Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Courage...

Focused Free-writing: 

If you suddenly found the courage to do one thing you have always been afraid of doing, what would it be?  Explain.  












Today we went over Writing Group Guidelines.  I explained to the student they must work in groups of three or maybe four, and how they are going to be editing each other's papers.  There were a couple of quick notes to take about working in groups. 

Writing Group Guidelines: 
THE WRITER:
1.  Come with a substantial piece of writing.  Provide copies for each group member.
2.  Read your writing out loud.  Speak clearly, confidently.  Introduce your writing.  (Don't say too much, let your writing do the talking.)
3.  Listen to your group's comments.  Ask questions if you do not understand. 
4.  Collect all your copies, ensure your group has signed the copy.  Then you are off to correct your paper with the advice your group

THE LISTENER:
1.  Follow along as your group member is reading his/her paper. 
2.  Make comments/corrections on the copy provided.  Be Positive!  Remember to use editing marks. 
3.  Write down any questions you may have for the reader/writer. 
4.  Be prepared to answer questions the reader/writer may have. 


After we went over the Writing Group Guidelines we discussed some conferencing tips.  I provided hand outs for the students to go over, and then we did some proof reading.  I provided the students with two essays they needed to read and correct, using editing marks. 

The students were asked to choose their group members.  They had to inform me who they were going to be working with before they left for the evening. 








Image Taken from: http://myquoteshome.com/courage-is-the-last-way-to-take-all-kinds-of-risks/

Thursday, March 21, 2013

A Friend...

Focused Free-writing: 

If you could change places with any of your friends, who would you choose to be?  Explain.  

I think many of us would want to change places with someone whom is smarter, successful, and has a plan.  Students of describe people they know, to be more successful as they are currently, so they may have all the things that particular person has.  It is interesting to see how students admire others especially when they are successful in life.  Only if...






Today, paper # 3 is due...so students are going to be busy turning it in before they go on break.




Image taken from: http://www.essex1.com/pages/paul/bible3.html 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

A Typical Day...

Focused Free-writing: 

If you could change one thing about your typical day, what would it be?  Explain.  

Interesting, some students wrote that they would want to sleep in, not be so lazy during the day.  I believe that to be true, laziness could get the best of someone.  At that time, what would be the perfect solution? 


Today, I finally gave back all my students essays.  Essay number two, and now they are supposedly working on essay number three to be turned in as final on Thursday. 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Smile...

Focused Free-writing: 

If you were to pick the one thing that always makes you smile, what would it be?  Explain. 

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Charming...

Focused Free-writing: 

If you had to choose the single most charming person you have ever met, who would win? Explain.  
 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Ring the Bells...

Focused Free-writing: 

If you were to have bells ring out loud automatically (for all to hear) every time you did a certain thing, what would it be?  Explain.  

Many times I feel as though I would want bells to ring out every time I've done something good.  I have had students discuss this topic, in this regards doing good in their lives.  It doesn't necessarily say they are bad people constantly doing bad things but they would just want to finally be recognized for their good deeds.


Today we went over Dialogue.  I find it very fun to use dialogue, in fact I highly encourage my students to use dialogue, it brings writing to life. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Read my thoughts...

Focused Free-writing: 

If there were to be someone among those you know, whom could read all your thoughts who would it be?  Explain you choice.  

Many students often lead off with the argument, that the wouldn't want anyone to read their thoughts, it would be scary.  


We went over narrative writing today.  I believe narrative writing is the most interesting type of writing.  I find narratives to be very fun to read, call me nosy, or what but I love narratives.