Journal- SuperPower
What would happen if you could become invisible whenever you wanted? What could you, or would you do that you don't now?
Assignment Three:
Assignment Two was to create a Thesis Statement and see if the webpages you had found would help you support that thesis. Yesterday, we reviewed how to set up a paper in MLA format.
Today, you will combine these skills. Create a word document and name it "Assignment Three." Set the document up as though you were writing a paper for THIS class. Heading, page numbers, etc. Your title will be "Assignment Three".
Underneath your title, write THESIS STATEMENT in bold. Write the thesis statement you created next to it in italics.
Skip a line (should be double spaced anyways) and you will write ONE PARAGRAPH that will defend/support your stance in your thesis statement using ONE QUOTE from one of the sources you located.
Since you are using the source in your "paper," you will need to cite it and make a citation that will go underneath your paragraph (we will skip the usually required separate works cited in an effort to conserve trees!).
Once you have set the paper up in MLA STYLE, written out your THESIS STATEMENT,and have written ONE SUPPORTING PARAGRAPH, and have created a CITATION you will email the document to me at msfitzell@aol.com .
You may then check email, etc.
RESOURCES:
MLA Formatting:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
Citation:
http://citationmachine.net/
http://easybib.com/
21 December 2010
14 December 2010
Assignment Two - December 15th
Journal Entry - A Room of One's Own
Which room in your house is your favorite and why?
Assignment Two:
If you have not yet finished working on Assignment One please finish that first.
When assignment one is complete, you are going to look back at that third topic you found websites for, the one you chose. In a word document named Assignment Two, follow these steps:
- Type your name and underneath type the number 1.
- Think of an interesting question pertaining to your topic and write the question next to #1
example: If your topic was Teen Pregnancy, an interesting question might be: "Why are girls getting pregnant so young?"
- Answer your own question! What do you think the answer is?! Even if you don't really know, make a guess at what the answer could be. Write your answer, in a complete sentence, next to #2.
- The sentence you wrote next to number two is your Thesis sentence!
- Look back at the three sources you found and find information that would help you prove your point about the question.
- Find two pieces of information from each of the three websites you found.
- In the word document, copy/paste the address of the website and copy/paste the two pieces of information that go with your question underneath. Be sure to put the information in quotation marks.
- Save the word document named Assignment Two. Do not email it today. We will be working on the document tomorrow.
13 December 2010
Assignment One: Post for December 14th, 2010.
Journal Entries - We will be starting new journal entries tomorrow. You will need to have a total of 20 by the date of your midterm. I will bring the journals to the computer lab tomorrow.
Assignment: Researching a Topic
When you are working on a research paper, one of the the major components is compiling information from reputable sources. The library is an obvious place to start but many colleges have electronic materials you will be able to access from the comfort of your dorm room. And there are sources that are valuable on the web, if you know what to look for.
When perusing the web for reputable sources, a good rule of thumb is to stick to those that end in "org", "edu", "net", or "gov", depending upon your project and topic. Wikipedia is not a good source as it can be changed or house incorrect data.
Let's give it a try!
You will find three reputable sources for each of the following topics:
1. Origins of traditions for a major holiday
2. The War in Iraq
3. A topic of your choosing! (it can relate to one of your classes, or be a totally unrelated topic that is of interest to you)
Create a word document and save it as "Assignment One" followed by your name.
In the word document, make each topic a heading and copy paste the urls of the sources you find into the word document underneath their heading. Write in a sentence or two why this source is helpful/reputable.
Once you have your three sources for each topic and have explained why each source is valuable, save the document and email it to me at: msfitzell@aol.com
Once your assignment is complete, you may do work for another class or check your email.
Assignment: Researching a Topic
When you are working on a research paper, one of the the major components is compiling information from reputable sources. The library is an obvious place to start but many colleges have electronic materials you will be able to access from the comfort of your dorm room. And there are sources that are valuable on the web, if you know what to look for.
When perusing the web for reputable sources, a good rule of thumb is to stick to those that end in "org", "edu", "net", or "gov", depending upon your project and topic. Wikipedia is not a good source as it can be changed or house incorrect data.
Let's give it a try!
You will find three reputable sources for each of the following topics:
1. Origins of traditions for a major holiday
2. The War in Iraq
3. A topic of your choosing! (it can relate to one of your classes, or be a totally unrelated topic that is of interest to you)
Create a word document and save it as "Assignment One" followed by your name.
In the word document, make each topic a heading and copy paste the urls of the sources you find into the word document underneath their heading. Write in a sentence or two why this source is helpful/reputable.
Once you have your three sources for each topic and have explained why each source is valuable, save the document and email it to me at: msfitzell@aol.com
Once your assignment is complete, you may do work for another class or check your email.
30 November 2010
Poetry!
You will be searching for a poem to share with your classmates next week. Please print out a copy of your poem to share. Include the title and author of the poem, if given. Remember, songs are also a form of poetry.
Your poem is due MONDAY, December 6th. We will be sharing poems later on in the week, but I need them on that day to compile them to share. You may email me the poem as well!
msfitzell@aol.com or sfitzell@hps.holyoke.ma.us
Some poetry websites:
http://www.poets.org/
http://poems.com/
http://www.famouspoetsandpoems.com/
Your poem is due MONDAY, December 6th. We will be sharing poems later on in the week, but I need them on that day to compile them to share. You may email me the poem as well!
msfitzell@aol.com or sfitzell@hps.holyoke.ma.us
Some poetry websites:
http://www.poets.org/
http://poems.com/
http://www.famouspoetsandpoems.com/
03 November 2010
06 May 2010
27 April 2010
Tuesday, April 27th
You will find a news article on a website. You may pick any article on any website as long as it could classify as "news." (This means sports, politics, celebrity gossip, etc). You may pick any topic as long as it is one that interests you.
You will then answer for the article the following questions in complete sentences.
2. WHO is involved?
3. WHERE does it take place?
4. WHEN does it take place?
5. WHY did it happen and HOW did it happen?
6. Is this article about something you think is important? Why is it important to you?
7. Is this article about something other people would think was important or vaulable? Does it only interest some poeple and why?
When you are done, please email me your answers (complete sentences) as an attachment and a link to the article in the BODY of your email.
msfitzell@aol.com
You will then answer for the article the following questions in complete sentences.
1. WHAT is it about?
3. WHERE does it take place?
4. WHEN does it take place?
5. WHY did it happen and HOW did it happen?
6. Is this article about something you think is important? Why is it important to you?
7. Is this article about something other people would think was important or vaulable? Does it only interest some poeple and why?
When you are done, please email me your answers (complete sentences) as an attachment and a link to the article in the BODY of your email.
msfitzell@aol.com
16 March 2010
Tuesday, March 16th
Journal - Role Rules?
Sometimes we hear people described someone as "a bad boy" or a "princess." Or have you ever heard someone call taking out the trash a "man's job?" Do you think there are certain roles that people must play in life? What roles do you see people playing? Do you see or know anyone who does not play his or her expected role?
Assignment:
You may pick between the following two prompts. Write three to six paragraphs. You should write by hand first and may type it up if you finish.
1. In our building blocks of narratives, we discussed the need for both major and minor characters. Holden Caulfield is not as compelling a character if he does not have his "phonies." What you will do is select a minor character from a novel or story you have read in or out of school. You will write a narrative in first person (I, me, you) telling that character's side of the story. How might Mercutio from Romeo and Juliet have viewed the star crossed lovers? What might Piggy's take have been in Lord of the Flies?
2. Using descriptive writing techniques, write about the worst day you ever had. Be sure to include all the sensory details, so if you slipped and fell in mud, include all the slimy, grainy details. Remember, you really want to make your reader feel like he or she was there with you, experiencing that bad day too.
When you are done, turn your work into the bottom tray. You may read your book from the library, work on your extra journal entries, or do work for another class when you are done with your assignment.
Have a good day!
Sometimes we hear people described someone as "a bad boy" or a "princess." Or have you ever heard someone call taking out the trash a "man's job?" Do you think there are certain roles that people must play in life? What roles do you see people playing? Do you see or know anyone who does not play his or her expected role?
Assignment:
You may pick between the following two prompts. Write three to six paragraphs. You should write by hand first and may type it up if you finish.
1. In our building blocks of narratives, we discussed the need for both major and minor characters. Holden Caulfield is not as compelling a character if he does not have his "phonies." What you will do is select a minor character from a novel or story you have read in or out of school. You will write a narrative in first person (I, me, you) telling that character's side of the story. How might Mercutio from Romeo and Juliet have viewed the star crossed lovers? What might Piggy's take have been in Lord of the Flies?
2. Using descriptive writing techniques, write about the worst day you ever had. Be sure to include all the sensory details, so if you slipped and fell in mud, include all the slimy, grainy details. Remember, you really want to make your reader feel like he or she was there with you, experiencing that bad day too.
When you are done, turn your work into the bottom tray. You may read your book from the library, work on your extra journal entries, or do work for another class when you are done with your assignment.
Have a good day!
01 March 2010
Journal Entries
JOURNAL ENTRIES
Originally, I assigned 30 entries due by March 5th. After checking the journals this past weekend, I am going to edit that to 25. This means some of you will still have quite a few entries to do, as the average number completed hovered around 16 out of 30 (53%, FYI). This means you should each probably be writing a journal entry in class and one at home ever day this week to bring that grade up.
Journal Entry- March 1st- A Beautiful Dream
We all dream, though some people do not remember them afterward. Dreams are our mind's way of processing all the information it gathered during the day. Sometimes the information we process is something we did not consciously realize.
Think about your own dreams. What are they like?
[you may answer all questions, or select a few that strike your interest]
Are they in color, or black and white?
Are they realistic (grocery shopping, getting ready in the morning, etc), or surreal (flying in space, riding giant purple squirrels through the mall, etc.)?
Do you see connections to what happened during the day, or do they seem abstract and unrelated?
Do you have the same dreams, or sections of dreams, on many different nights?
Originally, I assigned 30 entries due by March 5th. After checking the journals this past weekend, I am going to edit that to 25. This means some of you will still have quite a few entries to do, as the average number completed hovered around 16 out of 30 (53%, FYI). This means you should each probably be writing a journal entry in class and one at home ever day this week to bring that grade up.
Journal Entry- March 1st- A Beautiful Dream
We all dream, though some people do not remember them afterward. Dreams are our mind's way of processing all the information it gathered during the day. Sometimes the information we process is something we did not consciously realize.
Think about your own dreams. What are they like?
[you may answer all questions, or select a few that strike your interest]
Are they in color, or black and white?
Are they realistic (grocery shopping, getting ready in the morning, etc), or surreal (flying in space, riding giant purple squirrels through the mall, etc.)?
Do you see connections to what happened during the day, or do they seem abstract and unrelated?
Do you have the same dreams, or sections of dreams, on many different nights?
The Last Step: Thank You!
We have been working in class with application writing. We looked at the steps involved and the types of writing one must do with applications.
The first step is the gathering of information: making sure we know what we need to include in the application, to whom we are sending/addressing it, and the deadlines.
The second step is to do the writing, whether we are writing a personal statement, a resume, or a cover letter. In each format it is important to remember to be polite, professional, and to present your qualifications in an interesting way. Following the format for each type is important. A resume, cover letter, and personal statement share much of the same information, but they should all be very distinct in their approach.
The last step is the easiest but most often overlooked: The Thank You Card.
Surely you are familiar with these. You probably have had to write them to your great Aunt, thanking her for that ugly fuzzy sweater. Thank you cards are not just for the fashion-challenged Great Aunts, however. After an interview at a school or job, you should write a thank you to the person who interviewed you. This is important for two reasons: (1)You come across as polite and responsible and (2) the Thank You helps make you stand out and be memorable.
Thank you cards are essential for: the person who interviewed you, anyone who acted as a reference or set you up with a job/school interview, and teachers/bosses/family friends who wrote recommendation letters.
So your task now is to write a thank you! You may choose to whom the thank you would be, having had an (imaginary) interview at the school/job of your choice. You will also be in charge of making the card itself! So roll up your sleeves and get the scissors and glue, it is time to finish application writing!
Examples of Thank You Cards:
http://www.thank-you-note-samples.com/interview-thank-you.html
The first step is the gathering of information: making sure we know what we need to include in the application, to whom we are sending/addressing it, and the deadlines.
The second step is to do the writing, whether we are writing a personal statement, a resume, or a cover letter. In each format it is important to remember to be polite, professional, and to present your qualifications in an interesting way. Following the format for each type is important. A resume, cover letter, and personal statement share much of the same information, but they should all be very distinct in their approach.
The last step is the easiest but most often overlooked: The Thank You Card.
Surely you are familiar with these. You probably have had to write them to your great Aunt, thanking her for that ugly fuzzy sweater. Thank you cards are not just for the fashion-challenged Great Aunts, however. After an interview at a school or job, you should write a thank you to the person who interviewed you. This is important for two reasons: (1)You come across as polite and responsible and (2) the Thank You helps make you stand out and be memorable.
Thank you cards are essential for: the person who interviewed you, anyone who acted as a reference or set you up with a job/school interview, and teachers/bosses/family friends who wrote recommendation letters.
So your task now is to write a thank you! You may choose to whom the thank you would be, having had an (imaginary) interview at the school/job of your choice. You will also be in charge of making the card itself! So roll up your sleeves and get the scissors and glue, it is time to finish application writing!
Examples of Thank You Cards:
http://www.thank-you-note-samples.com/interview-thank-you.html
10 February 2010
Thursday February 11th
Journal Entry -- Vacation
Next week is vacation! Will you be spending it relaxing? Working on school projects? Visiting relatives?
Do week long vacations help you focus in school? Or does it distract and lead to forgetfulness?
What does a vacation week mean to you?
Classwork
Today we are going to take the information we compiled about our activities and make a resume that we could send to a college.
Resumes are something you will want to tailor to suit the particulars for each application. For example, you would want to showcase your skills in the kitchen or working for restaurants and your people skills if you apply to be a waiter/waitress, but you will want to emphasize your typing and computer skills to be an office worker.
Keeping that in mind, a resume for college is a great start because you want to show a variety of skill sets.
Open the word program and select a new document. Before clicking on "blank document", look to the left. There should be a list of templates. Find and select a resume template, there will likely be several to choose from. You may select any one you like. Fill in the information and save your document.
I will be coming around to help and check in with you all. If you are done with your resume, you may print and turn it in.
REMEMBER: Tomorrow is Friday and so it is free journal day, but I want you to KEEP your journal over vacation. So bring the journal to class, but keep it with you.
USEFUL LINKS
resume template for students:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumetemplates/a/templatehs.htm
Sample resume:
http://jobsearch.about.com/library/samples/blresumecomb.htm
sample resume:
http://jobsearch.about.com/library/samples/blretailresume.htm
Next week is vacation! Will you be spending it relaxing? Working on school projects? Visiting relatives?
Do week long vacations help you focus in school? Or does it distract and lead to forgetfulness?
What does a vacation week mean to you?
Classwork
Today we are going to take the information we compiled about our activities and make a resume that we could send to a college.
Resumes are something you will want to tailor to suit the particulars for each application. For example, you would want to showcase your skills in the kitchen or working for restaurants and your people skills if you apply to be a waiter/waitress, but you will want to emphasize your typing and computer skills to be an office worker.
Keeping that in mind, a resume for college is a great start because you want to show a variety of skill sets.
Open the word program and select a new document. Before clicking on "blank document", look to the left. There should be a list of templates. Find and select a resume template, there will likely be several to choose from. You may select any one you like. Fill in the information and save your document.
I will be coming around to help and check in with you all. If you are done with your resume, you may print and turn it in.
REMEMBER: Tomorrow is Friday and so it is free journal day, but I want you to KEEP your journal over vacation. So bring the journal to class, but keep it with you.
USEFUL LINKS
resume template for students:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumetemplates/a/templatehs.htm
Sample resume:
http://jobsearch.about.com/library/samples/blresumecomb.htm
sample resume:
http://jobsearch.about.com/library/samples/blretailresume.htm
Wednesday February 10th
Journal Entry -- Snow Day!
What is your best snow day memory? If you cannot think of a particular memory, think of what you look forward to about a snow day. Or perhaps you despise snow days! Reflect on what snow days mean to you.
What is your best snow day memory? If you cannot think of a particular memory, think of what you look forward to about a snow day. Or perhaps you despise snow days! Reflect on what snow days mean to you.
09 February 2010
Tuesday, February 9th
Journal Entry 10 -- "You learn something every day if you pay attention." ~Ray LeBlond
Do you think this quote is true?
When we think of "learning" and "education" we sometimes forget that not everything we are taught is found in a classroom. Or that you learn more than just chemistry in the science classroom. Think about an important or valuable lesson you learned once. What was it? How did you learn, through the guidance of someone or through your own trial and error?
Class Work Today:
Yesterday you were working on revising your personal statements. These are due by the end of class today. They need to be printed out, name on them somewhere, and turned in to me with the original version.
When you have finished your statement, you will work on gathering information for your resume. Write down a list of all the activities you would put on a resume. You need to know the dates you were involved in the activity, who you worked with/for, and be able to explain briefly what you did. This will be an informal list we will reformat. Use activities from since you started high school first, then work back to middle school.
Types of activities:
Do you think this quote is true?
When we think of "learning" and "education" we sometimes forget that not everything we are taught is found in a classroom. Or that you learn more than just chemistry in the science classroom. Think about an important or valuable lesson you learned once. What was it? How did you learn, through the guidance of someone or through your own trial and error?
Class Work Today:
Yesterday you were working on revising your personal statements. These are due by the end of class today. They need to be printed out, name on them somewhere, and turned in to me with the original version.
When you have finished your statement, you will work on gathering information for your resume. Write down a list of all the activities you would put on a resume. You need to know the dates you were involved in the activity, who you worked with/for, and be able to explain briefly what you did. This will be an informal list we will reformat. Use activities from since you started high school first, then work back to middle school.
Types of activities:
- school clubs
- sports teams
- offices held (president, secretary, etc.)
- volunteering
- club/organizations outside of school (Boys and Girls' Club, Girls Inc., Nuestras Raices, etc.)
- Church groups
- Community Groups
- Work experience
08 February 2010
Monday February 8th
Journal Entry -- A Difficult Situation
You will be given a random situation that would be difficult to try to work around. When you receive the situation, write the situation at the beginning of your entry under the title then skip a line and answer the following:
1. How would you be feeling if you found yourself in this situation?
2. Would it be easier/harder if someone was with you?
3. How would you get out of this situation if you ever really found yourself in it?
When you finish your entry, look over your personal response I will be handing back. Read the comments from your peers and from me. We are going to work on our open responses, so be thinking about what you want to do. Continue on the one you started, making some changes and adding some more information? Scrap it and start fresh? Feel free to get started if you already know what you want to do. I will be coming round to check in with everyone.
You will be given a random situation that would be difficult to try to work around. When you receive the situation, write the situation at the beginning of your entry under the title then skip a line and answer the following:
1. How would you be feeling if you found yourself in this situation?
2. Would it be easier/harder if someone was with you?
3. How would you get out of this situation if you ever really found yourself in it?
When you finish your entry, look over your personal response I will be handing back. Read the comments from your peers and from me. We are going to work on our open responses, so be thinking about what you want to do. Continue on the one you started, making some changes and adding some more information? Scrap it and start fresh? Feel free to get started if you already know what you want to do. I will be coming round to check in with everyone.
03 February 2010
Thursday February 4th
Journal Entry 7 -- Got to Have It!
We have many possessions. Some of these belongings are necessary, some are objects we simply enjoy. Some practical things can also bring joy. We need clothing to keep us warm (especially now!), but we also pick clothing that we like.
Think of all of your possessions. If you could only choose one thing, the one thing you cannot do without, what would it be (the old 'if the house was burning and you could only save one thing...)?
When you are done, take out a writing utensil and wait for the rest of the class to finish so we may move on. If you have not yet printed out your personal response from yesterday, do so now. It is okay if you are not done. Print what you have. :-)
We have many possessions. Some of these belongings are necessary, some are objects we simply enjoy. Some practical things can also bring joy. We need clothing to keep us warm (especially now!), but we also pick clothing that we like.
Think of all of your possessions. If you could only choose one thing, the one thing you cannot do without, what would it be (the old 'if the house was burning and you could only save one thing...)?
When you are done, take out a writing utensil and wait for the rest of the class to finish so we may move on. If you have not yet printed out your personal response from yesterday, do so now. It is okay if you are not done. Print what you have. :-)
Wednesday February 3rd
Hello! I hope you all enjoyed the day off due to MCAS testing. :-)
Journal Entry 6-- Super Powers
If I could have any one super power, it would be the ability to ...
Journal Entry 6-- Super Powers
If I could have any one super power, it would be the ability to ...
31 January 2010
Monday February 1st
Journal -- Strengths and Weaknesses
Everyone has something that they do well. Some people have obvious talents and some people have skills that may not be so easily noticed. In fact, sometimes people are good at things and need someone else to tell them so. Think about what things you do well. What are your strengths? Are they things you think you do well, or that others say you are good at?
Of course the reverse to this is our weaknesses. Everyone has them. Things we know we don't do well, or things that we know hinder our ability to do so. Whether your weakness is something mental/emotional (like stage fright) or physical, try to identify what your own weaknesses might be.
Everyone has something that they do well. Some people have obvious talents and some people have skills that may not be so easily noticed. In fact, sometimes people are good at things and need someone else to tell them so. Think about what things you do well. What are your strengths? Are they things you think you do well, or that others say you are good at?
Of course the reverse to this is our weaknesses. Everyone has them. Things we know we don't do well, or things that we know hinder our ability to do so. Whether your weakness is something mental/emotional (like stage fright) or physical, try to identify what your own weaknesses might be.
28 January 2010
Friday the 29th
Happy Friday!
Today you are Free-Writing in your journal. Your entry can be about anything you want. I will put some random topics at the bottom of this post if you are stuck and cannot think of anything.
When you are done with your entry, you may read, work on something for another class, or write!
Remember to give me your journal before you leave class!
Suggestions:
1. What is your favorite time of year?
2. Describe a place from your past.
3. Describe a family member.
4. NOthing can be worse than...(finish the thought)
Today you are Free-Writing in your journal. Your entry can be about anything you want. I will put some random topics at the bottom of this post if you are stuck and cannot think of anything.
When you are done with your entry, you may read, work on something for another class, or write!
Remember to give me your journal before you leave class!
Suggestions:
1. What is your favorite time of year?
2. Describe a place from your past.
3. Describe a family member.
4. NOthing can be worse than...(finish the thought)
27 January 2010
Thursday the 28th
Journal Entry -- Where Will We Be?
What do you hope to be doing or where do you see yourself in:
Five years?
Ten years?
In what ways can writing help you accomplish those goals?
After you have finished your entry, wait for me to move on. You may work on other classwork, write an extra entry, or read.
In class materials:
http://www.umass.edu/admissions/documents/ugadmissionapp.pdf
What do you hope to be doing or where do you see yourself in:
Five years?
Ten years?
In what ways can writing help you accomplish those goals?
After you have finished your entry, wait for me to move on. You may work on other classwork, write an extra entry, or read.
In class materials:
http://www.umass.edu/admissions/documents/ugadmissionapp.pdf
26 January 2010
Wednesday the 27th
JOURNAL ENTRIES ONE AND TWO
There is something exciting about writing in a new, blank journal. You are making your mark, leaving a record of your thoughts and feelings.
There are many reasons to write a journal and many things you can put in your journal. Your journal grade will be based on writing a certain number of entries per grading period, not based on content/spelling/grammar. The number of entries that are due by the 5 weeks marking period are thirty (30). This may seem like quite a few now, but you are writing at least five a week in class. So that means only five will be written outside of class and are totally up to you for their topic!
Remember-- all entries need the DATE and a TITLE.
ex.
27 January 2010
Tips for Journal Writing
You are going to make two entries today in your journal. (Only 28 to go!)
FIRST ENTRY -- Tips for Journal Writing
http://www.scribetime.com/Journal-Writing-Tips-How-to-Keep-a-Journal_ep_44-1.html
Go to the web address listed above. There is a list of journal writing tips. Pick five tips that you like best and want to remember. Write these tips in your journal in your own words.
SECOND ENTRY -- When We Write...
Respond to the below questions...
When do you find you do the most writing? (at home, in class, etc.)
What do you usually write? (essays, journal/diary, poems, notes to friends, texts, etc.)
What aspects of writing do you enjoy? What aspects do you find difficult or that you dislike?
There is something exciting about writing in a new, blank journal. You are making your mark, leaving a record of your thoughts and feelings.
There are many reasons to write a journal and many things you can put in your journal. Your journal grade will be based on writing a certain number of entries per grading period, not based on content/spelling/grammar. The number of entries that are due by the 5 weeks marking period are thirty (30). This may seem like quite a few now, but you are writing at least five a week in class. So that means only five will be written outside of class and are totally up to you for their topic!
Remember-- all entries need the DATE and a TITLE.
ex.
27 January 2010
Tips for Journal Writing
You are going to make two entries today in your journal. (Only 28 to go!)
FIRST ENTRY -- Tips for Journal Writing
http://www.scribetime.com/Journal-Writing-Tips-How-to-Keep-a-Journal_ep_44-1.html
Go to the web address listed above. There is a list of journal writing tips. Pick five tips that you like best and want to remember. Write these tips in your journal in your own words.
SECOND ENTRY -- When We Write...
Respond to the below questions...
When do you find you do the most writing? (at home, in class, etc.)
What do you usually write? (essays, journal/diary, poems, notes to friends, texts, etc.)
What aspects of writing do you enjoy? What aspects do you find difficult or that you dislike?
25 January 2010
Welcome to Writing for the Next Level!
There are as many reasons to write as there are types of writing. From personal letters to research papers, resumes to poetry, each different form has a format to follow. Yet each writer is different and individual writing style acts as a fingerprint that distinguishes and identifies an author.
The aim of this course is to help you become a more distinguished writer. We will be looking at and practicing many different types of writing and will work on improving our skills with language use and word choices. We will accomplish this by reading, journaling, discussing, editing, revising, and, of course, writing.
The course will cover the following types of writing:
Application Writing
We will look at how and what to write when applying to college, for a job, or for a scholarship. We will cover applications, personal statements, resumes, cover letters, and essays for college admission and scholarships.
Scholarly Writing
We will work on strengthening our skills in organization and style for writing formal research papers, as well as analytical essays. We will also work on proper format and documentation according to MLA.
Memoir Writing
We will look at the recording of personal experiences through writing, discussing why people write about this topic and what makes others want to read it. We will read memoirs as well as write our own.
Creative Writing
We will have the opportunity to learn about various styles of creative writing such as: short story, poetry, song writing, mystery writing, and graphic novel/cartoon writing.
BLOGGING
There is a blog that accompanies this class that you will access for your daily prompt. This blog will also be useful as a means of easy access to websites and other information that I want us to use in class. This also makes it easy if you have missed a day to stay up to date and is an easy way to communicate with me.
The blog address is: http://writingforthenextlevel.blogspot.com/
My Email: msfitzell@gmail.com
Required Class Materials –Have these with you every day.
Ø You will need a notebook to be used as a journal.
Ø A notebook and folder OR binder for class notes and assignments.
Ø Pen or pencil—All assignments are to be legible and written in a dark ink. If I cannot read it, I cannot grade it.
Ø Journals – You will have a daily journal topic assigned that will be posted on the Writing for the Next Level blog. All journal entries need to have the date and a title. For teacher assigned prompts, you will also have a title given.
Grading
| Percent of grade | Assignment Type | Assignment Description |
| 25 % | Journal | Journals will be turned in at the end of class each Friday to be graded and returned Monday. You will have teacher assigned journal prompts, but you will also be responsible for writing on your own topics in your journal on Friday. |
| 20 % | Class Work | Assignments given in class ranging from group work to questions on texts. |
| 20 % | Quizzes | You will be assessed on understanding of different topics discussed in class and notes taken. |
| 35 % | Writing Assignment | You will be practicing the different types of writing we will be looking at, so writing assignments will vary in terms of length and format. Be sure to pay attention to specific directions for each assignment to ensure full credit can be obtained. |
Check Grades: Class work and journal entries will receive check mark grades.
|
|
|
| X |
| 100 complete no mistakes | 80 complete few mistakes | 60 complete several mistakes | 0 incomplete late incorrect |
On Fridays you will be given time to Free-Write in your Journal. We will have the first twenty minutes set aside to journal. While you are required to spend time writing, what you write will be up to you. When you are done free-writing, you have time to do the following activities:
Ø Free-read – you may read any book of your choosing.
Ø Work Shop writing – you may bring in writing you are doing for this class, or for another, to workshop.
Ø Free-Write – you may work on writing for a project for this, or another, class.
REMEMBER -- Friday is when you turn your journal in to me. If you are absent, simply turn the journal in the following Friday.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)