The Story
Jack Strong, a 6th grade student, is tired of his overscheduled life. After his dad won't let him skip a cello recital for a party and skip Chinese lessons for an after game celebration, Jack has had enough! When he has to go to soccer practice, he chooses to sit on the couch until he gets his way. His Nana follows along with him, keeping him company each day by doing yoga and watching TV. His friends and some teachers feel his move is a good one, but what happens when Jack starts getting bored? Just as he feels he is ready to give in, a local TV personality gets wind of his idea through the school paper and wants an interview with Jack. All Jack wants is for his father to understand he only wants to do what he loves, not what will get him into a college.
Classroom Application
I love how this book can weave right into our students' lives. Many of our students suffer through the same problem as Jack does. But some students don't and would love to have some extracurricular activities. This book allows for both scenarios.
Author's Purpose Lesson
This book lends itself perfectly to author's purpose. Students could write their own essays telling why they want to quit one or more of their extracurricular activities. Jack does just this with his story as he sits on the couch, refusing to move. Those students who don't have extracurricular activities could choose an activity they would like to do and write an essay persuading parents to allow them to try it out. It's a win-win for everyone!
Though my son isn't over-scheduled, mainly because I don't want to over-schedule my family, here he is as we discussed the book. He is super thankful we only partake in one extra-curricular activity at a time, leaving his schedule open to being a kid!
Don't forget to link up again this week! I only have 2 more Virginia Readers Choice books from the elementary list to go! Stay tuned as I present them!
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This title sounds great! I am off to my library to see if there is an available copy.
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