Agenda, December 21

Today's learning targets: 

I can help my peers improve their writing.

I can use peer feedback to improve my writing.

I can use technology to improve and present my writing.

 

Your short story is due at the end of class today. Here's what you need to turn in with your final draft, stapled in this order:

• Final Draft
• Rough Draft with Peer Review
• Green Plot Pyramid
• How to Begin
• Word Choice Exercise
• Exploding the Moment

1. When you are done with your essay, go here to make a crossword puzzle using the terms on your pink elements of literature handout.

Agenda, December 20

Due Yesterday: Rough draft of a short story (we'll have lots of writing time in class).

Due Friday: Final draft of your short story, typed (we'll have Thursday and Friday to type in class).

Here's what you need to turn in with your final draft, stapled in this order:

• Final Draft
• Rough Draft with Peer Review
• Green Plot Pyramid
• How to Begin
• Word Choice Exercise
• Exploding the Moment

Today's learning targets: 

I can help my peers improve their writing.

I can use peer feedback to improve my writing.

I can use technology to improve and present my writing.

1. If you didn't do your peer review yesterday, do it before you begin typing: Circle three "bland" words, write 1 - 3 "hits" (things your partner did well), and write one question about your partner's story.
2. Lab Time
3. When you are done with your essay, work on a Found Poem to earn your participation points.

Agenda, December 19

Due Yesterday: Questions on "The Bet" 

Due Now: Rough draft of a short story (we'll have lots of writing time in class).

Due Friday: Final draft of your short story, typed (we'll have Thursday and Friday to type in class).

Quiz make-ups and retakes are today at 2 pm in B105. You'll need to arrange your own transportation.

Today's learning targets: 

I can help my peers improve their writing.

I can use peer feedback to improve my writing.

I can use technology to improve and present my writing.

1. Peer Review: Circle three "bland" words, write 1 - 3 "hits" (things your partner did well), and write one question about your partner's story.
2. Lab Time

Agenda, December 18

Due Now: Questions on "The Bet" 

Due Wednesday: Rough draft of a short story (we'll have lots of writing time in class).

Due Friday: Final draft of your short story, typed (we'll have Thursday and Friday to type in class).

Quiz make-ups and retakes are Wednesday, 12/19, at 2 pm in B105. You'll need to arrange your own transportation.

Today's learning targets: 

I can use a plot pyramid to organize my ideas for a story.

I can write an interesting and inviting opening paragraph.

I can select vivid, precise words.

I can write about events with thorough, accurate details. 

I can practice what good readers do.

1. Word Choice Exercise
2. Drafting Time
3. Exploding the Moment
4. Drafting Time
5. Sentence Fluency Chart
6. Drafting Time
7. "The Two Brothers," by Leo Tolstoy

Agenda, December 17

Due Tomorrow: Questions on "The Bet" (if we don't finish today).

Due Wednesday: Rough draft of a short story (we'll have lots of writing time in class).

Due Friday: Final draft of your short story, typed (we'll have Thursday and Friday to type in class).

Quiz make-ups and retakes are Wednesday, 12/19, at 2 pm in B105. You'll need to arrange your own transportation.

Today's learning targets: 

I can use details and evidence from a story to determine the theme.

I can use a plot pyramid to organize my ideas for a story.

I can write an interesting and inviting opening paragraph.

1. Plot Pyramid Time (10 minutes). If you're done, have me check  it off, and then you can start drafting.
2. Three openings
3. Questions on "The Bet," by Anton Chekov
4. Thematic Statements for "The Bet"

Agenda, December 14

Due Wednesday: Rough draft of a short story (we'll have lots of writing time in class).

Today's learning targets: 

I can show what I know on a quiz.

I can analyze a story that deviates from the basic plot pyramid.
I can practice what good readers do.

I can use a plot pyramid to organize my ideas for a story.

1. Comma Quiz #1
2. When you're done with the quiz, begin working on your story.
3. "The Bet," by Anton Chekov

Agenda, December 13

Coming Friday: Comma Quiz #1 (Know the rule, how to correct mistakes, and how to write sentences that use the serial comma properly. Also, you need to know the parts of the plot pyramid and the five conflicts.)

 

Today's learning targets: 

I can analyze a story that deviates from the basic plot pyramid.
I can practice what good readers do.

I can use the serial comma correctly.

1. Comma Rule #1: Fix it!
2. Freewrite #4: Write about a snow day OR Write about an argument.
3. "The Bet," by Anton Chekov

Agenda, Opening Night of "The Homecoming"

If you missed Friday's quiz, retakes and make-ups are today at 2 pm in B105. You will need to arrange your own transportation.

Today's learning targets: 

I can interpret symbols to help me understand the theme.

I can analyze a story that deviates from the basic plot pyramid.

I can write a thematic statement.

I can support my opinion with evidence from the text.

I can use the serial comma correctly.

1. Comma Rule #1: State the rule
2. "Initiation," by Sylvia Plath
3. What are the symbols? What do they mean?
4. Thematic statement for "Initiation"

Agenda, December 11

If you missed Friday's quiz, retakes and make-ups are Wednesday at 2 pm in B105. You will need to arrange your own transportation.

Due Now: Bring your school planner with the grammar codes.

 

Today's learning targets:

I can define the basic conflicts, symbolism, and character types.

I can analyze a story that deviates from the basic plot pyramid.

I can interpret symbols to help me understand the theme.

I can use the serial comma correctly.

I can use a grammar decoder to correct my own errors.

1. Comma Rule #1: Write your own
2. Quiz corrections
3. The Elements of Literature: Review Plot, Conflict, and Theme
4. The Elements of Literature: Character and Symbolism
5. "Initiation," by Sylvia Plath

Agenda, December 10

If you missed Friday's quiz, retakes and make-ups are Wednesday at 2 pm in B105. You will need to arrange your own transportation.

Due Tomorrow: Bring your school planner with the grammar codes.

 

Today's learning targets:

I can define the basic conflicts, symbolism, and character types.

I can analyze a story that deviates from the basic plot pyramid.

I can interpret symbols to help me understand the theme.

I can use the serial comma correctly.

I can use brainstorming and freewriting to generate ideas for a story.

1. Comma Rule #1
2. The Elements of Literature: Review Plot, Conflict, and Theme
3. The Elements of Literature: Character and Symbolism
4. Freewrite #3: Write about a dare
5. "Initiation," by Sylvia Plath