that Josh's brother was disabled. What were your feelings after rereading that particular piece of writing?

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Discussion post 3

Mr Mitch is obviously one of those inspiring teachers that adults remember when they look back at their schooldays ask your parents if there is anyone they particularly remember as an inspiring teacher from their schooldays- what did they say? He helps Josh overcome his fear of water by using a variety of strategies- what are some of the things he does that help Josh with his aquaphobia? Also why do you think Josh chooses him to ask him to teach him to swim? What is the symonym for aquaphobia? (a word that means the same thing)
This may help you here-
Another important key is to find a buddy, someone who will do the drills along with you in the water as often as possible. If you can find a friend at your same level, that’s great. Most vital is that your buddy give you support—real support—the rah, rah kind. She cannot tell you your fears are silly. He can encourage you but not push you to go faster than you want. Your buddy should also be someone who helps you feel playful because play is an essential aspect of the water. Also, you must praise yourself throughout this process, especially when it seems especially tough.
If you would like to read more you will find it HERE


Look forward to reading your answers, and visit the Buddy Blog if you haven’t yet- you can leave comments by clicking on the comments link on the bottom of each post. Try and have a go at the Extra for Experts tasks
http://buddybackchat.blogspot.com/
Thanks;
Nigel Frater.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Discussion post 2

A copy of the second discussion post from the 9th November.

Some great responses to the last question, nice to see there are a variety of locations where you backchatters are from too!
At http://buddybackchat.blogspot.com/ you will find some fun Buddy extras- crosswords, wordfinds, polls and some extra stuff for experts too. Check it out when you get chance.

Read or reread from page 19-21
Discuss: Why are Shane and Greg friends but Shane and Josh are not.
Post your thoughts here so that we can see if there any common threads.

I hope you all had some sun in your little bit of NZ this weekend and look forward to your replies.
Nigel

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Extra for experts!

  1. Contact a triathlon competitor to find out about "Bricks".
  2. Write 5-10 points ofadvice for students whose parents are getting divorced.
  3. Write a letter from Josh to "Dear Abby". Write Abby's reply.
Maybe try starting with THIS site.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

First Backchat comment!

This is a copy of the first Backchat comment, in case you missed it!
VM Jones has an interesting history- can you find a few interesting facts about her? Try using Google you may be intrigued with what turns up! This is a quote from her that I found-
‘to touch on deep emotions without appearing soppy’
I think she succeeded well with Buddy- the first chapter sets the scene, I like the way she describes his dad dressing up in clothes that are clearly designed to impress his young girlfriend (bottom of page 10). Which parts of the first chapter made you stop and think?
Also lets know a bit about each of you- helps create a visual image! Me first- I am a Deputy Principal in wellington and about to become a Principal (next year). I have 2 small children and teach a Year 7/8 class.