Kyla and I read “The Inquisitive Raven” to a Grade 6 class throughout or Read-Aloud, starting off the first time with a mind-map of the raven, Reuben. The students were shown to draw a raven in the middle of the page and include 4 different thought bubbles for what the raven: – Thinks – Feels – Notices – Wonders This activity was a great way to introduce the character and get into his mindset. Most of the students were on track with what Kyla and I were thinking as far as ideas like jealousy, noticing the eagle’s great wings, wondering how he may soar like the eagle, etc. For students who did not catch on as well, we were able to show examples and spark some thinking through some 1-on-1 discussions. Any students who completed quickly were able to draw and decorate their raven.
The second class we chose to take some activities we had just learned from our Drama class with Phil, including “Conscience Alley” to help remember what we had worked on last week (with their mind-maps handed back to them). The students wrote down some thoughts the raven may have been having after that first part of the book and read them out as one student walked through the lines slowly. We then read a couple of pages before taking time for our next activity, a “soundscape” with students standing still as trees and rubbing their hands or blowing to imitate wind noises as they each got turns to “fly” through the trees like Reuben. Our final activity after finishing this section of the book for this class ended with a “tableau” where students were split into 4 groups and got to act out the raven’s crash in a snap-shot image and prompted to somehow make it bigger and spark some creativity. The students really loved this activity and those who wanted to did an extra big one at the end.
For the third and final read-aloud we read through the last third of the pages designated while briefly stopping for quick questions and discussions. Afterwards, the students were given printed out outlines of feathers to decorate and write a word or phrase that stuck out to them from the book or connected with them. Once they were finished their feathers, they glued them onto a large poster board where I had drawn a large outline of a raven. The poster board represented their class raven, with each of them representing a different feather to make the whole. We though this activity was a huge success and their teacher still has the poster in their class.
Describe your ‘one book’ that changed everything for you as a reader.
The first book that really got me into reading long series and fantasy was the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. I loved the books and how creative the story was! These were my first big novels and series I got into at the end of Grade 4. This pushed me to read longer novels and more advanced books up until high school.
The second book/series that changed everything came near the end of my Kinesiology degree in 2022/2023. I had fallen out of reading through high school and university but my friend encouraged me to read A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas. This series completely overtook me as I found myself falling back in love with reading fantasy, now as an adult. I have been an avid reader since then (apart from when school readings have taken priority), having over 50 of my own books now! My fiancé is also an avid reader and we plan on having our own home library/office space in our new house.
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How do you feel about reading? Tell me about it.
I love to read! It offers so many unique worlds and characters. I’m a slow reader as while I’m reading, I create the entire scene in my head, making sure it’s perfect. It’s often better than any show or movie. Now, reading offers an escape from the real world, especially after a stressful day. I can lose myself in books for hours at a time if able and will talk your ear off about them even longer if given the chance!
What types of books do you like to read?
I am deeply into fantasy and romantasy (romance x fantasy) books with notable authors such as Sarah J Maas, Jennifer Armentrout, and Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti. I have been accumulating a collection of books that I’m going to need a home library soon! The series I’m currently reading (Zodiac Academy) has a long reading order within the same universe that it will be 18 books long to complete the entire Zodiac Academy universe. So far I have read Zodiac Academy 1-3, Ruthless Boys 1-5, and currently on Zodiac Academy 4. I really love all the creative elements to be found in fantasy, they’re all so unique!
List some hobbies and things you like to do outside of school.
Growing up a competitive swimmer, I love to go swimming with Emily as she was also a competitive swimmer! It offers great exercise and I feel most confident when I’m in the pool. Otherwise, I love reading and also playing video games on my computer. I’m a super nerd and mostly enjoy games like Monster Hunter and Path of Titans (look these up if you dare to see how nerdy I really am haha). Since November, I have also been spending some time with a couple different ladies and their horses, helping out with feeding, grooming, and other chores as well as playing around. I always loved horses growing up but never had the chance to have one so my goal is to some day get my own horses! In the mean time, I am so grateful these two women have welcomed me to their space to let me enjoy the horses. They even plan on taking me out for rides and adventures come Spring time!
Who are your favourite authors?
Some of my favourite authors include Sarah J Maas (I have a tattoo devoted to her books), Jennifer Armentrout, Suzanne Valenti & Caroline Peckham (sister duo), and Rebecca Yarros. I’ve read many books from them all and they create such unique characters and worlds that have me wishing for a one way ticket there!
Tell me a bit about the last book you read that you really enjoyed.
The last book I really enjoyed is a difficult choice. I enjoy a lot of books but most recently, book 5 of the Ruthless Boys had me in a chokehold. It was so difficult to get through as it was the last of the Ruthless Boys series, but it was so beautiful seeing how the characters and story all wrapped up at the end. Some of my all time favourite characters are in that book!
Tell me a bit about what you have been doing since last semester during your winter break. How have you been spending your time?
Over the winter break, I spent some time with my horse friends, reading and finishing the Ruthless Boys series, and I got to spend 12 days back home in Mission with my family over Christmas. The last week of winter break I was able to spend with my fiancé as he was given two weeks off of work over the holidays. It was great just spending time together and being able to relax before the crazy started back up with this term!
What subjects or topics do you like learning about?
Language Arts, Science, and PE have always been my favourite subjects. I continue to love reading and writing as part of LA, learning more about the world and how it works, and understanding how to use my body and stay healthy. I love sharing my love for these with others!
If you could read a book about one thing, what would that be?
This is a tricky question as there are so many things I would enjoy reading about. But if I had to choose, I would read a book that aligns with my Science-fiction/fantasy/romance book idea I have been thinking about for some time. I have never read any book like the one that lives inside my brain. I wish I could get it out onto paper (or in my case my iPad), but I find it so difficult to put it into words. If I could read a book about how to start developing and writing my own book that would be really useful!
