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This course will serve as an introduction to the basic grammatical rules of standard written English through the use of writing exercises and creative activities. Students will review basic grammar and move on to more advanced stylistic concerns essential to creative writers in all genres. 2nd semester--writing for self-discovery
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Extra Credit--BOA Event
Friday, April 24, 2020
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Reminder: MultiGenre/Independent Reading proposals due!
AGENDA:
Just a reminder to post your proposals for the project on Google Classroom. That's where I can give you feedback on your project. You can always email me with questions and thoughts (I'd love to hear from you!). If I don't receive your proposal, I will mark it as missing/late in PowerSchool until I receive it.
Office hour meetings are on Thursdays at 11am, and Mr. Craddock and I will have a whole Creative Writing meeting on next Monday at 11am (a chance to meet everyone in the department). Invites forthcoming.
Stay well. Miss you.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Marking Period 4/Multigenre Project/Independent Reading
AGENDA:
Assignment: Week 1--Due Friday, 4/24 Your detailed proposal turned in on Google Classroom!
Write a five to seven sentence paragraph expressing how this text has impacted you. (1 point)
Write a two page summary of the entire book. This must include a detailed description of the setting, time period, major characters, and important events. This will automatically be worth two points! If you do not complete this project, an automatic two points will be eliminated from your total percentage at the end. (If you receive a 100% for this project, your grade will be a 98%.) Remember your SUM strategy and what needs to be included in a summary of a text! This must be written in MLA format! (2 points)
Each portfolio must contain a table of contents which lists the project you completed and the point value of that project. (1 point)
5 Point Artifacts:
Create a 5 minute video of a scene from your story and upload it to YouTube or email it to me by the due date (insert email address here). You will receive full-credit based on the quality of your performance and videotaping. You are allowed to utilize a direct excerpt from your text in order to create your own script. You must include a copy of the script in your portfolio. Extra credit will be provided to those who agree to have the class watch the video.
Create a CD with at least 10 songs that you feel relate your story in some way. Each song must be accompanied by at least five sentences explaining why it relates to the text. You will receive full credit if you provide enough evidence that explains how the song connects to the text. The songs should attempt to be school appropriate, but if you feel something fits really well but might not be deemed appropriate, you must have me approve it before adding it to your CD.
Create an alternate ending for your story. This must be at least five pages long in Times New Roman 12-Point font with 1 inch margins and double-spaced (MLA Format). You will receive full-credit if you provide dialogue and detail. You must state the setting as well as the names of the characters involved. Grammar and punctuation errors must be minimal or points will be deducted.
Rewrite a chapter from your story from a different character’s point of view. This must be at least five pages long in Times New Roman 12-point font with double spacing (MLA Format). You will receive full credit if you provide dialogue and detail. You must state the setting as well as the names of the characters involved. Grammar and punctuation errors must be very minimal. It must be very clear which point of view you have chosen.
4 Point Artifacts:
Create four diary entries written by one of the characters in your story. The entries should reflect on an event in the text or a character’s internal feelings/conflicts that have not been expressed in the story. Each entry must be at least one page long in Times New Roman 12-point font with double spacing (MLA Format). You will receive full credit if the entries are well written and allow us to see inside the mind of one of the characters (Remember first person point of view!). Grammar and punctuation errors must be very minimal or points will be deducted.
On a poster board, draw your interpretation of one scene from your story. This picture must be large and in color. You must also include a two page explanation of the drawing and the scene which the drawing represents (MLA Format). You will be graded based on your artistic creation as well as the quality of your writing. The picture should be proportionate and provide a clear visualization of the specific scene from the text. I should be able to tell that you put a lot of work and effort into this!
Create a small board game that relates to your story and its characters. You will receive full credit if the board game accurately represents events in the story. You must also provide a clear set of directions and all the game pieces needed to play the game. The board for the game must be sturdy and playable.
Draw or create a costume that you think one of the characters in your story would wear. You will receive full credit if your creation is neatly done and represents the style of clothes worn during the time period of your story, as well as the personality of the character you choose. You must include a two page written explanation explaining the character, their personality, the time period, and why you believe they would wear the outfit you designed (MLA Format).
Three Point Artifacts:
Create a new book cover with a summary on the back for your text. This may be done on the computer or by hand, but it must be in color. You will receive full credit if the cover is neatly done and represents the story. The summary must be well written and have no grammar or punctuation errors. The summary must be at least three paragraphs long (5-7 sentences each). I expect this to be a complete summary (that describes how the story ends) of the story, not an incomplete summary like you would find on the back of novels (with a cliffhanger).
Write a newspaper article detailing a conflict within the story. You must include quotes from the characters in the text or you can create quotes from characters if it is likely that they would say something similar. Again, they do not need to be actual quotes from the text. You will receive full-credit if the article includes quotations. The article must look like a newspaper article (pictures, captions, etc.) and have no grammar or punctuation errors.
Prepare a short skit to do in front of the class that pertains to your text. Include a copy of the script in the portfolio. You will receive full credit based on your acting and script. It must connect to the text in a clear way.
Create a 3-D visual of a scene from your story. You must also include a two page explanation of the drawing and the scene which the drawing represents (MLA Format). You will be graded based on your artistic creation as well as the quality of your writing. It must be neatly and creatively made.
2 Point Artifacts:
Create a matching quiz that connects a character from your story to his or her description. This quiz must include ten characters. If your story does not have ten characters, you may use other plot elements such as theme, setting, and conflict. An answer key must be included. You will receive full-credit if you clearly represent each character on the quiz with an adequate description. There must be no grammar or punctuation errors.
Write a poem, song, or rap based on your story. The poem, song, rap must be at least 16 lines. You will receive full credit if your poem, song or rap meets the length requirements. Your poem, song or rap must also contain no spelling errors. The rhyme scheme (or lack-there-of) and style of the poem is up to you! Extra credit will be available for those who chose to perform their song, poem, or rap in front of the class.
Draw a comic strip that illustrates a major event in your text. Your comic must be at least six pictures long with captions or thought bubbles. You will receive full credit if your illustration matches an event in the text. There should be no grammar or punctuation errors.
Write a newspaper article that explains a real historical event from the time period of your story. The article must look like a newspaper article (pictures, captions, etc.) and have no grammar or punctuation errors.
1 Point Artifacts:
Write a letter from one character to another within your story. This letter must be at least one page long. You will receive full credit if the letter reflects the character’s feelings that were expressed throughout the story. Also, there should be no grammar, punctuation or spelling errors. The writing can be in any font, but cannot exceed 14 point size.
Create an advertisement that might have been seen in the time period of your story. You will receive full credit if the advertisement is neatly and creatively done. It must reflect an actual advertisement for a product from the specific time period of your book. This advertisement must be in color! Do not forget ethos, pathos, and logos!
Take a picture of yourself dressed as someone from your story and explain why this attire connects to that particular character. You must include a one-page explanation of your character and how this attire connects to the character in your portfolio (MLA Format). Provide one piece of textual evidence that supports your choice of attire. You will receive full credit if you can clearly identify the character you resemble and why you feel that this is an appropriate costume that reflects that character. Extra credit will be provided for those who choose to wear their outfit to class.
Create a timeline that follows one character through the entire text. You will receive full credit if the timeline correctly displays the events that occur involving the character. All events must be listed (at least ten events). The timeline must be neatly done and easy to interpret. It would be simpler to complete this on a major character, opposed to a minor character. The characterization should be apparent throughout the timeline. This can be handwritten or created on the computer.
OK. This is a big project, but it could be lots of fun with both reading, writing, and hands-on activities that count as "artifacts." I know you can do this and look forward to your creativity.
I will post this on Google Classroom and expect you to post your book choice and "game plan" on Google Classroom. Keep checking this blog and Google Classroom and email me with questions or concerns.
Stay well. I miss you!
Assignment: Week 1--Due Friday, 4/24 Your detailed proposal turned in on Google Classroom!
Welcome to a new marking period! I hope you are staying healthy and well.
Remember you can still send me any missing and extra credit work on
Google Classroom this week. Lots of extra credit for your grade for MP3
if you want it!
Remember you can still send me any missing and extra credit work on
Google Classroom this week. Lots of extra credit for your grade for MP3
if you want it!
So, let's look at this marking period. You will need to select
a book to read and use as the source of your portfolio.
Please email me to get my approval for the book
and submit a proposal at the end of this week for the genres
you would like to explore (preferably some high point value writing!).
The idea is to complete 20 (or more) points relating to the book.
a book to read and use as the source of your portfolio.
Please email me to get my approval for the book
and submit a proposal at the end of this week for the genres
you would like to explore (preferably some high point value writing!).
The idea is to complete 20 (or more) points relating to the book.
This project will take 4-5 weeks, so choose your book carefully
so that you have plenty of possibilities to explore for your portfolio.
The project will culminate with a class presentation
so that you have plenty of possibilities to explore for your portfolio.
The project will culminate with a class presentation
(probably on Zoom) where you offer a 5 minute presentation
of your project to your classmates
of your project to your classmates
Multi-Genre Project
This entire project will be due on May 15 with weekly check-in
assignments due on Friday of the week. For this project, you will complete a portfolio surrounding a book of your choice.
Below, you will see a list of items that could be included in your portfolio.
Each item below has been given a specific point-value.
By the time your portfolio is due, you should have completed enough items
that add up to 20 points (4 out of the 20 are MANDATORY)
in your completed portfolio, but it is up to you to choose a combination
of the following items that add up to 20 points. Extra credit can be earned
if extra artifacts are completed over the required 20 points.
I am open to you creating your own ideas for the portfolio;
however, you must run these ideas by me first in order for us
to work out a specific point-value. Your goal is to focus each of your projects
on the most important aspects of your text. You will also explain what impact
your chosen text had on you. The impact will be explained in your initial letter
to your audience. You should compile your portfolio neatly in a 3-Ring Binder
and turn it into me by the beginning of class on the due date (this can be adapted
to pictures on Google Classroom).. All items in the portfolio must be typed!
If you are unable to print the assignments, you must receive permission from me
prior to handwriting them! If items are handwritten, all requirements
in the descriptions of the artifacts will be doubled
(i.e. A two page assignment will turn into four pages, single spaced;
a sixteen line poem with turn into a thirty-two line poem, etc.)
Turn your packet in with your portfolio. Highlight the assignments you have completed.
assignments due on Friday of the week. For this project, you will complete a portfolio surrounding a book of your choice.
Below, you will see a list of items that could be included in your portfolio.
Each item below has been given a specific point-value.
By the time your portfolio is due, you should have completed enough items
that add up to 20 points (4 out of the 20 are MANDATORY)
in your completed portfolio, but it is up to you to choose a combination
of the following items that add up to 20 points. Extra credit can be earned
if extra artifacts are completed over the required 20 points.
I am open to you creating your own ideas for the portfolio;
however, you must run these ideas by me first in order for us
to work out a specific point-value. Your goal is to focus each of your projects
on the most important aspects of your text. You will also explain what impact
your chosen text had on you. The impact will be explained in your initial letter
to your audience. You should compile your portfolio neatly in a 3-Ring Binder
and turn it into me by the beginning of class on the due date (this can be adapted
to pictures on Google Classroom).. All items in the portfolio must be typed!
If you are unable to print the assignments, you must receive permission from me
prior to handwriting them! If items are handwritten, all requirements
in the descriptions of the artifacts will be doubled
(i.e. A two page assignment will turn into four pages, single spaced;
a sixteen line poem with turn into a thirty-two line poem, etc.)
Turn your packet in with your portfolio. Highlight the assignments you have completed.
Mandatory Artifacts:
*If any of the mandatory artifacts are missing,
you will automatically lose the total number of points
missing from your final grade. (Ex. If you received 100% on the project
by completing extra projects, but did not complete the summary,
you would automatically receive a 98%.)
you will automatically lose the total number of points
missing from your final grade. (Ex. If you received 100% on the project
by completing extra projects, but did not complete the summary,
you would automatically receive a 98%.)
Write a five to seven sentence paragraph expressing how this text has impacted you. (1 point)
Write a two page summary of the entire book. This must include a detailed description of the setting, time period, major characters, and important events. This will automatically be worth two points! If you do not complete this project, an automatic two points will be eliminated from your total percentage at the end. (If you receive a 100% for this project, your grade will be a 98%.) Remember your SUM strategy and what needs to be included in a summary of a text! This must be written in MLA format! (2 points)
Each portfolio must contain a table of contents which lists the project you completed and the point value of that project. (1 point)
5 Point Artifacts:
Create a 5 minute video of a scene from your story and upload it to YouTube or email it to me by the due date (insert email address here). You will receive full-credit based on the quality of your performance and videotaping. You are allowed to utilize a direct excerpt from your text in order to create your own script. You must include a copy of the script in your portfolio. Extra credit will be provided to those who agree to have the class watch the video.
Create a CD with at least 10 songs that you feel relate your story in some way. Each song must be accompanied by at least five sentences explaining why it relates to the text. You will receive full credit if you provide enough evidence that explains how the song connects to the text. The songs should attempt to be school appropriate, but if you feel something fits really well but might not be deemed appropriate, you must have me approve it before adding it to your CD.
Create an alternate ending for your story. This must be at least five pages long in Times New Roman 12-Point font with 1 inch margins and double-spaced (MLA Format). You will receive full-credit if you provide dialogue and detail. You must state the setting as well as the names of the characters involved. Grammar and punctuation errors must be minimal or points will be deducted.
Rewrite a chapter from your story from a different character’s point of view. This must be at least five pages long in Times New Roman 12-point font with double spacing (MLA Format). You will receive full credit if you provide dialogue and detail. You must state the setting as well as the names of the characters involved. Grammar and punctuation errors must be very minimal. It must be very clear which point of view you have chosen.
4 Point Artifacts:
Create four diary entries written by one of the characters in your story. The entries should reflect on an event in the text or a character’s internal feelings/conflicts that have not been expressed in the story. Each entry must be at least one page long in Times New Roman 12-point font with double spacing (MLA Format). You will receive full credit if the entries are well written and allow us to see inside the mind of one of the characters (Remember first person point of view!). Grammar and punctuation errors must be very minimal or points will be deducted.
On a poster board, draw your interpretation of one scene from your story. This picture must be large and in color. You must also include a two page explanation of the drawing and the scene which the drawing represents (MLA Format). You will be graded based on your artistic creation as well as the quality of your writing. The picture should be proportionate and provide a clear visualization of the specific scene from the text. I should be able to tell that you put a lot of work and effort into this!
Create a small board game that relates to your story and its characters. You will receive full credit if the board game accurately represents events in the story. You must also provide a clear set of directions and all the game pieces needed to play the game. The board for the game must be sturdy and playable.
Draw or create a costume that you think one of the characters in your story would wear. You will receive full credit if your creation is neatly done and represents the style of clothes worn during the time period of your story, as well as the personality of the character you choose. You must include a two page written explanation explaining the character, their personality, the time period, and why you believe they would wear the outfit you designed (MLA Format).
Three Point Artifacts:
Create a new book cover with a summary on the back for your text. This may be done on the computer or by hand, but it must be in color. You will receive full credit if the cover is neatly done and represents the story. The summary must be well written and have no grammar or punctuation errors. The summary must be at least three paragraphs long (5-7 sentences each). I expect this to be a complete summary (that describes how the story ends) of the story, not an incomplete summary like you would find on the back of novels (with a cliffhanger).
Write a newspaper article detailing a conflict within the story. You must include quotes from the characters in the text or you can create quotes from characters if it is likely that they would say something similar. Again, they do not need to be actual quotes from the text. You will receive full-credit if the article includes quotations. The article must look like a newspaper article (pictures, captions, etc.) and have no grammar or punctuation errors.
Prepare a short skit to do in front of the class that pertains to your text. Include a copy of the script in the portfolio. You will receive full credit based on your acting and script. It must connect to the text in a clear way.
Create a 3-D visual of a scene from your story. You must also include a two page explanation of the drawing and the scene which the drawing represents (MLA Format). You will be graded based on your artistic creation as well as the quality of your writing. It must be neatly and creatively made.
2 Point Artifacts:
Create a matching quiz that connects a character from your story to his or her description. This quiz must include ten characters. If your story does not have ten characters, you may use other plot elements such as theme, setting, and conflict. An answer key must be included. You will receive full-credit if you clearly represent each character on the quiz with an adequate description. There must be no grammar or punctuation errors.
Write a poem, song, or rap based on your story. The poem, song, rap must be at least 16 lines. You will receive full credit if your poem, song or rap meets the length requirements. Your poem, song or rap must also contain no spelling errors. The rhyme scheme (or lack-there-of) and style of the poem is up to you! Extra credit will be available for those who chose to perform their song, poem, or rap in front of the class.
Draw a comic strip that illustrates a major event in your text. Your comic must be at least six pictures long with captions or thought bubbles. You will receive full credit if your illustration matches an event in the text. There should be no grammar or punctuation errors.
Write a newspaper article that explains a real historical event from the time period of your story. The article must look like a newspaper article (pictures, captions, etc.) and have no grammar or punctuation errors.
1 Point Artifacts:
Write a letter from one character to another within your story. This letter must be at least one page long. You will receive full credit if the letter reflects the character’s feelings that were expressed throughout the story. Also, there should be no grammar, punctuation or spelling errors. The writing can be in any font, but cannot exceed 14 point size.
Create an advertisement that might have been seen in the time period of your story. You will receive full credit if the advertisement is neatly and creatively done. It must reflect an actual advertisement for a product from the specific time period of your book. This advertisement must be in color! Do not forget ethos, pathos, and logos!
Take a picture of yourself dressed as someone from your story and explain why this attire connects to that particular character. You must include a one-page explanation of your character and how this attire connects to the character in your portfolio (MLA Format). Provide one piece of textual evidence that supports your choice of attire. You will receive full credit if you can clearly identify the character you resemble and why you feel that this is an appropriate costume that reflects that character. Extra credit will be provided for those who choose to wear their outfit to class.
Create a timeline that follows one character through the entire text. You will receive full credit if the timeline correctly displays the events that occur involving the character. All events must be listed (at least ten events). The timeline must be neatly done and easy to interpret. It would be simpler to complete this on a major character, opposed to a minor character. The characterization should be apparent throughout the timeline. This can be handwritten or created on the computer.
OK. This is a big project, but it could be lots of fun with both reading, writing, and hands-on activities that count as "artifacts." I know you can do this and look forward to your creativity.
I will post this on Google Classroom and expect you to post your book choice and "game plan" on Google Classroom. Keep checking this blog and Google Classroom and email me with questions or concerns.
Stay well. I miss you!
Friday, April 17, 2020
Grades MP3 and new work for MP4
AGENDA:
I hope you are doing well. I am so sorry your year has been so cruelly affected like this. Please know that I miss you so much.
The marking period ends today, but I still can accept missing work and extra credit assignments for this marking for one more week. Hooray!
Grades will be calculated on all your assigned work turned in (or not) by March 13.
IMPORTANT: I am giving a 10/10 for any and all blog posts for reading and writing assignments after that date.
PLEASE, please take advantage of this and post on the blog or in Google classroom as appropriate.
You will be happy you did! Your grade will be raised a lot! Email me and let me know what you post.
Marking Period 4 begins on Monday and I will be posting new reading and writing assignments. I also want to have Zoom meetings to share our thoughts and writings, maybe once a week. Let me know when you are available, or I'll just schedule a meeting, invite you and see who shows up!
Stay well...let me know if you have questions or concerns. You can chat with each other on Google Classroom, too!
I hope you are doing well. I am so sorry your year has been so cruelly affected like this. Please know that I miss you so much.
The marking period ends today, but I still can accept missing work and extra credit assignments for this marking for one more week. Hooray!
Grades will be calculated on all your assigned work turned in (or not) by March 13.
IMPORTANT: I am giving a 10/10 for any and all blog posts for reading and writing assignments after that date.
PLEASE, please take advantage of this and post on the blog or in Google classroom as appropriate.
You will be happy you did! Your grade will be raised a lot! Email me and let me know what you post.
Marking Period 4 begins on Monday and I will be posting new reading and writing assignments. I also want to have Zoom meetings to share our thoughts and writings, maybe once a week. Let me know when you are available, or I'll just schedule a meeting, invite you and see who shows up!
Stay well...let me know if you have questions or concerns. You can chat with each other on Google Classroom, too!
Thursday, April 16, 2020
End of marking period 4/17
Agenda:
Hope you are staying well. I’d loveto hear from more of you as we try to continue with online instruction.
This is a great timeto continue writing in all genres, especially journaling about your experiences.
A reminder that tomorrow is the end of the marking period!
Please get me your poetry for the chapbook—8-10 poems, revised and edited. These need to be uploaded to Google Classroom. Use one doc for all your poems! It makes it easier right now to credit you.
Also, there are plenty of additional credit assignments that you can use to get lots of extra credit!
Please makeup any missing work and let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks!
Stay well. Miss you...
Hope you are staying well. I’d loveto hear from more of you as we try to continue with online instruction.
This is a great timeto continue writing in all genres, especially journaling about your experiences.
A reminder that tomorrow is the end of the marking period!
Please get me your poetry for the chapbook—8-10 poems, revised and edited. These need to be uploaded to Google Classroom. Use one doc for all your poems! It makes it easier right now to credit you.
Also, there are plenty of additional credit assignments that you can use to get lots of extra credit!
Please makeup any missing work and let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks!
Stay well. Miss you...
Friday, April 10, 2020
BOOK CREATOR
AGENDA:
Here is a website for making books and the code to join:
https://app.bookcreator.com/library/-M4Z0RYggqSVFdo_ksSK
https://www.thinglink.com/card/1063823400213938178
6MSR9BB
Here is a website for making books and the code to join:
https://app.bookcreator.com/library/-M4Z0RYggqSVFdo_ksSK
https://www.thinglink.com/card/1063823400213938178
6MSR9BB
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
"Social Distancing" Poem by Juan Herrera
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Things to Do In the Belly of the Whale by Dan Albergotti
AGENDA:
New assignment as we begin to focus on working online. Please look at previous posts for more ideas about writing poetry, especially the 30-day challenge. And yes, it is National Poetry month, and it is important that you continue to work on your poetry chapbook and your portfolios. Work now needs to be posted on Google Classroom for credit during this time that we are using online learning.
Here is a prose poem by one of BOA's poets, Dan Albergotti. It's a poem about survival, but it's also a poem about hope and being grateful for the life we have.
To do: Read the poem carefully. Answer the following questions with a post on the blog.
1. What images stand out for you?
2. What list/poem would you make for what to do in the days of waiting to "return to normal"?
3. Look at the last line. What are some of the things that are important to remember before we entered "the belly of the whale"?
Things to Do In the Belly of the Whale
VANDAL POEM OF THE DAY: SEPTEMBER 29, 2016
Measure the walls. Count the ribs. Notch the long days.
Look up for blue sky through the spout. Make small fires
with the broken hulls of fishing boats. Practice smoke signals.
Call old friends, and listen for echoes of distant voices.
Organize your calendar. Dream of the beach. Look each way
for the dim glow of light. Work on your reports. Review
each of your life’s ten million choices. Endure moments
of self-loathing. Find the evidence of those before you.
Destroy it. Try to be very quiet, and listen for the sound
of gears and moving water. Listen for the sound of your heart.
Be thankful that you are here, swallowed with all hope,
where you can rest and wait. Be nostalgic. Think of all
the things you did and could have done. Remember
treading water in the center of the still night sea, your toes
pointing again and again down, down to the black depths.
Copyright © BOA Editions, Ltd 2008
Used with the permission of The Permissions Company, Inc.
on behalf of BOA Editions LTD.
Used with the permission of The Permissions Company, Inc.
on behalf of BOA Editions LTD.
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