Memoir #5
Today you will be writing your rough draft for Memoir #5 to be typed on your GoogleDocs on MONDAY. For this memoir, choose ONE of the following topics.
1) Your First Love: This could be a person, place, or thing. Think of the first time in your life when you felt you had truly fallen in love. Describe where you were and how it happened. You may want to end the story by explaining what has become of that love.
2) The Hardest Thing You Ever Had to Do: This could be a decision you had to make, something you had to tell someone, something that was physically/mentally difficult to do, or something you just really didn't want to do. Describe what it was, why you had to do it, and what you've learned from the experience.
3) A Life Change: This could be a change you made in your appearance, location, social life, school life, work life, etc. What change did you make? What made you decide to make this change? What were the positive/negative effects of this change? How/is this change still affecting you?
4) A Moment You Wish You Could Re-live: This could be a positive or negative moment from your life. Think of an experience you wish you could have all over again. Describe this experience. Why would you want to re-live this moment? If you could re-live it, would you do everything the same or are there things you would do differently?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thursday, March 31
Do-Now: Which creative writing activity have you enjoyed the most so far? Why? Which activity have you enjoyed the least? Why? What other types of activities would you like to do in this class?
Today: In-Class Extra-Credit : All assignments due by the end of class today!
1) Write another sonnet on a topic of your choice = 20 pts.
2) Write a haiku = 3 pts. each or 10 pts. if you write THREE (you may not write more than SIX)
3) Character Sketch : Write a character sketch on another person you know (you may not choose the same person you did your first sketch on). Remember, this sketch should read like a short story that doesn't follow the traditional plotline. Length = 20 complete sentences = 20 pts.
4) Advice Column : With a partner, you may re-do the advice column activity. Each letter asking for advice should be at least TEN sentences long and each response should be at least TEN sentences as well. Remember, you are switching papers after writing the letter asking for help and responding to each other's problems. You will each receive 20 pts. for two completed letters and responses.
5) Heart Map: Create another heart map, this one focusing on a THEME such as people, sports, music, memories, etc. Make sure you put the most important things in the middle and the least important things further away from the center. You may also use different colors and sizes.
Today: In-Class Extra-Credit : All assignments due by the end of class today!
1) Write another sonnet on a topic of your choice = 20 pts.
2) Write a haiku = 3 pts. each or 10 pts. if you write THREE (you may not write more than SIX)
3) Character Sketch : Write a character sketch on another person you know (you may not choose the same person you did your first sketch on). Remember, this sketch should read like a short story that doesn't follow the traditional plotline. Length = 20 complete sentences = 20 pts.
4) Advice Column : With a partner, you may re-do the advice column activity. Each letter asking for advice should be at least TEN sentences long and each response should be at least TEN sentences as well. Remember, you are switching papers after writing the letter asking for help and responding to each other's problems. You will each receive 20 pts. for two completed letters and responses.
5) Heart Map: Create another heart map, this one focusing on a THEME such as people, sports, music, memories, etc. Make sure you put the most important things in the middle and the least important things further away from the center. You may also use different colors and sizes.
Wednesday, March 30
Do-Now: Today in class you will be writing a short story with TWO characters. First, you must make up a character sketch for each of the characters in order to give you an idea of what your story will be about.
Today: You will be writing a short fiction story (at least, but not limited to, two pages). This story will have only two characters who are sharing the same conflict. Each character should be responding to the conflict in a different way and have his/her on view of the conflict. The story should follow a normal plot line, ending with the conflict being resolved and a denoument. To help, you may want to first map your story on a plot pyramid.
Homework: Finish short story.
Today: You will be writing a short fiction story (at least, but not limited to, two pages). This story will have only two characters who are sharing the same conflict. Each character should be responding to the conflict in a different way and have his/her on view of the conflict. The story should follow a normal plot line, ending with the conflict being resolved and a denoument. To help, you may want to first map your story on a plot pyramid.
Homework: Finish short story.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 29
Do-Now: Recall the best birthday you've ever had. How old were you? What did you do to celebrate? What gifts did you get? What made this particular birthday so special?
Agenda: Today you are finishing your first blog post that you started last week on http://www.blogspot.com/. When you are finished, you may type Memoir #4 into your GoogleDocs.
Homework:
Agenda: Today you are finishing your first blog post that you started last week on http://www.blogspot.com/. When you are finished, you may type Memoir #4 into your GoogleDocs.
Homework:
Monday, March 28
Do-Now: We are going to be having "silent" debates in class today. Make a list of topics you would be interested in debating. (Note: If the class doesn't come up with enough topics, they will have to debate the topics Ms. W chooses).
Today: "Silent Debates" : Today we will have a series of "silent" debates. Several topics will be written on the top of lined sheets of paper. The papers will be passed around the class and every student will have a chance to comment on the issue. Students may also comment on other students' comments. This will continue until the papers are full or time is up. Ms. W will then read the debate discussions out loud.
Today: "Silent Debates" : Today we will have a series of "silent" debates. Several topics will be written on the top of lined sheets of paper. The papers will be passed around the class and every student will have a chance to comment on the issue. Students may also comment on other students' comments. This will continue until the papers are full or time is up. Ms. W will then read the debate discussions out loud.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Friday, March 25
Do-Now: Take 3 Worksheet
Today: 1) Horoscopes: You will be read your Friday horoscope, then you will be writing a horoscope for a famous person. Everyone will take turns reading his/her horoscope and the class will guess who the famous person is.
2) Game: Taboo
3) Memoir #4 : You will begin writing the fourth chapter for your memoirs. You may use a topic from your Memoir Worthy Experiences List of come up with a new topic.
Homework: Finish Chapter #4 of your Memoirs.
Today: 1) Horoscopes: You will be read your Friday horoscope, then you will be writing a horoscope for a famous person. Everyone will take turns reading his/her horoscope and the class will guess who the famous person is.
2) Game: Taboo
3) Memoir #4 : You will begin writing the fourth chapter for your memoirs. You may use a topic from your Memoir Worthy Experiences List of come up with a new topic.
Homework: Finish Chapter #4 of your Memoirs.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thursday, March 24
Do-Now: How have you changed since you were around 8 years old? How have your likes/dislikes changed? What do you do now that you didn't do when you were younger? What did you stop doing that you used to do when you were younger? What is important to you now that wasn't important to you back then?
Today: We will be reading/writing poems about change. First, we will focus on the change of seasons by reading "The Tree" and "Seasons of the School Oak." Next, we will focus on the changes a person goes hrough as he/she gets older by reading "Mom" and "I Once New a Girl." You will then be composing two of your own original poems. The first will be modeled after "The Tree" and "Seasons of the School Oak." In this poem, you will discuss how an object or place is used and is changed throughout the four seasons. The second will be modeled after "Mom" and "I Once New a Girl." In this poem, you will focus on how you have changed since you were a child.
Homework: Finish Poems
Today: We will be reading/writing poems about change. First, we will focus on the change of seasons by reading "The Tree" and "Seasons of the School Oak." Next, we will focus on the changes a person goes hrough as he/she gets older by reading "Mom" and "I Once New a Girl." You will then be composing two of your own original poems. The first will be modeled after "The Tree" and "Seasons of the School Oak." In this poem, you will discuss how an object or place is used and is changed throughout the four seasons. The second will be modeled after "Mom" and "I Once New a Girl." In this poem, you will focus on how you have changed since you were a child.
Homework: Finish Poems
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Wednesday, March 23
Do-Now: Brainstorm: Today in class you will be creating your own blog. List FIVE topics you might be interested in creating a blog on. Keep in mind, people tend to write blogs on things they know a lot about. Therefore, you should include topics on your list which you are not only interested in, but knowledgeable about. Remember, blogs can be used to inform others, express opinions, and reflect on life.
Today: Today you will be using Blogspot.com to create your own blog. Choose one of the five topics you listed for your Do-Now which you feel most comfortable creating a blog on. You must first create your blog using a valid e-mail address (it's easiest to use your Gmail account) and design how you would like your blog to be formatted. Next, you may look at others' blogs to give yourself an idea of what you want your blog to look/sound like. Finally, you can write your first blog entry and post it on your blog. When you are finished, give Ms. W the blog address so she can read it and grade it. Remember, blogs have spellcheck---so use it!
Today: Today you will be using Blogspot.com to create your own blog. Choose one of the five topics you listed for your Do-Now which you feel most comfortable creating a blog on. You must first create your blog using a valid e-mail address (it's easiest to use your Gmail account) and design how you would like your blog to be formatted. Next, you may look at others' blogs to give yourself an idea of what you want your blog to look/sound like. Finally, you can write your first blog entry and post it on your blog. When you are finished, give Ms. W the blog address so she can read it and grade it. Remember, blogs have spellcheck---so use it!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tuesday, March 22
Do-Now: When you are faced with a problem, who do you usually go to for advice? Why do you usually go to this person? What is the best advice he/she has ever given you? How did you use this advice?
Today: We will be writing advice columns. First, we will look at a few sample advice columns. Next, each of you will pretend to be someone in need of advice and write a letter to an advice columnist asking for help. Your letter will then be collected and handed to one of your classmates who will read it and offer his/her advice. Afterwards, the class will share out their completed advice columns.
Today: We will be writing advice columns. First, we will look at a few sample advice columns. Next, each of you will pretend to be someone in need of advice and write a letter to an advice columnist asking for help. Your letter will then be collected and handed to one of your classmates who will read it and offer his/her advice. Afterwards, the class will share out their completed advice columns.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Monday, March 21
Do-Now: Spring Haiku: In honor of spring officially starting, compose a haiku about spring. You can focus on the weather or springtime activities.
Today: Lyric Art: Using the same lyrics you used Friday (or different lyrics if you choose) you will be creating two pieces of art. One will use lines/phrases from the song lyrics organized artistically/meaningfully on white paper (similar to your heart maps). For the other, you will draw a visual representation of a line/phrase from your song.
Homework: Finish Lyric Art
Today: Lyric Art: Using the same lyrics you used Friday (or different lyrics if you choose) you will be creating two pieces of art. One will use lines/phrases from the song lyrics organized artistically/meaningfully on white paper (similar to your heart maps). For the other, you will draw a visual representation of a line/phrase from your song.
Homework: Finish Lyric Art
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Friday, March 18
Do-Now: "Quotes & Notes" : Take out the quote you brought in for today's class. Write at least one page (more if you have BIG handwriting) explaining what you feel the quote means and how you can relate it to your life. You should have an easier time doing this since this is your second quote.
Today: "Found Poems/Art in Lyrics" : We will look at lyrics from different songs (including the lyrics you brought in) and find poetry/art in them. First, you will take certain words/phrases from the lyrics and arrange them into your own "original poem." Next, you can choose to use words/phrases to create word art. Finally, you can visually represent a line from your song in a picture. You will end up with THREE pieces when you are finished.
Homework: Finish all THREE pieces of the "Found Poems/Art"
Today: "Found Poems/Art in Lyrics" : We will look at lyrics from different songs (including the lyrics you brought in) and find poetry/art in them. First, you will take certain words/phrases from the lyrics and arrange them into your own "original poem." Next, you can choose to use words/phrases to create word art. Finally, you can visually represent a line from your song in a picture. You will end up with THREE pieces when you are finished.
Homework: Finish all THREE pieces of the "Found Poems/Art"
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Thursday, March 17
Do-Now: Writing Limericks (see worksheet for examples and template)
Today: 1) Type your limerick so it can be displayed on the March bulletin board in the back of class. Make sure to have Ms. W check it for spelling/grammar before e-mailing it to her at TeacherWinberg@gmail.com
2) Type your THIRD chapter for your memoirs and save it to your GoogleDocs.
3) Type anything else you have written in class that you wish to have put up on the class Writers' Wall and e-mail it to Ms. W at TeacherWinberg@gmail.com
Homework: Bring in a new quote for Quotes & Notes. Also, bring in a copy of the lyrics to your favorite song (this can be hand-written or typed).
Today: 1) Type your limerick so it can be displayed on the March bulletin board in the back of class. Make sure to have Ms. W check it for spelling/grammar before e-mailing it to her at TeacherWinberg@gmail.com
2) Type your THIRD chapter for your memoirs and save it to your GoogleDocs.
3) Type anything else you have written in class that you wish to have put up on the class Writers' Wall and e-mail it to Ms. W at TeacherWinberg@gmail.com
Homework: Bring in a new quote for Quotes & Notes. Also, bring in a copy of the lyrics to your favorite song (this can be hand-written or typed).
Monday, March 14, 2011
Wednesday, March 16
Do-Now: Who/what is an inspiration to you in your life? How has this person/thing changed your life? How does this person/thing inspire you to make other changes to your life? Why is this person/thing so important to you? How do you show your appreciation to this person/thing?
Today: First, we will talk about the importance of having a muse while writing. Each of you will select someone/something to be your own personal muse for the rest of the semester. You will use this muse for inspiration to write today's sonnet. We will read a few examples of modern sonnets written in Shakespeare's form, then you will compose your own.
Homework: Finish your sonnet.
Today: First, we will talk about the importance of having a muse while writing. Each of you will select someone/something to be your own personal muse for the rest of the semester. You will use this muse for inspiration to write today's sonnet. We will read a few examples of modern sonnets written in Shakespeare's form, then you will compose your own.
Homework: Finish your sonnet.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Monday, March 14
Do-Now: Bucket List: Make a list of at least TEN things you want to do before you die.
Today:
1)Pass-it-Around: Each of you will start a story with the line "It was a wrong number that started it, the telephone ringing three times in the dead of night." You will write for THREE minutes. Next, you will pass your story to the person behind you who will read your story and have THREE minutes to add to it. The story will continue to be passed until both sides of the paper are full. Finally, select stories will be read out loud in class.
2)Dead Man's Pockets:A man has been found dead with TEN items in his pockets. Using these items for inspiration, write a short story about how the man died. Explain where he was and what he was doing when he died. You may also choose to tell what the man was doing in the hours/days leading up to his death. Finally, you may tell where his body was found, who found his body, and what condition his body was in (if you wish to get into THAT much detail.) Be sure to include at least FIVE of the items in your story.
Homework: Finish "Dead Man's Pockets" story
Today:
1)Pass-it-Around: Each of you will start a story with the line "It was a wrong number that started it, the telephone ringing three times in the dead of night." You will write for THREE minutes. Next, you will pass your story to the person behind you who will read your story and have THREE minutes to add to it. The story will continue to be passed until both sides of the paper are full. Finally, select stories will be read out loud in class.
2)Dead Man's Pockets:A man has been found dead with TEN items in his pockets. Using these items for inspiration, write a short story about how the man died. Explain where he was and what he was doing when he died. You may also choose to tell what the man was doing in the hours/days leading up to his death. Finally, you may tell where his body was found, who found his body, and what condition his body was in (if you wish to get into THAT much detail.) Be sure to include at least FIVE of the items in your story.
Homework: Finish "Dead Man's Pockets" story
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Friday, March 11
Do-Now: Word Puzzles
TODAY: Choose another memory from your "Memoir-Worthy Experiences" List. You will be writing the THIRD chapter for your memoirs. Remember what you learned about developing a character from writing your character sketch and use those skills to create vivid characters in this chapter of your memoir. You might even choose to write this chapter as a character sketch of someone important from your life.
Homework: Finish Memoir
TODAY: Choose another memory from your "Memoir-Worthy Experiences" List. You will be writing the THIRD chapter for your memoirs. Remember what you learned about developing a character from writing your character sketch and use those skills to create vivid characters in this chapter of your memoir. You might even choose to write this chapter as a character sketch of someone important from your life.
Homework: Finish Memoir
Thursday, March 10
Do-Now: Open Mind
Agenda: Today, you will be typing your character sketches. Before you receive a laptop, you must show your completed rough copy to Ms. W. Once you have finished typing your sketch, show it to Ms. W so she can edit it before you e-mail it to her. All completed/edited sketches should be e-mailed to TeacherWinberg@gmail.com. Once you are finished with your sketch, you may type other submissions for the class Writers' Wall.
Agenda: Today, you will be typing your character sketches. Before you receive a laptop, you must show your completed rough copy to Ms. W. Once you have finished typing your sketch, show it to Ms. W so she can edit it before you e-mail it to her. All completed/edited sketches should be e-mailed to TeacherWinberg@gmail.com. Once you are finished with your sketch, you may type other submissions for the class Writers' Wall.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Wednesday, March 9
Do-Now: Who have you chosen to write your character sketch on? Why did you choose this person? What story/situation are you going to use for your character sketch to show your readers what this person is like? Why did you choose this story/situation?
Agenda: First, we are going to read and discuss one more example of a character sketch called "Flamingo Pink." Then, you are going to begin writing your character sketch using your "Main Character Questionnaire" and the two sample character sketches as guidelines. Tomorrow, you will be typing and submitting your character sketches.
Homework: Finish character sketch.
Agenda: First, we are going to read and discuss one more example of a character sketch called "Flamingo Pink." Then, you are going to begin writing your character sketch using your "Main Character Questionnaire" and the two sample character sketches as guidelines. Tomorrow, you will be typing and submitting your character sketches.
Homework: Finish character sketch.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tuesday, March 8
Do-Now: Write a description of yourself:
How old are you?
Where are you from?
What do you look like?
What is your personality like?
What are your likes/dislikes?
What are your hobbies?
What are your hopes/fears?
Who/what is important to you in your life?
Agenda: Today we will be learning how to write character sketches. We will look at different questions you must answer when creating a character and we will also discuss different ways to develop a character. You will then begin creating a character sketch for your own fictional character who you will later use in a story.
Homework: Finish character sketch.
How old are you?
Where are you from?
What do you look like?
What is your personality like?
What are your likes/dislikes?
What are your hobbies?
What are your hopes/fears?
Who/what is important to you in your life?
Agenda: Today we will be learning how to write character sketches. We will look at different questions you must answer when creating a character and we will also discuss different ways to develop a character. You will then begin creating a character sketch for your own fictional character who you will later use in a story.
Homework: Finish character sketch.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Monday, March 7
Do-Now: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss What do you think Dr. Seuss meant by this? How can you relate this quote to your own life and experiences?
Agenda: Quotes & Notes: Choose one of the quotes you brought to class. You will write approximately one page explaining what the quote means to you and how the quote can be related to an experience you have had in your life. There is no wrong or right way to write this piece. You are free to include as many thoughts or ideas as you have and you're free to interpret your quote however you want.
Homework: Finish your Quotes & Notes piece.
Agenda: Quotes & Notes: Choose one of the quotes you brought to class. You will write approximately one page explaining what the quote means to you and how the quote can be related to an experience you have had in your life. There is no wrong or right way to write this piece. You are free to include as many thoughts or ideas as you have and you're free to interpret your quote however you want.
Homework: Finish your Quotes & Notes piece.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Friday, March 4
Objective: Students will finish their movie reviews and type submissions for the class Writers' Wall.
Do-Now: Go to www.magneticpoetry.com and choose one of the poetry kits. Using the word tiles, construct your own unique poem and write it down in your notebook. Call Ms. W over to check it when you are done.
Agenda: 1) If you have not yet done so, finish writing your movie review.
2) Wanna win some money? Go to www.poetry.com and enter your poem in the poetry contest. You can enter as many poems as you want!
3) Writers' Wall: Choose pieces of writing from this class to type for the class Writers' Wall. You may use poetry, stories, or any other piece of writing we have done in this class, including your movie review. When you are finished typing, e-mail your piece to TeacherWinberg@gmail.com
Homework: For Monday, bring in TEN of your favorite quotes. These can be famous quotes/sayings or lines from music lyrics which you feel are meaningful.
Do-Now: Go to www.magneticpoetry.com and choose one of the poetry kits. Using the word tiles, construct your own unique poem and write it down in your notebook. Call Ms. W over to check it when you are done.
Agenda: 1) If you have not yet done so, finish writing your movie review.
2) Wanna win some money? Go to www.poetry.com and enter your poem in the poetry contest. You can enter as many poems as you want!
3) Writers' Wall: Choose pieces of writing from this class to type for the class Writers' Wall. You may use poetry, stories, or any other piece of writing we have done in this class, including your movie review. When you are finished typing, e-mail your piece to TeacherWinberg@gmail.com
Homework: For Monday, bring in TEN of your favorite quotes. These can be famous quotes/sayings or lines from music lyrics which you feel are meaningful.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Thursday, March 3
Objective: Students will take notes on a film to use while writing their movie reviews.
Do-Now: If you were Ree, would you give up on looking for your father? (Consider what has happened in the movie up until this point.) Why or why not? Would your personal safety be more important to you than your family's well-being? (Remember, if she doesn't find her father, her family will lose their house.) Why do you think Ree is refusing to give up on looking for her father? What do you think will, ultimately, happen to her and her family?
Agenda: 1) Finish watching "Winter's Bone"
2) Movie Reviews: You will begin writing your own movie review for "Winter's Bone." You may use the sample reviews we read on Tuesday as guides. Remember to include in your review:
1) A brief summary of the movie's plot (without giving away the ending or any important events)
2) What you liked/disliked about the movie
3) Who the main actors were and how well/badly the actors portrayed their characters
4) A comparison of the movie to similar movies you've seen
5) Your ultimate opinion on the movie as a whole and how the movie made you feel
Homework: Finish writing your movie review.
Do-Now: If you were Ree, would you give up on looking for your father? (Consider what has happened in the movie up until this point.) Why or why not? Would your personal safety be more important to you than your family's well-being? (Remember, if she doesn't find her father, her family will lose their house.) Why do you think Ree is refusing to give up on looking for her father? What do you think will, ultimately, happen to her and her family?
Agenda: 1) Finish watching "Winter's Bone"
2) Movie Reviews: You will begin writing your own movie review for "Winter's Bone." You may use the sample reviews we read on Tuesday as guides. Remember to include in your review:
1) A brief summary of the movie's plot (without giving away the ending or any important events)
2) What you liked/disliked about the movie
3) Who the main actors were and how well/badly the actors portrayed their characters
4) A comparison of the movie to similar movies you've seen
5) Your ultimate opinion on the movie as a whole and how the movie made you feel
Homework: Finish writing your movie review.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Wednesday, March 2
Objective: Students will take notes on a film to use while writing their movie reviews.
Do-Now: What is Ree Dolly's main conflict in "Winter's Bone?" Describe what her daily life is like. Describe the town she lives in and the people she knows. Based on what you know about Ree's personality, do you think she will be successful in finding her father?
Agenda: We will continue watching "Winter's Bone." As you watch, make sure to take notes on the movie. Focus on the movie's plot, the characters, what you like/dislike about the movie, parts of the movie which excite you, parts of the movie which confuse you, and anything else about the movie you find to be interesting/noteworthy.
Do-Now: What is Ree Dolly's main conflict in "Winter's Bone?" Describe what her daily life is like. Describe the town she lives in and the people she knows. Based on what you know about Ree's personality, do you think she will be successful in finding her father?
Agenda: We will continue watching "Winter's Bone." As you watch, make sure to take notes on the movie. Focus on the movie's plot, the characters, what you like/dislike about the movie, parts of the movie which excite you, parts of the movie which confuse you, and anything else about the movie you find to be interesting/noteworthy.
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