Tuesday, January 17
Share journal responses (Classification Writing)
Introduce exemplification essays
- What are they? How do you write one?
- Example: Read and discuss “The Catbird Seat” (handout)
- Brainstorm other topics for exemplification essays
Journal: Write a 2-page exemplification essay in your journal with a title of your choice. Remember: the point of this type of writing is to make a statement or generalization and then give examples (facts, personal experiences, anecdotes, etc.) to illustrate or prove it. For example, if my statement is that men have it easier in life than women, I’d need to provide examples to support that idea. If I argue that high school is a perfect reflection of adult life, but in miniature, then I’d need to provide anecdotes or evidence to flesh out that analogy.
HW: Complete your journal, if necessary.
Thursday, January 19
Share exemplification journals
JOURNALS DUE – *star* the one entry you intend to revise as a “final exam.” This will be the only entry given feedback; the others will be given a completion score.
Last Nonfiction Project: Graphic Personal Narrative!
- Read and discuss “The Harvey Pekar Story”
- In-class thinking, writing and comic-strip-creating time!
HW: Complete your inked, colored and printed graphic narrative for Monday; this assignment constitutes your final project grade. It needs to focus on a single event that is the basis of comment and reflection. It can be serious, funny, satirical, or just about any other tone. But it needs to look as if you put significant time, thought, and care into its content and presentation.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Weekly Agenda: January 10-13
Tuesday, January 10
Share journal responses (“Stereotypes and Me”)
Writing a process piece
- Point: To explain or teach how
- Components:
o A beginning, middle and end
o Something the writer knows about/has expertise in
o Includes all essential information, details, or steps
o Focused, but (ideally) not boring
o Considers the audience
- Example:
o “How to Become a Writer” (excerpt read aloud) - discuss
Journal: Write a 1-2 page process essay on the topic of your choice.
Brainstorm first, then think of your audience and tone. Be specific and focused, serious or funny or whatever you feel like. Heads-up: We will trade these with a partner on Thursday.
HW: Complete journal.
Thursday, January 12
Assembly Schedule
Trade process journals; volunteers share
Introduce classification essays
- What are they? How do you write one?
- Example: Read and discuss “Friends, Good Friends” (handout)
- Brainstorm other topics for classification essays
Journal: Write a 2-page entry that is a classification essay titled (prompt):
“______ Types/Kinds of ______”
HW: Complete journal, if necessary. Heads-up: Be prepared to share this entry with a partner.
Share journal responses (“Stereotypes and Me”)
Writing a process piece
- Point: To explain or teach how
- Components:
o A beginning, middle and end
o Something the writer knows about/has expertise in
o Includes all essential information, details, or steps
o Focused, but (ideally) not boring
o Considers the audience
- Example:
o “How to Become a Writer” (excerpt read aloud) - discuss
Journal: Write a 1-2 page process essay on the topic of your choice.
Brainstorm first, then think of your audience and tone. Be specific and focused, serious or funny or whatever you feel like. Heads-up: We will trade these with a partner on Thursday.
HW: Complete journal.
Thursday, January 12
Assembly Schedule
Trade process journals; volunteers share
Introduce classification essays
- What are they? How do you write one?
- Example: Read and discuss “Friends, Good Friends” (handout)
- Brainstorm other topics for classification essays
Journal: Write a 2-page entry that is a classification essay titled (prompt):
“______ Types/Kinds of ______”
HW: Complete journal, if necessary. Heads-up: Be prepared to share this entry with a partner.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Weekly Agenda: January 3-6
Tuesday, January 3
Volunteers share their nonfiction narratives (DUE TODAY)
What was easiest about this project? Most challenging?
Writing about yourself: The Personal Essay
Read “What Really Scares Us” (handout)
Journal: Write a 2 page journal entry discussing one of your greatest fears – a phobia. Explain instances when it has reared its ugly head. Then, take a step back and consider, on paper, why it scares you so much. Be as introspective as possible.
HW: None, unless you need to finish your journal.
Thursday, January 5
Trade journal with a partner. After reading, volunteers will read the work of their (anonymous) partner.
Read and discuss “The Stereotype Trap” (handout)
- What about the essay do you agree or disagree with?
- What do you find persuasive or unpersuasive?
- What, if anything, did you find educational or surprising?
Journal: This entry has two parts. First, write about the stereotypes that you feel other have applied to you, in the past or the present. Give specific examples of moments or events when these stereotypes have been to obvious to ignore, or when they affected you negatively or positively. Second, address each stereotype (if there is more than one) and explain how you fit it, how you don’t fit it, and what you’ve done to avoid it or encourage it. This should end up at 2 pages or so.
HW: None, unless you need to finish your journal
Volunteers share their nonfiction narratives (DUE TODAY)
What was easiest about this project? Most challenging?
Writing about yourself: The Personal Essay
Read “What Really Scares Us” (handout)
Journal: Write a 2 page journal entry discussing one of your greatest fears – a phobia. Explain instances when it has reared its ugly head. Then, take a step back and consider, on paper, why it scares you so much. Be as introspective as possible.
HW: None, unless you need to finish your journal.
Thursday, January 5
Trade journal with a partner. After reading, volunteers will read the work of their (anonymous) partner.
Read and discuss “The Stereotype Trap” (handout)
- What about the essay do you agree or disagree with?
- What do you find persuasive or unpersuasive?
- What, if anything, did you find educational or surprising?
Journal: This entry has two parts. First, write about the stereotypes that you feel other have applied to you, in the past or the present. Give specific examples of moments or events when these stereotypes have been to obvious to ignore, or when they affected you negatively or positively. Second, address each stereotype (if there is more than one) and explain how you fit it, how you don’t fit it, and what you’ve done to avoid it or encourage it. This should end up at 2 pages or so.
HW: None, unless you need to finish your journal
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Weekly Agenda: December 12-15
Monday, December 12
Share Journal #1 Writing
Read “The Chase” (handout)
For discussion:
- Which details convince you this really happened?
- What makes her happy with getting in trouble, and the chaser heroic?
- Whom do you think she is writing for?
- What message do you think Dillard is trying to convey?
In-class Journal Prompt #2:
This essay covers the classic conflict that arises because of the acts of children and the response of an adult. Brainstorm a few times in your own life that fit this description. Select one to write about in a 1-2 page narrative. Be prepared to share with the class.
HW: Complete today’s journal entry if necessary
Wednesday, December 14
Read “Conversations With My Father” (handout)
- respond and discuss
Journal #3: Autobiographical Narrative assignment
- brainstorm interview subject
- generate possible interview questions
- share examples of sample interview and biographical essay
HW: Interview a family member or family friend (an adult) about a real event from his or her life. Then write a creative nonfiction narrative that documents their experience OR that documents your conversation with them about that experience. Be sure to include all the elements of fiction, as we’ve discussed.
Part One: Write up the interview questions and responses.
Part Two: Write the 1½ - 2 page account.
Have a safe and relaxing Winter Break!
Share Journal #1 Writing
Read “The Chase” (handout)
For discussion:
- Which details convince you this really happened?
- What makes her happy with getting in trouble, and the chaser heroic?
- Whom do you think she is writing for?
- What message do you think Dillard is trying to convey?
In-class Journal Prompt #2:
This essay covers the classic conflict that arises because of the acts of children and the response of an adult. Brainstorm a few times in your own life that fit this description. Select one to write about in a 1-2 page narrative. Be prepared to share with the class.
HW: Complete today’s journal entry if necessary
Wednesday, December 14
Read “Conversations With My Father” (handout)
- respond and discuss
Journal #3: Autobiographical Narrative assignment
- brainstorm interview subject
- generate possible interview questions
- share examples of sample interview and biographical essay
HW: Interview a family member or family friend (an adult) about a real event from his or her life. Then write a creative nonfiction narrative that documents their experience OR that documents your conversation with them about that experience. Be sure to include all the elements of fiction, as we’ve discussed.
Part One: Write up the interview questions and responses.
Part Two: Write the 1½ - 2 page account.
Have a safe and relaxing Winter Break!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Weekly Agenda: December 5-9
Tuesday, December 6
First Drafts DUE
Peer Review and Optional Teacher Conferencing
HW: Complete final draft for Thursday
Thursday, December 8
Final Drafts DUE
Introduction to Creative Nonfiction (slide show w/ slide notes)
- forms
- purposes & possibilities
- examples
Today’s focus: Literary Memoir
- Read “Snapshot of a Dog” (handout). Explain:
- What does this short example of literary memoir reveal about the dog, and what does it reveal about the writer?
- What elements of fiction are found here? How are they used?
- Why do you believe James Thurber chose to write this essay?
Journal: We have all likely lost someone or something (whether a pet, family member, friend, etc.). Write your own brief (1-2page) creative nonfiction piece based on Thurber’s title, completing it with your own subject: “Snapshot of a….” (Be prepared to share with others)
HW: Complete journal, if necessary.
First Drafts DUE
Peer Review and Optional Teacher Conferencing
HW: Complete final draft for Thursday
Thursday, December 8
Final Drafts DUE
Introduction to Creative Nonfiction (slide show w/ slide notes)
- forms
- purposes & possibilities
- examples
Today’s focus: Literary Memoir
- Read “Snapshot of a Dog” (handout). Explain:
- What does this short example of literary memoir reveal about the dog, and what does it reveal about the writer?
- What elements of fiction are found here? How are they used?
- Why do you believe James Thurber chose to write this essay?
Journal: We have all likely lost someone or something (whether a pet, family member, friend, etc.). Write your own brief (1-2page) creative nonfiction piece based on Thurber’s title, completing it with your own subject: “Snapshot of a….” (Be prepared to share with others)
HW: Complete journal, if necessary.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
November 28 - December 1
Tuesday, November 29
Genre Sign-Up
Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Workshop or Performance, depending on section
HW: Complete synopsis
Thursday, December 1
Synopsis DUE
Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Workshop or Performance, depending on section
HW: Complete Genre Fiction Story First Draft. DUE NEXT CLASS FOR WORKSHOP
Genre Sign-Up
Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Workshop or Performance, depending on section
HW: Complete synopsis
Thursday, December 1
Synopsis DUE
Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Workshop or Performance, depending on section
HW: Complete Genre Fiction Story First Draft. DUE NEXT CLASS FOR WORKSHOP
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Weekly Agenda: November 21-23
Monday, November 21
Trade journals with partner, share feedback (based on conventions of fantasy)
Volunteers share their writing
Last Fantasy Journal: Create an antagonist. First, create a character profile (it can even be illustrated!) Then, write a brief scene featuring the antagonist, imagining that it is the first scene in a larger fantasy work introducing the central antagonist. Be creative; build a worthy foe for a hero.
Introduction of Story Assignment #2 (requirements, rubric, peer review guide)
HW: Complete the journal prompt
Wednesday, November 23
Introduction to Mystery Writing Conventions – Focus: Cozy mysteries
Read “The Adventure of the Crooked Man” (handout)
- Discuss conventions
Plotting a mystery: Planning the end and planting the evidence
- outline evidence in “The Adventure of the Crooked Man”
Journal prompt: Creating an amateur detective: Person & Place
HW: Complete Journal Prompt → Journals due next class
Happy Thanksgiving!
Trade journals with partner, share feedback (based on conventions of fantasy)
Volunteers share their writing
Last Fantasy Journal: Create an antagonist. First, create a character profile (it can even be illustrated!) Then, write a brief scene featuring the antagonist, imagining that it is the first scene in a larger fantasy work introducing the central antagonist. Be creative; build a worthy foe for a hero.
Introduction of Story Assignment #2 (requirements, rubric, peer review guide)
HW: Complete the journal prompt
Wednesday, November 23
Introduction to Mystery Writing Conventions – Focus: Cozy mysteries
Read “The Adventure of the Crooked Man” (handout)
- Discuss conventions
Plotting a mystery: Planning the end and planting the evidence
- outline evidence in “The Adventure of the Crooked Man”
Journal prompt: Creating an amateur detective: Person & Place
HW: Complete Journal Prompt → Journals due next class
Happy Thanksgiving!
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