Friday
Two small quizzes were on the menu for today: some easy matching questions about plot and the first editing quiz. Once those were done and marked we turned our attention, briefly, back to the descriptions of elementary school classmates. We looked at a second paragraph and wrote down criteria statements.
Thursday
I returned the latest draft narratives that I had received. I gave everyone a Post-it and asked you to set two writing goals for your good copy. Next we went through our first "edit" sheet which consists of errors that I noticed were being made on the writing that was turned in to me. Tomorrow there will be a quiz on identifying/fixing these common errors.
Next we completed the short story "Charles". Apparently it's time for me to find a new story for this section of the course as many of you had already read it. Thanks for not plot-spoiling! We are working towards writing descriptive paragraphs of some people from our elementary years. I shared one example. We will look at more tomorrow as we develop the criteria together for this next writing task.
During our discussion regarding editing errors, the use of "and" and "but" at the beginning of a sentence came up. My position is that it is fine to use them, let's say once, in a piece. BUT, to repeatedly use them in place of more "formal" transitions shown below is something I would like you to work on improving.
But I am still awaiting his reply.
can be written as...
However, I am still awaiting his reply.
Although I am still awaiting his reply.
Nevertheless, I am still awaiting his reply.
And she was running very fast.
can be written as...
Moreover, she was running very fast.
In addition, she was running very fast.
Furthermore, she was running very fast.
Want more info?
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/can-i-start-a-sentence-with-a-conjunction?page=1
http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2012/01/can-i-start-a-sentence-with-a-conjunction/
Wednesday
In class this afternoon, we reviewed the basic plot elements of a story as a reminder when writing the narratives that are due on Monday. Next, I read the beginning of the short story Charles and asked you to create thinking and speaking bubbles for the characters Charles and Laurie.
Tuesday
Two small quizzes were on the menu for today: some easy matching questions about plot and the first editing quiz. Once those were done and marked we turned our attention, briefly, back to the descriptions of elementary school classmates. We looked at a second paragraph and wrote down criteria statements.
Thursday
I returned the latest draft narratives that I had received. I gave everyone a Post-it and asked you to set two writing goals for your good copy. Next we went through our first "edit" sheet which consists of errors that I noticed were being made on the writing that was turned in to me. Tomorrow there will be a quiz on identifying/fixing these common errors.
Next we completed the short story "Charles". Apparently it's time for me to find a new story for this section of the course as many of you had already read it. Thanks for not plot-spoiling! We are working towards writing descriptive paragraphs of some people from our elementary years. I shared one example. We will look at more tomorrow as we develop the criteria together for this next writing task.
During our discussion regarding editing errors, the use of "and" and "but" at the beginning of a sentence came up. My position is that it is fine to use them, let's say once, in a piece. BUT, to repeatedly use them in place of more "formal" transitions shown below is something I would like you to work on improving.
But I am still awaiting his reply.
can be written as...
However, I am still awaiting his reply.
Although I am still awaiting his reply.
Nevertheless, I am still awaiting his reply.
And she was running very fast.
can be written as...
Moreover, she was running very fast.
In addition, she was running very fast.
Furthermore, she was running very fast.
Want more info?
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/can-i-start-a-sentence-with-a-conjunction?page=1
http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2012/01/can-i-start-a-sentence-with-a-conjunction/
Wednesday
In class this afternoon, we reviewed the basic plot elements of a story as a reminder when writing the narratives that are due on Monday. Next, I read the beginning of the short story Charles and asked you to create thinking and speaking bubbles for the characters Charles and Laurie.
Tuesday
We had a shorter class today due to the assembly. I returned the few drafts that I received and again pointed out the benefits/advantages to everyone of submitting a draft for feedback. I said that I would begin emailing parents tonight about the missing work; however, having thought about it, I will only email home if I don't receive the good copy next Monday. Submitting a draft is very like eating your vegetables: it's just good for you and I don't want a battle over it.
We spent a little bit of time doing a Think of a Time reflection on elementary school days and stories about classmates who were naughty.Monday
The draft copies of the narratives were due today and I received only eight! Hopefully this poor result will not be repeated. As I mentioned, if I do not receive your narrative by tomorrow, then I will send an email home about work habits. On a more positive note, those students who completed their assignment, spent some time in class self-checking that they had met the criteria and checking a peer to ensure the criteria were met. Good copies are due on Friday, February 28. Next we played a game of Chiffre Chance with short story terms. Congratulations to Team Massive for their decisive (?) win today!
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