Monday, October 6 - Friday, October 10

Monday
Today students received their first in-class write (draft) back with feedback on it. I was impressed with the quality of writing I received: narratives fit the prompt; stories were told with clarity; description was evident. In class we went over some common errors many of you are making in your writing (Editing Rules). Tomorrow there will be a quick editing practice for marks based on the rules we discussed today. We spent some time identifying descriptive passages in a sample narrative and then you were to label your draft and identify evidence of quality description in your writing.

GOOD COPY OF NARRATIVE IS DUE ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10TH.


Tuesday
The fire drill today cut our class a little short. We did, however, complete our first Editing Practice based on the errors we looked at yesterday. Looks like everyone did well, so your writing will be error free now WRITE? RIGHT? After the edit practice we turned our attention the presentation criteria for the good copy of your narratives: typed; double-spaced; criteria sheet AND rough draft attached to good copy; easy to read 10-12pt font; title; your name; the date.


Wednesday

OOPs! Another shortened class due to the Terry Fox Run and PLC time. Today we returned to looking briefly at the short story "Charles." Some students were asked to elaborate on their thinking and speaking bubbles for their character from the short story. Everyone was asked to think and jot down some things that their character values in life. As well, you were asked to write down what other characters would say about your character. To finish up today, I asked you to think of 3 elementary school kids you remember and write down their names. Next we looked at two paragraphs that a friend of mine wrote about her elementary school classmates. Everyone did an amazing job of teasing out what made these examples of quality descriptions: comparisons, head-to-toe description of person, includes a short memory/story, has a twist at the end. 

Thursday
Today we continued gathering qualities of a good character description. After reviewing yesterday's two paragraphs, we listened to a third example and came up with even more criteria. Next we put all the criteria on strips of paper again and organized them into groups on the floor. While everyone did a brainstorm of things they want to say about their 3 chosen elementary classmates, I began typing out the criteria that we assembled. Tomorrow you will do your second in-class write: two character sketches of two different "characters" from your elementary years.

DON'T FORGET THAT THE GOOD COPY OF YOUR NARRATIVE: WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU... IS DUE TOMORROW!

Friday
Wow! What a treat to have so many students approach me right at the beginning of class with their completed narratives all ready to hand-in. Following silent reading, and a discussion of the criteria we constructed yesterday, you did your second in-class write: a character sketch of someone you remember from elementary school. While you worked away diligently on that, I began assessing your narrative good copies. What a pleasure they are to read! Some really fine descriptions and interesting stories have resulted from you efforts. Well done everyone. You will ace the extended writing section of the provincial exam with this quality of writing!