Agenda, November 18

NaNoWriMo, Day 18. 12 to go.
 

Buy these books: Wistor and Wimsor!
 
Late: Submit one or more pieces to the Lit Mag.
Due Now: All books back to the classroom library.
Due Now: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Collect books
2. Rehearsal time
3. Poem Presentations
4. TMATTY, as time allows

Today's Goal: I can tell a story with confidence. I can use my voice to enhance the meaning of a piece of writing.
Unit goal: I can share poems and stories with my classmates.

Agenda, November 17

NaNoWriMo, Day 17. Headin' downhill.

Late: Submit one or more pieces to the Lit Mag.
Late: A hard copy of your poem / story for Friday
Due Friday: All books back to the classroom library.
Due Friday: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Freewrite #36: What's the best thing in the whole wide world?
2. Pre-write #48: Say it with figurative language: 1) I'm tired. 2) I'm thirsty. 3) I'm excited.
3. TMATTY
4. Marking pauses in your piece. Read it aloud.
5. Emphasizing the most important words.

Today's Goal: I can tell a story with confidence. I can use my voice to enhance the meaning of a piece of writing.
Unit goal: I can share poems and stories with my classmates.

Agenda, November 16

NaNoWriMo, Day 16. Headin' downhill.

Due Last Monday: Freewrites 25 - 34 and Pre-Writes 29 - 46
Due Yesterday: Two pages of fiction or two poems (both with dialogue, both typed). Format and punctuation matter.
Due Yesterday: Submit one or more pieces to the Lit Mag.
Due Now: A hard copy of your poem / story for Friday
Due Friday: All books back to the classroom library.
Due Friday: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. A quick poll
2. Freewrite #35: Write about a character overcoming fear.
3. Find your Writer's Toolbox
4. Pre-write #47: Say it with figurative language: 1) The mountain was very steep. 2) It took a long time to finish. 3) The view was spectacular.
5. TMATTY
6. Marking thoughts in your piece. Read it aloud.
7. Marking pauses in your piece. Read it aloud.

Today's goal: I can use peer and teacher feedback to improve my writing.
Unit goal: I can use dialogue to develop characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, November 15

NaNoWriMo, Day 15. Halfway home.

Due Yesterday: Freewrites 25 - 34 and Pre-Writes 29 - 46
Due Today at the end of class: Two pages of fiction or two poems (both with dialogue, both typed). Format and punctuation matter.
Due Today at the end of class: Submit one or more pieces to the Lit Mag.
Due Tomorrow: A hard copy of your poem / story for Friday
Due Friday: All books back to the classroom library.
Due Friday: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Typing, typing, typing.
2. Submitting, submitting, submitting.
3. Find a piece to read. 
4. Start memorizing your piece.

Today's goal: I can use peer and teacher feedback to improve my writing.
Unit goal: I can use dialogue to develop characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, November 14

NaNoWriMo, Day 14.

Due at the end of class: Freewrites 25 - 34 and Pre-Writes 29 - 46
Due Tuesday at the end of class: Two pages of fiction or two poems (both with dialogue, both typed)
Due Wednesday, 11/16: A hard copy of your poem / story for Friday
Due 11/18: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Freewrite #34: Write about a character who can't tell the truth.
2. "The Curse," by Josh Ritter
3. Pre-write #46: Editing Essay.
4. Work Time. Teacher conference due by end of the day today.

Today's goal: I can use peer and teacher feedback to improve my writing.
Unit goal: I can use dialogue to develop characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, November 10

NaNoWriMo, Day 10. 16,667 words. Hmmmm.

Due Now: Bring your book. Make sure it has dialogue.
Due Monday at the end of class: Freewrites 25 - ? and Pre-Writes 29 - ?
Due Tuesday at the end of class: Two pages of fiction or two poems (both with dialogue, both typed)
Due Wednesday, 11/16: A hard copy of your poem / story for Friday
Due 11/18: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Reading time.
2. Reading Response #6: Does your author use dialogue well? How do you know?
3. Freewrite #33:Encourage someone to (or not to) take a risk.
4. Work Time. Teacher conference due by end of the day on Monday.

Today's goal: I can use peer and teacher feedback to improve my writing.
Unit goal: I can use dialogue to develop characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, November 9

NaNoWriMo, Day 9. 

Due Tomorrow: Bring your book. Make sure it has dialogue.
Due Monday at the end of class: Freewrites 25 - ? and Pre-Writes 29 - ?
Due Tuesday at the end of class: Two pages of fiction or two poems (both with dialogue, both typed)
Due Wednesday, 11/16: A hard copy of your poem / story for Friday
Due 11/18: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Freewrite #32:Write a conversation between you and a body part.
2. Pre-write #44: Film script format
3. Pre-write #45: How would this person say "Hi?"
4. Work Time

Today's goal: I can write film script format. I can use dialogue to capture character.
Unit goal: I can use dialogue to develop characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, November 8

NaNoWriMo, Day 8. 

Due 11/14: Freewrites 25 - ? and Pre-Writes 29 - ?
Due 11/15: Two pages of fiction or two poems (both with dialogue, both typed)
Due 11/18: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Personal reading. Can you find subtext?
2. Freewrite #31:Write about a character getting fired.
3. Pre-write #42: Show, don't tell. Format the following lines of dialogue properly, replacing the adverb with an action: You have beautiful eyes, he said shyly. Really? she asked suspiciously. Why would I lie? he asked innocently. Good question, she said thoughtfully.
4. Pre-Write #43: Desire, Obstacle, Action (if time allows)

Today's goal: I can find subtext in my personal reading. I can use properly punctuated dialogue to show instead of telling.
Unit goal: I can use dialogue to develop characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, November 7

NaNoWriMo, Day 7. Feel free to add your word count to the board.

Due 11/14: Freewrites 25 - ? and Pre-Writes 29 - ?
Due 11/15: Two pages of fiction or two poems (both with dialogue, both typed)
Due 11/18: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Freewrite #30: Cheer someone up (or pursue your NaNoWriMo project)
2. Pre-write #39: Dialogue between objects
3. Pre-write #40: Intention and Subtext
4. Pre-write #41: Two characters fighting - suggest subtext.

Today's goal: I can write subtext.
Unit goal: I can use dialogue to develop characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, November 4

NaNoWriMo, Day 4. My word count is 998. What's yours?

Due 11/14: Freewrites 25 - ? and Pre-Writes 29 - ?
Due 11/15: Two pages of fiction or two poems (both with dialogue, both typed)
Due 11/18: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Freewrite #29: Write a conversation in which a secret is revealed (intentionally or uinintentionally) (or pursue your NaNoWriMo project)
2. Pre-write #37: Dialogue with Character and Setting
3. Pre-write #38: Mad Libs

Today's goal: I can write dialogue appropriate to character and setting.
Unit goal: I can use dialogue to develop characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, November 3

NaNoWriMo, Day 3

Due Now: Bring your book
Due 11/14: Freewrites 25 - ? and Pre-Writes 29 - ?
Due 11/15: Two pages of fiction or two poems (both with dialogue, both typed)
Due 11/18: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Reading time
2. Good dialogue mimics real conversation ...
3. Freewrite #28: Write a conversation set in one of the following places: a hospital, a gas station, a football game (or pursue your NaNoWriMo project)
4. Re-visit Dialogue Rules
5. Pre-write #35: Say it with dialogue (2-4 lines of dialogue each): They couldn't agree; Dinner was wonderful / awful
6. Pre-write #36: Poem for Two Voices

Today's goal: I can punctuate dialogue correctly. I can use dialogue to Show, Don't Tell.
Unit goal: I can use dialogue to develop characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, November 2

Day 2 of NaNoWriMo, if anyone's counting. It's not too late to start!

Due Tomorrow: Bring your book
Due 11/14: Freewrites 25 - ? and Pre-Writes 29 - ?
Due 11/15: Two pages of fiction or two poems (both with dialogue, both typed)
Due 11/18: Memorized poem or short piece of fiction / Poetry Out Loud contest
Extra Credit? Read at the Lit Mag fundraiser on 11/18

1. Freewrite #27: Break-up or Make up (or pursue your NaNoWriMo project)
2. Re-visit Dialogue Rules
3. Pre-write #33: Say it with dialogue (2-4 lines of dialogue each): He offered to help her with her homework; The student was having technical difficulties.
4. Pre-write #34: Mamet Story Structure

Today's goal: I can punctuate dialogue correctly. I can use dialogue to Show, Don't Tell.
Unit goal: I can use dialogue to develop characters and move a plot forward.

Pre-Write #32

Punctuate the following four lines of dialogue using four different techniques:

Oh my gosh! We’re out of peanut butter.

The snowman is on the prowl.

Fine. Call the cops. I don’t care.

Wait. What’s going on?

Agenda, November 1

Due Now: Bring your book.
Due Monday, 11/14: Freewrites 25 - ?, Pre-writes 29 - ?
Due Tuesday, 11/15: Two week packet, focus on dialogue.
Due Friday, 11/18: Memorized poem / Poetry Out Loud Competition

1. Reading time. Pay attention to how your author uses dialogue.
2. Review Dialogue Notes
3. Pre-write #31: Dialogue in poetry
4. Pre-write #32: Dialogue Rules!

Today's Goal: I can understand the rules for punctuating dialogue. I can explain how poets use and punctuate dialogue.
Unit goal: I can use properly punctuated dialogue to create characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, October 31

Due Tomorrow: Bring your book.
Due Monday, 11/14: Freewrites 25 - ?, Pre-writes 29 - ?
Due Tuesday, 11/15: Two week packet, focus on dialogue.
Due Friday, 11/18: Memorized poem / Poetry Out Loud Competition

1. Freewrite #26: Talk your way out of trouble.
2. Pre-write #30: Believable dialogue
3. Objectives and Tactics
4. Pre-write #31: Dialogue in poetry

Today's Goal: I can understand the rules for punctuating dialogue. I can explain how poets use and punctuate dialogue.
Unit goal: I can use properly punctuated dialogue to create characters and move a plot forward.

Agenda, October 27

Due Now: Bring a book 
Collected YESTERDAY: Freewrites 18 - 24 and Pre-writes 17 - 28
Due Friday: Two poems or two double-spaced pages of fiction, all typed

1. Reading Time. Find examples of good showing.
2. Freewrite #25: Write about a Halloween party with a mysterious visitor.
3. Pre-write #29: Show, don't tell. Revise each of the following three sentences, focusing on action and physical details: He/she gave up; He/she tried very hard; He/she was a troublemaker.
4. Drafting Time. You need a peer conference and a teacher conference before the end of class Thursday.

Today's Goal: I can identify the qualities of a well-crafted character. I can use feedback from my peers and teacher to improve my writing.
Unit Goal: I can create rich, detailed, believable characters.

Agenda, October 26

Due Tomorrow: Bring a book
Due TODAY: Freewrites 18 - 24 and Pre-writes 17 - 28
Due Friday: Two poems or two double-spaced pages of fiction, all typed

1. Coming Attractions
2. Freewrite #24: Write about an unfortunate accident (involving a pumpkin).
3. Pre-write #28: Show, don't tell. Revise each of the following three sentences, focusing on action and physical details: He / She is a great person; We are in love; She was angry.
4. Drafting Time. You need a peer conference and a teacher conference before the end of class Thursday.

Today's Goal: I can identify the qualities of a well-crafted character. I can use feedback from my peers and teacher to improve my writing.
Unit Goal: I can create rich, detailed, believable characters.

Agenda, October 25

Due Now: Bring a book
Due Thursday: Freewrites 18 - ? and Pre-writes 17 - ?
Due Friday: Two poems or two double-spaced pages of fiction, all typed

1. Reading time. Look for good examples of showing.
2. Pre-write #26: Show, don't tell. Revise each of the following three sentences, focusing on action and physical details: He was scared; The old man got irritated; She was happy.
3. Pre-write #27: Lining Poems
4. Drafting Time. You need a peer conference and a teacher conference before the end of class Thursday.

Today's Goal: I can identify the qualities of a well-crafted character. I can make deliberate decisions about line breaks. I can finish my draft for my two week project.
Unit Goal: I can create rich, detailed, believable characters.

Agenda, October 24

Due Tomorrow: Bring a book
Due Thursday: Freewrites 18 - ? and Pre-writes 17 - ?
Due Friday: Two poems or two double-spaced pages of fiction, all typed

1. Freewrite #23: Take your main character for a drive. Describe the car. Or the driving style. Or the destination. Or all of the above.
2. Pre-write #25: Show, don't tell.
3. "Galahad," by Josh Ritter
4. Drafting Time. You need a peer conference and a teacher conference before the end of class Thursday.

Today's Goal: I can identify the qualities of a well-crafted character. I can begin my draft for my two week project.
Unit Goal: I can create rich, detailed, believable characters.

Agenda, October 21

Due Yesterday: Reading Response #4
Due October 27: Freewrites 18 - ? and Pre-writes 17 - ?
Due October 28: Two poems or two double-spaced pages of fiction, all typed

1. Freewrite #22: Write a story that involves broken glass.
2. Pre-write #23: Three poems about character
3. Pre-write #24: The story machine: Write a story about the character on card one that ends with the action on card two.
4. Drafting Time

Today's Goal: I can identify the qualities of a well-crafted character. I can begin my draft for my two week project.
Unit Goal: I can create rich, detailed, believable characters.

Agenda, October 20

Due Now: Personal Reading Book
Due October 27: Freewrites 18 - ? and Pre-writes 17 - ?
Due October 28: Two poems or two double-spaced pages of fiction, all typed

1. Reading time. As you read, jot down details about the main character in your book. Consider how she looks, acts, and speaks. If you're not finding details about your main character, capture details about your minor characters.
2. Reading Response #4: 10 character details
3. Freewrite #21: Pick another What if?
4. Pre-write #21: 20 Questions, continued
5. Pre-write #22: Setting from character. Describe the home / possessions / clothing of the following three people: an (un)successful artist, a college freshman about to drop out, a fugitive from the law 
6. Pre-write #23: The story machine: Write a story about the character on card one that ends with the action on card two.

Today's Goal: I can identify the qualities of a well-crafted character. I can generate ideas for my next story or poem.
Unit Goal: I can create rich, detailed, believable characters.

Reality 2.0

Here's the link to the National Geographic story we were talking about in period 4 yesterday. What if, indeed.


http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/big-idea/14/augmented-reality

Agenda, October 19

Due Tomorrow: Personal Reading Book
Due October 27: Freewrites 18 - ? and Pre-writes 17 - ?
Due October 28: Two poems or two double-spaced pages of fiction, all typed

1. Pre-Write #20: What if?
2. Freewrite #20: Pick a good "What if?" and write about it.
3. The Story Machine, Part 1: Write a job description or personality description on one card and an interesting action on the other - don't be too bland or too weird. Put your initials on each card.
4. Pre-write #21: 20 Questions

Today's Goal: I can identify the qualities of a well-crafted character. I can generate ideas for my next story or poem.
Unit Goal: I can create rich, detailed, believable characters.

Agenda, October 18

Due Now: Personal Reading Book
Due October 27: Freewrites 18 - ? and Pre-writes 17 - ?
Due October 28: Two poems or two double-spaced pages of fiction, all typed

1. Reading time. As you read, jot down details about the main character in your book. Consider how she looks, acts, and speaks. If you're not finding details about your main character, capture details about your minor characters.
2. Freewrite #19: Write about two people who never should have met / or how opposites attract.
3. Pre-write #19:  The first time I/he/she ... I/he/she was with … in (or at) … at (time of day/season)
4. Pre-write #20: 20 Questions

Today's Goal: I can identify the qualities of a well-crafted character. I can generate ideas for my next story or poem.
Unit Goal: I can create rich, detailed, believable characters.

Agenda, October 17

Due Tomorrow: Personal Reading Book
Due October 27: Freewrites 18 - ? and Pre-writes 17 - ?
Due October 28: Two poems or two double-spaced pages of fiction, all typed

1. Wrapping up the Statewide Assessment
2. Thanks from Write Around Portland
3. Freewrite #18: Tell me about someone you know well. Put him or her into action.
4. Pre-write #17: 6 notes
5. Pre-write #18: _______ is the type of person who
6. Pre-write #19: 20 questions

Today's Goal: I can identify the qualities of a well-crafted character. I can generate ideas for my next story or poem.
Unit Goal: I can create rich, detailed, believable characters.

Agenda, October 13

Due Now: Personal reading book. When you're done with your final draft, read to your heart's content.
Due at the end of class: Writing Work Sample

1. What does "Lit Mag" mean?
2. How to Revise: spell check, word choice, tense, planner
3. Drafting time

Agenda, October 12

Due Tomorrow: Bring personal reading book
Due Tomorrow at end of class: Finished Writing Work Sample

1. Do we need to draft today?
2. What's another way to say?

Agenda, October 11

1. It is happening now.
2. It happened then.
3. Drafting time: When you are done drafting / done with your draft, feel free to read.

The most important thing you can do today is create an environment where students who need to pass the State Writing Assessment can concentrate.

Agenda, October 10

Due Last Week: Freewrites 11 - 17, Pre-writes 7 - 16
Due Last Week: Two week packet, typed, fiction is double spaced.

1. Seating Chart. Whee ...
2. Comma Splices
3. Semi-colons
4. C7
5. Brainstorming / Drafting Time

Agenda, October 6

Due Now: Bring your personal book
Due at the end of class: Freewrites 11 - 17, Pre-writes 7 - 16
Due Friday, 10/7: Two week packet, typed, fiction is double spaced.


0) A glimpse to the future
1) Reading time: pay attention to section / chapter closings
2) Reading Response #3: What makes a good ending?
3) Pre-write #16: Not to Be - Revise the following three sentences without any forms of the verb "to be" - is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being, plus any contractions.

• Sometimes it is necessary to use weak verbs.
• We were feeling pretty content.
• She's got her act together. 

4) Freewrite #17: What have you learned in this class so far?
5) Work time

Today's goal: I can use peer review and teacher feedback to improve the quality of my writing.
Unit Goal: I can write using inventive structures, with a satisfying beginning, middle, and ending.   

Agenda, October 5

Due Tomorrow: Bring your personal book
Due Tomorrow, 10/6: Freewrites 11 - 17, Pre-writes 7 - 16
Due Friday, 10/7: Two week packet, typed, fiction is double spaced.
1) Have we talked about NaNoWriMo in here?
2) Freewrite #16: Write about a character who breaks a rule.
3) Pre-write #15: Not to Be: Revise the three following sentences without any forms of the verb "to be" - is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being, plus contractions.

• It was awfully cold.
• There are too many kids in the halls.
• He's very athletic.

4) Work time. You need a teacher conference before the end of the day on Thursday.

Today's goal: I can use peer review and teacher feedback to improve the quality of my writing.
Unit Goal: I can write using inventive structures, with a satisfying beginning, middle, and ending.  

Agenda, October 4

Due Now: Bring your personal book
Due Thursday, 10/6: Freewrites 11 - ?, Pre-writes 7 - ?
Due Friday, 10/7: Two week packet, typed, fiction is double spaced. 

1. Reading thyme
2. Pre-write #14: Lining Poems
3. Pre-write #13: A Rose For Emily, by William Faulkner
4. Work time. You need a teacher conference by Thursday at the end of school.

Today's goal: I can finish my first draft of my two-week project. I can use peer review and teacher feedback to improve the quality of my writing.
Unit Goal: I can write using inventive structures, with a satisfying beginning, middle, and ending.

Agenda, October 3

Due Tomorrow: Bring your personal book
Due Thursday, 10/6: Freewrites 11 - ?, Pre-writes 7 - ?
Due Friday, 10/7: Two week packet, typed, fiction is double spaced. 

1. Freewrite #15: Mythunderstanding
2. Pre-write #13: A Rose For Emily, by William Faulkner
3. Pre-write #14: What happens next?
4. How to Peer Review
5. Work time. You need a teacher conference by Thursday at the end of school.

Today's goal: I can finish my first draft of my two-week project. I can use peer review and teacher feedback to improve the quality of my writing.
Unit Goal: I can write using inventive structures, with a satisfying beginning, middle, and ending. 

Agenda, September 30

Due Thursday, 10/6: Freewrites 11 - ?, Pre-writes 7 - ?
Due Friday, 10/7: Two week packet, typed, fiction is double spaced.

1. Freewrite #14: Write about saying good-bye.
2. Pre-write #12: Save the Cat Storyboard (You could use your storyboard to think out a visual poem, if you like)
3. Work time. How well you use work time today determines how much work time you will receive next week.

Today's goal: I can begin my drafting my final project.
Unit Goal: I can write using inventive structures, with a satisfying beginning, middle, and ending.

Agenda, September 29

Due Now: Your personal reading book
Due Thursday, 10/6: Freewrites 11 - ?, Pre-writes 7 - ?
Due Friday, 10/7: Two week packet, typed, fiction is double spaced.

1. Reading time! Woot!
2. Reading Response #3: Does your author write killer first lines?
3. Freewrite #13: List interesting places. Pick one. Explain how you got "here."
4. A Visual Poem
5. Pre-write #11: Save the Cat, cont.
6. Pre-write #12: Save the Cat Storyboard (You could use your storyboard to think out a visual poem, if you like)

Today's goal: Pre-writing / brainstorming
Unit Goal: I can write using inventive structures, with a satisfying beginning, middle, and ending.

Agenda, September 28

Due Tomorrow: Your personal reading book
Due Now: Completed Storyboard
Due Thursday, 10/6: Freewrites 11 - ?, Pre-writes 7 - ?
Due Friday, 10/7: Two week packet, typed, fiction is double spaced.

1. Pre-write #9: 5 first lines
2. Freewrite #12: Pick a first line and run with it
3. Pre-write #10: "Promiscuous," by William Matthews: Write a poem of definition OR a poem that begins and ends with the same word.
4. Pre-write #11: Save the Cat

Today's goal: Pre-writing / brainstorming
Unit Goal: I can write using inventive structures, with a satisfying beginning, middle, and ending.

Agenda, September 27

Due Now: Your personal reading book
Due Tomorrow: Completed Storyboard
Due Thursday, 10/6: Freewrites 11 - ?, Pre-writes 7 - ?
Due Friday, 10/7: Two week packet, typed, fiction is double spaced.

1. Reading time
2. Storyboard your independent reading
3. First lines in your book 
   
4. Pre-write #8: First line / Last line
5. Pre-write #9: 5 first lines

Today's goal: I can analyze the plot of my personal reading book.
Unit Goal: I can write using inventive structures, with a satisfying beginning, middle, and ending. 

Agenda, September 26

Due last Friday: Two week packet
Due Tomorrow: Bring your personal reading book

1. Freewrite #11: Tell a story that ends badly, but not in death
2. Pre-write #7: Desire, Obstacle, Action
3. First Line Handout: Highlight the crucial info

Today's Goal: I can define and identify a "killer first line."
Unit Goal: I can be inventive with my structures. I can write an effective beginning, middle, and end.

Agenda, September 23

Due Today: Published draft of two week story or poems. Typed. Stories must be double spaced.


Typing time (you may peer review with someone who is already done). If you are listening to music, put it on shuffle and let it roll. If you are spending typing time looking the perfect song, your music is distracting you rather than helping you concentrate.

When you are done, you must be engaged in academic work. You must:

• Visit Poetry Out Loud Guidelines page. See if you're interested in competing.
• Find a Poem. Print two copies: one for yourself and one for me. Put your name on my copy.

When you have found a poem you like, you may:

• Visit the Wordstock Schedule page. See if anything catches your eye.
• Read.
• Work on homework for another class.

Agenda, September 22

Due Now: Bring your reading book 

Due at the end of class: Freewrites 4-10, Pre-writes 1-6
Due at the end of class Friday: Published version of week 1 story / poems. Typed, double-spaced, 12 point font. We'll have the laptops in class.
1) Independent reading - keep an eye out for good description
2) Reading Response #2: copy three lines of description from your reading. How does your author create vivid descriptions?
3) Pre-write #6: Add a sensory detail to each of the following sentences:

• Chuck's car was a mess.
• I felt relieved to finally be home.
• We sat on the shore and looked at the lake.

4) Freewrite #10: What's on your mind today?
5) Work time. Use it wisely.


Today's goal: I can use feedback from my peers and my teacher to improve my writing.
Unit goal: I can use figurative language to appeal to the five senses and write vivid descriptions.

Agenda, September 21

Due Tomorrow: Freewrites 1-10, Pre-writes 1-6
Due Tomorrow: Bring your reading book
Due Friday: Published version of week 1 story / poems. Typed, double-spaced, 12 point font. We'll have the laptops in class.

1) Freewrite #9: Write about a good meal.
2) Pre-write #5: Add a literary device to each of the following sentences. You may change any of the words, but you must communicate the same idea.

• He was surprisingly tall.
• The room was dark and scary.
• This is pretty difficult.

3) Work time: drafting (late), peer review, teacher conference, revision and editing


Today's goals: I can use feedback from my peers and teacher to improve my writing.
Unit goal: I can use literary devices to appeal to the five senses and create vivid descriptions.

Agenda September 20

Due Now: Personal reading book
Due Now: Completed Rough Draft when you walk in the door. Set it on the corner of your desk.
Due Friday: Packet 1, including all freewrites and pre-writes (have your freewrites and pre-writes ready on 9/22)

1. Why do you write? - solo
2. Why do you write? - in groups of four
3. Independent reading time  - pay attention to how your author uses description. Be prepared to read a good description to your classmates.
4. How to Peer Review
5. Work Time: drafting, peer review, teacher conference

Today's goal: I can use feedback from my peers and teacher to improve my rough draft.
Unit goal: I can use literary devices to appeal to the five senses and create vivid descriptions.

Agenda, September 19

Due Tuesday: Personal reading book
Due Tuesday: Completed Rough Draft when you walk in the door.
Due Friday: Packet 1, including all freewrites and pre-writes (have your freewrites and pre-writes ready on 9/22)

1. "Playing with Fire" by Evie Shockley
2. FW #8: Detail oriented: list as many details as you can about a beloved object, then use that object
3. "Silence," by Edgar Allan Poe - Paired reading. Identify literary devices. Pay attention to description. How do Poe's literary devices help make the story more vivid?
4. Work time: please be respectful of your classmates right to work.

Today's goal: I can finish the rough draft of my two-week project.
Unit goal: I can use literary devices to appeal to the five senses and create vivid descriptions.

Agenda, September 16

Due Tuesday: Personal reading book
Due Friday: Packet 1, including all freewrites and pre-writes (have your freewrites and pre-writes ready on 9/22)

1. FW #7: Describe a noisy place, focus on the noise
2. Pre-write #4 - Synaesthesia exercise: list five words for a sight, sound, taste, touch, smell
3. What can I write about?
4. Work time: please be respectful of your classmates right to work. Cut out your leaves some time during work time

Today's goal: I can make progress on the rough draft of my two-week project.
Unit goal: I can use literary devices to appeal to the five senses and create vivid descriptions.

Agenda, September 15

Due Now: Bring your personal reading book and your notes from Tuesday's reading. 
Due 9/23: Packet 1, including all Freewrites and Pre-Writes

1. Why do you read? - solo activity
2. Why do you read? - small groups
3. Independent reading time - find three examples of literary devices
4. Freewrite #6: Write about the best day / worst day ever - make sure it's fiction
5. "Exquisite Corpse" - "As agreed, I arrived at four o'clock."

Today's goal: Pre-writing / Idea generation
Two week goal: I can use literary devices to appeal to the five sense and create vivid descriptions.

Agenda, September 14

Due Thursday: Bring your personal reading book and your notes from Tuesday's reading. 
Due 9/23: Packet 1, including all Freewrites and Pre-Writes

1. Freewrite #5: Describe yourself in 10 years (15? 20?) 
2. Pre-write #3: Name that place

Today's goal: Pre-writing / Idea generation
Two week goal: I can use literary devices to appeal to the five sense and create vivid descriptions.

Agenda, September 13

Due Now: Missing Leaves?
Due Now: Have a personal reading book in hand when you walk in the door
Due Thursday: Bring your personal reading book
Due 9/23: Packet 1, including all Freewrites and Pre-Writes

1. Independent Reading: Find three examples of literary devices / good writing
2. Pre-write#1: To Do List, pt 2
3. Freewrite #5: Describe yourself in 10 years (15? 20?) 
4. Pre-write #2: Desire, Obstacle, Action

Today's goal: Pre-writing / Idea generation
Two week goal: I can use literary devices to appeal to the five sense and create vivid descriptions.

Agenda, September 12

Due Now: Poetry Leaves
Due Tomorrow: Have a personal reading book in hand when you walk in the door
Due 9/23: Packet 1, including all Freewrites and Pre-Writes

1. Quote of the week reflection
2. The two-week cycle
3. Freewrite #4: What your nose knows
4. Pre-Write#1: To Do List, pt. 1
5. "The Word," by Tony Hoagland
6. Pre-Write#1: To Do List, pt. 2

Today's goal: Pre-writing / Idea generation
Two week goal: I can use literary devices to appeal to the five sense and create vivid descriptions.

Agenda, September 9

Due Tuesday: Bring a personal reading book to class
Due Every Day: Bring your planner with you to class
Due at the end of class today: Put up your chairs, please and thanks. 
Due Monday: Finished leaves: front, back, and colored 

1. Freewrite #3: I've never told anyone before ...
2. Poetry Leaves
3. "Exquisite Corpse" with lit devices, in groups of six

Agenda, September 8

Due Tuesday: Bring a personal reading book to class
Due Every Day: Bring your planner with you to class
Due at the end of class today: Put up your chairs, please and thanks. 

1. Freewrite #2: What do you hunger for?
2. Book talk
3. Cliche Busting
4. Low pressure quiz
5. Poetry Leaves

Agenda, September 7

Welcome to class!


Due Tuesday: Bring a personal reading book to class
Due Every Day: Bring your planner with you to class

1. Freewrite #1: Write about the summer you wish you had
2. Share your best word
3. Class Expectations
4. Storyboards
5. Storyboards in groups of four
6. The Writer's Toolbox