Writing 1

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Writing 1 Class Notes–WEEK 9 (October 29)

Hello All!

It was good to see the students again after our Fall Break. I hope they all had a chance to relax a bit. They came back and were ready to learn!

Quick Write

Today our focus was on the dialogue. We looked at an excerpt of dialogue from Ender’s Game and pulled out some Craft Moves we noticed the writer used. Some of those included indenting when a new speaker speaks, showing rather than telling by using expressive dialogue tags along with having the characters doing something while they are dialoguing. Last, we noticed that sometimes the writer used dialogue tags and sometimes he didn’t. We decided it made the text more “readable”.

After noting those moves in our Craft Moves chart, I gave them a scenario and students had a chance to write some snappy dialogue keeping those craft moves in mind.

Homework Check

We did a brief check in on homework. It can be challenging to have several assignments going at once–part of being a student in this style of classroom–and also as they move ahead academically. I sent out grade reports yesterday which is helpful for students to use to keep track of their progress.

Literature

We finished Ender’s Game this week which means it was time for the final exam :) Students took the exam in class and afterwards each received their own copy of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. They read a handout about introducing the novella and even though there is no reading assigned yet, were able to get a head start. There is a video posted about the book and they have a quiz over the introduction as homework.

Writing

Essay 3 Rough Draft and Prewrite were due today. The homework is to have a friend or family member complete a Peer Review. It is due next week.The final is due November 9.

Grammar

We have now finished the IVAN section of our mnemonic device and are moving on to CAPP. Today’s grammar topic was C=conjunctions. There were no student presentations today–instead I gave a short lesson while students took notes over the three types of conjunctions. They have two homework sheets for practice. Important: If you have given your Parts of Speech Presentation, please fill out a Self-Assessment and turn it in. (I neglected to explain this in class. Reflection is an important part of learning, so take a minute to complete this.)

Homework

Introduction to A Christmas Carol

Quiz on Introduction to ACC

Essay 3 Rough Draft

Essay 3 Prewrite

Essay 3 Peer Editing Worksheet

Parts of Speech Self-Evaluation

Conjunction–1

Conjunctions–2

Links for This Week

Quick Write (10/26)

Craft Moves Chart

Charles Dickens YouTube video

Friday, October 13, 2023

Writing 1 Class Notes--Week 8 (October 12)

Hello All!

I hope the overcast, autumnal weather is calling you to cozy up with a good book over our break this week. After a very scientific poll, we all admitted to being very ready for Fall Break!

Quick Write

We started out with the Craft Move of exercising our Writer’s Voice.

The scenario: a couple is breaking up in a coffee shop. The assignment is to narrate the moment from the point of view of the barista.

The barista might be gossipy, cynical, or hopelessly romantic.

Do it in the voice of a sportscaster.

They had fun with this one!

Writing

One reason for being SO ready for a break is that students have worked very hard to meet their deadlines–and this week was a big one. I appreciate the effort put forth and am proud of them! This week, Essay 1 & 2 Final Drafts were due along with Endnotes. The Peer Review worksheet and Pre-write for each essay (if they haven’t turned those in earlier) were also due today. I will be grading that work over the break.

As is our practice in Writing class, once we turn in one essay, we begin the next. Essay # 3 is entitled “Who is This Special Person?” Presenting an award, a best man’s or maid of honor’s speech, a birthday or graduation, introducing a speaker, the foreword to a book, a eulogy–all could present occasions to pay tribute to a person who is important to you and others.

The subject of this essay should be an “average” person in your life with an “above-average” story. We did spend some time brainstorming, sharing topic ideas and getting started on our Prewrite. The Rough Draft and Prewrite are both due next class (Oct. 28) and we will do a Peer Review in class.

Grammar

We're continuing with the Parts of Speech presentations, and today we had the Nouns group. They gave a short teaching, using a well-done Google Slideshow. Unfortunately, the highly anticipated Kahoot! game experienced “technical difficulties.” The group will have the opportunity to play the game next week after they have tweaked their approach. There are two homework assignments to practice identifying nouns–some of them finished the worksheets in class.

We finished IVAN for Grammar and I forgot to assign the IVAN Reviews! Please complete a review for each part of IVAN. There are 4 Google Forms posted for each part of speech. (Each review form has 10 questions.)

Literature

We have zoomed through Ender’s Game this year–we’re already on the home stretch! Students should read the last chapters (14 & 15) and do the 3 Responses worksheet. Next class period, we will have an in-class exam over the novel.

I hope this is a restful AND productive break for you, dear students!

Blessings,

Mrs. G

Homework

IVAN Review–Interjections

IVAN Review–Verbs

IVAN Review–Adjectives

IVAN Review–Nouns

Read Ender’s Game ch. 14 & 15

Friday, October 6, 2023

Writing 1 Class Notes--Week 7 (October 5)

Greetings All!

What a beautiful day! The beautiful autumnal colors are reminding me of God’s goodness towards us–he is SO faithful! Yes–we have a good inheritance in Him (Psalm 16:6).

In that vein, we started today off by reframing any negative thinking we might have by replacing those thoughts with those of gratefulness. I asked students to list three things they are grateful for before looking at some funny pictures I posted. The instructions were to come up with something creative to write in response as their QuickWrite today. Not surprisingly, they generated some inventive writing.

We spent the bulk of our time in class on Grammar today. Both the verbs and the Adjectives groups presented today. After their lessons and activities, I did some teaching on adjectives. I think some students were surprised that some words they hadn’t realized were adjectives are actually “adjectives in disguise.” Since adjectives modify nouns, simply check to see if the adjective is modifying a noun. If so: BINGO. You’ve got an adjective. Articles (a, an, the) and possessive pronouns (my, his, your, etc) and words that answer what kind, which one, how many and how much can be surprising as well. There are two worksheets on adjectives that are due next week. Make sure to correct them before turning them in!

Switching gears, we discussed the deadlines for Writing. Next week, the Final drafts for Essays 1 & 2 are due. Along with submitting their Final Drafts, students need to submit all of their process pieces: Pre-Writes, Peer Reviews & Endnotes for each essay. I handed out one copy of the Endnotes worksheet so we could read it together to make sure expectations are understood. I explained that the Endnotes are an opportunity for them to reflect on their writing and there is real value in this “meta-cognition” exercise. Reflecting on their own writing encourages ownership and helps students think beyond the “product.” That is where the real magic is.

Though we didn’t have time to read aloud today, students are to keep reading Ender’s Game (Chs. 11-13) and complete the Quiz posted on Google Classroom.

Homework

Adjectives Homework 1

Adjectives Homework 2

Adjectives Evaluation

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Writing 1 Class Notes–Week 6 (September 28)

Hello All!

I woke up with joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart today–and these CHAT students are a big part of that! They were engaged again today and ready to learn!

We got to it with a QuickWrite about quirky collections and chocolate milk. Our class has some interesting collections–including a numismatist!

After that, we spent some time Peer Reviewing Essay #2: What My Childhood Tasted Like. Each student brought their Rough Draft and they filled out a feedback sheet for a classmate. I took an informal poll and most students have found this peer review time valuable–so we will continue with that practice. Those sheets will be used as they work on their final drafts and can be turned in when the final is due (10/12) or sooner, if they wish.

After that, we stayed in Writing mode as we read a Mentor Text called “Fish Cheeks” by Amy Tan. This compelling piece of writing is all about a vivid memory triggered by a special meal–very much like the essay they are currently working on. Students noted a few Craft Moves they can use in their own writing on their Craft Moves charts.

Next up was our long-awaited Literature Circles discussion. I heard some insightful comments as I circulated the room–these students are digging into the reading and were well prepared for their discussion.

We didn’t have the Grammar Presentation from the verbs group this week—we will table that until next week. There are two verbs worksheets due next week when we will hear from both the verbs AND the adjectives group. Make sure to correct your work–and mark your corrections before you submit.

Have a blessed weekend!

Warmly,

Mrs. G

Homework

Essay 1 Final Draft–due Oct. 12

Essay 2 Final Draft–due Oct. 12

(Work on Essay 2 after your RD is graded by me this week)

Read Chs. 9 & 10 Ender’s Game

Literature Circles Evaluation

3 Responses

Verbs–1

Verbs–2

Thursday, September 21, 2023

CHAT Writing 1 Class Notes--Week 5 (September 21)

Greetings Class!

Today was another great class. I am really enjoying this lively bunch. They have good attitudes and that makes for a nice atmosphere.

We started off today in our usual way with a QuickWrite. This time, we examined some Craft Moves and decisions an author used to skillfully weave flashforwards/flashbacks and dialogue into a reflective piece of writing. I encouraged students to try some craft moves as they reflected on memories that come to mind when they see, smell, or hear a certain thing.

Switching gears to our own Writing, it was time to get our Rough Drafts of Essay 1 “My Favorite Mistake.” We went over the Peer Review together to make sure students understood the expectations. After that, they exchanged Rough Drafts and gave each other some helpful (hopefully) feedback. Next week, we will repeat the same process with the Rough Drafts for Essay 2: “What My Childhood Tasted Like.”

After that, we had our first Grammar Presentation: Interjections. I give the group credit for going first–never easy. Though this group did not have a homework sheet prepared as per the assignment, I assigned two worksheets and I gave out a paper KEY. Once they finish those, they are to correct their own work before they hand it in or submit it on Google Classroom. There is also an evaluation of today’s presentation that they should complete. They will assign Next week, the Verbs group will present.

Once again, we had to postpone the Literature discussion till next week. We will likely have to cut out something next week so we can fit it in. Time flies in Writing 1! In the meantime, keep reading chapters 7 & 8 and do 3 Response worksheets.

That’s all for now! Enjoy the golden September light!

Mrs. G

Homework

Essay 1 Final Draft

Essay 2 Rough Draft

Bring a copy to class next week–paper preferably

Interjections Circling

Interjections Practice

Interjections Evaluation

Literature Circles Roles

Read Ch. 7 & 8 of Ender’s Game

3 Responses

Links for this Week

Literature Circles Roles and Groups

Friday, September 15, 2023

Writing 1 Class Notes–Week 4 (9/14)

Greetings Class!

We had a very nice class together today. We made good progress and also paused for a check-in about the writing portion of the class.

As indicated in an earlier email, the writing schedule has been adjusted and today students recieved an updated class syllabus, homework checklist and updated writing schedule (all located on Google Classroom.) I think the students will find the new schedule simpler and easier to follow.

On that note, next week (9/21) they are to bring a hard copy of Essay 1 Rough Draft to class where we will spend time peer reviewing and editing.

The bulk of class time was spent on Grammar. In order to preview what they will be learning this year, students took a grammar pre-test. Many were surprised at how they did–some positive, some negative. The point of the test is to preview, review and compare. We will take the same test at the end of the year and they can see how much they have learned!

After that, we discussed the Parts of Speech Presentations which will begin next week. After reviewing how to teach a lesson using the “I do, we do, you do” approach, students got in the groups they signed up for last week and began to plan their presentations. They were given two planning sheets and had access to a Parts of Speech Review Packet. Since they will most likely need to use out of class time to plan, they exchanged contact information.

Next week, the Interjections group will present and the winner of the IVAN CAPP contest will be announced.

For Literature, students are to keep reading Ender’s Game and do the take home quiz. In order to prioritize grammar, the Literature Circles discussion was postponed until next week–so keep those Role Sheets and be ready to discuss next week.

Have a blessed weekend!

Mrs. G

Homework

Essay 1 Rough Draft

Essay 1 Pre-Write

Bring a copy of your RD to class!

Work on parts of speech presentations

Read Ender’s Game ch 5 & 6

Take Home Quiz #

Vote for the best IVAN CAPP

Links for this week

Updated writing schedule

Syllabus

Homework checklist

Parts of Speech groups

Parts of Speech Review Packet

Parts of Speech Group Assignments

Parts of Speech Planning Sheets & Slides

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Writing 1 Class Notes--Week 3 (9/7)

Greetings Students!

Today was a wild adventure–for me at least! Trying to fit in instruction AND time to actually write in a writer’s workshop is a challenge! My hope is that the more we do it, the more efficient we will get. Some had tech challenges with slow internet connection–I appreciate students rolling with the punches as we may have some trial and error as we figure it out as we go.

We started the day with a QuickWrite. The poem “Oranges” by Gary Soto served as our mentor text. We observed how the writer used similes for imagery and short sentences for effect. After they added those Craft Moves to their charts, students tried their hands at writing about a food that brings back memories. As they shared a word, a sentence or a phrase from their writing, I heard some students trying the craft moves we had highlighted together!

Speaking of food, Essay 2 was introduced today. This is a descriptive piece of writing that focuses on a strong memory related to a special food from our childhood. Students were given some time to brainstorm and pre-write. They now have two essays going and should be working on both of them at home.

How we submit writing and conduct writer’s workshops this year is new, so we took some time to discuss these procedures. The slideshow we walked through is posted on Google Classroom along with a video tutorial that takes students step-by-step through the process of pre-writing, conferring, peer review, rough drafting and final drafts.

We spent the remainder of the writing portion of the class working on Essay 1: My Favorite Mistake. Since it was a short workshop today, we didn’t get to any conferences. Students will need to come to my office hours to confer next week→Mondays 12-1 and keep working on their essays!

We didn’t take time to discuss Ender’s Game in literature today. Instead, we will have a more in-depth discussion next week for the Literature Circles. Each student was assigned a role: Discussion Director, Literary Luminary, Connector or Illustrator. As homework, they will fill out the coordinating role sheet and use chapters 1-4 to prepare thoughtful contributions to next week’s discussion. For homework, they will read chapters 3 & 4 and complete 3 Reader Response questions

Last, for the grammar portion, students chose a part of speech and a partner from a clipboard that was circulated at the beginning of class. Next week we will get into groups and work together to prepare for their presentations.

Whew! We covered a lot of ground today. Please reach out if you have any questions!

Blessings,

Mrs. G

Homework

Essay 2 PreWrite

Rough Draft to Final Draft video tutorial

What My Childhood Tasted Like Rough Draft

Keep working on Essay 1–My Favorite Mistake

Literature Circles Role Sheets

Literature Circles Group Assignments

Confer with Mrs. G Monday 12-1 (if you are ready). Peer Review (when you are ready)

Essay 1