Hello(ween) Seniors!
Thank you for checking into this cauldron of academic information. We will have a wonderfully spooky week together -laying our Personal Statements to rest and having some fun casting creative and lyrical spells!
Please do your best to take advantage of the many opportunities to get a-head. I hope you enjoy the Halloween themes that are spider webbed into our assignments and prompts. Watch out for those Goths and the Zombie-astic Article/Assessment surfacing on Wednesday. Don't be scared...
Please note that no late work will be accepted. Don't find yourself six feet under....
Next week we will be transitioning into our Spoken Word Poetry Unit. Are you ready to venture in to new and uncharted territories? We will welcome some of San Diego's best poets/writers/mentors into our classroom...
* Since you are checking the blog - you deserve to be rewarded!
Monday 10/28 - Follow these specific directions: On one side of an index card write"Trick or Treat" and on the other side write - "I Love Writers Workshop". Easy points. Hand me your card quietly at the beginning of class. Make sure your name, date, class period is visible.
Tutoring/Office Hours - Monday 2:15 - 3:15, Tuesday 2:15 - 4 pm
* Personal Statement Workshop - edit/revise, use the computers, print
* TSI (Test Scene Investigation) - You are personally dared to attend this thorough autopsy of Wednesday's Article Assessment...you will be glad you did
* Concerns, Revisions, Grades
Monday
* Sacred Writing Time - Prompt - Copy Klosterman
* Klosterman Article - "Something Wicked...."
* Socratic Discussion - article, stylistic endeavors, questions
Tuesday
* Personal Statement - Rough Draft #3 due
* Bring copies for your group
* WRG - Personal Statements - follow protocols. Praise, Question, Wish
* This is your LAST chance to workshop your piece before your Final Draft is due on Thursday
* You will receive a rubric and directions for your typed reflection - also due on Thursday
Wednesday
* Sacred Writing Time - In class prompt
* Article: "My Zombie, Myself: Why Modern Life Feels Rather Undead" - C.Klosterman
* Read/Annotate/Discuss/Reflect
Thursday
* Personal Statement due w/reflection and rubric
* Learn and workshop with one of the country's top spoken word artists: Imani Cezanne will join us for a VIP Writers Workshop Session. Check her out here: http://imanicezanne.tumblr.com/
* Attendance is mandatory to get credit for today's writing activities!
Friday - Participate!
* Inspirational Texts - If you are unable to present or present without a well written component you will receive a ZERO for this assignment. Please be genuine in your efforts.
* WW Cypher
* Author's Chair
Have a great week. Be safe. Work hard. Play Hard.
Samakosky
Turner
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Week #8 - Writing Time - Personal Statements, Inspirational Texts...
Hello Seniors!
I hope this note finds you well. We will continue to improve our Personal Statements this week. Take advantage of the opportunities and resources you are being given. Remember to edit, revise, and rewrite to make sure that your final productions are the very best they can be. As a writer and editor - YOU are in the drivers seat - take control - and get your reader to the proper and intended destination! Write On!
As always - advocate for yourself.
Tutoring and Office Hours will be both Monday and Tuesday after school. You are able to use the class computers and printer. If you need to make an appointment for another time - please let me know.
Extra Credit - Poetry Club at Lunch on Wednesday
Homework - You are contuining to write and edit any and all of your writing. This includes this weeks assignments as well as revising any previous pieces for a higher grade or for eventual Portfolio submission. There is ALWAYS something to be writing...bring some of your best and personal work to Author's Chair. Give yourself permission to participate!
Monday
* Return WI #4,5 - examples of exemplary student work
* Independent Writing Time - Personal Statements and Inspirational Texts
* You can use the classroom computers
HW - PS due Tues - Typed two-pages, 12 pt font, double spaced. Be prepared with questions and concerns to workshop
Tuesday/Wednesday
* Personal Stamement Workshop w/Gear Up
* Mr. Martinez will join us again with helpful information, tips, advice, and examples
* Take notes! Be attentive! Share! Ask questions!
* Be ready to workshop your piece! This will count as a WRG grade.
Thursday
* In Class Writing Activity - TBD
Friday - Participation Day
* Inspirational Text - Fabulous Four random selection to share your choice of text and your critical analysis and writing with personal insight and connection, explanation of purpose, style, and reflection. Make sure your copy is well done, error free, and pretty. No go = ZERO.
* WW Cypher
* Author's Chair
Continue to push your boundaries and expectations this week. Remember that your writing will make it's way into your Semester Portfolio (worth 10% of your entire grade). You will have some mandatory selections - however you will have plenty of free choice as well. Knowing this...make sure your daily efforts will allow you to have the most genuine and authentic writings possible.
Attend class! Be productive! Write On!
Samakosky
Turner
I hope this note finds you well. We will continue to improve our Personal Statements this week. Take advantage of the opportunities and resources you are being given. Remember to edit, revise, and rewrite to make sure that your final productions are the very best they can be. As a writer and editor - YOU are in the drivers seat - take control - and get your reader to the proper and intended destination! Write On!
As always - advocate for yourself.
Tutoring and Office Hours will be both Monday and Tuesday after school. You are able to use the class computers and printer. If you need to make an appointment for another time - please let me know.
Extra Credit - Poetry Club at Lunch on Wednesday
Homework - You are contuining to write and edit any and all of your writing. This includes this weeks assignments as well as revising any previous pieces for a higher grade or for eventual Portfolio submission. There is ALWAYS something to be writing...bring some of your best and personal work to Author's Chair. Give yourself permission to participate!
Monday
* Return WI #4,5 - examples of exemplary student work
* Independent Writing Time - Personal Statements and Inspirational Texts
* You can use the classroom computers
HW - PS due Tues - Typed two-pages, 12 pt font, double spaced. Be prepared with questions and concerns to workshop
Tuesday/Wednesday
* Personal Stamement Workshop w/Gear Up
* Mr. Martinez will join us again with helpful information, tips, advice, and examples
* Take notes! Be attentive! Share! Ask questions!
* Be ready to workshop your piece! This will count as a WRG grade.
Thursday
* In Class Writing Activity - TBD
Friday - Participation Day
* Inspirational Text - Fabulous Four random selection to share your choice of text and your critical analysis and writing with personal insight and connection, explanation of purpose, style, and reflection. Make sure your copy is well done, error free, and pretty. No go = ZERO.
* WW Cypher
* Author's Chair
Continue to push your boundaries and expectations this week. Remember that your writing will make it's way into your Semester Portfolio (worth 10% of your entire grade). You will have some mandatory selections - however you will have plenty of free choice as well. Knowing this...make sure your daily efforts will allow you to have the most genuine and authentic writings possible.
Attend class! Be productive! Write On!
Samakosky
Turner
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Week #7 - Personal Statements!
Hello Seniors!
This week we will delve heavily into constructing our Personal Statements.
Grades for the first six weeks are now closed - you will be receiving your progress reports within the next few days. Please remember that you can revise any of your work for a higher grade.
Your sincere efforts to be present, write to improve, and participate regularly will always be valued and will be awarded a such. Please continue to seek your own voice and purpose with our writing tasks, opportunities to draft/edit/revise, and response group feedback.
See previous posts for ongoing extra credit opportunities. Please note that these will only be assessed for your overall Semester grade.
Poetry Club - Wednesday at lunch.
INSPIRATIONAL TEXT HUNT - You will find an inspirational mentor text.
This will be something positive that EVERY student can benefit from seeing. Students will be selected randomly on Fridays - so you must be ready - you have the entire week to decide. If you are not ready you will receive a ZERO. Feel free to volunteer - but you must ask by Wednesday.
This can be a video clip - similar to the "Ball Pit Video" I showed. It can be an inspiring poem/song. You can share an inspirational on-line article, newspaper/magazine article, kids book, illustration, a selection of text from a book, a TED Talk...whatever you think will strengthen our community and inspire us!
Examples:
Link to TED Talks - http://www.ted.com/
http://www.thelawofattraction.com/22-extraordinary-pictures-to-restore-your-faith-in-humanity/
http://www.writermag.com/2013/09/23/writing-hard/
http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/06/21/18-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-was-18/
You must have a typed introduction of the piece, offering an explanation. You must include your reason for wanting us to be exposed to this piece. Explain what can we learn from both the content and the stylistic approach. The more academic the better. This must be at least one page and must consist of multiple paragraphs. Please proofread and make sure it contains no errors to receive full credit.
Monday
* In Class Writing Activity - Explore a fun task that will get your creativity going and your writing flowing!
Tuesday/Wednesday
* Personal Statement WORKSHOP with Gear Up!
* You DO NOT want to miss these two days!
* Writer's NB check - are you writing? Please place a post it on ONE selection that you would like read that you believe showcases your efforts and your writing.
Thursday
* Personal Statment draft day!
* You will be writing independently in class - be sure to bring all resources/brainstorms/etc...that will help you to construct your writing.
Friday
* AUTHOR'S CHAIR
* WW Cypher
* Inspirational Texts- FOUR students will be asked to share their inspirational text - see above
HOMEWORK - What is due this week?
* You will get credit for attending the PS workshop - if you are not present how can you participate?
* Inspirational Text - Be accountable and ready!
* PS draft check on Thursday/Friday. You must show evidence of a draft.
* Tues/Weds - NB Check
Tutoring is available after school on Tuesday. If you want any assistance at all or want to raise your grade - please make sure to advocate for yourself.
Write On!
Samakosky
This week we will delve heavily into constructing our Personal Statements.
Grades for the first six weeks are now closed - you will be receiving your progress reports within the next few days. Please remember that you can revise any of your work for a higher grade.
Your sincere efforts to be present, write to improve, and participate regularly will always be valued and will be awarded a such. Please continue to seek your own voice and purpose with our writing tasks, opportunities to draft/edit/revise, and response group feedback.
See previous posts for ongoing extra credit opportunities. Please note that these will only be assessed for your overall Semester grade.
Poetry Club - Wednesday at lunch.
INSPIRATIONAL TEXT HUNT - You will find an inspirational mentor text.
This will be something positive that EVERY student can benefit from seeing. Students will be selected randomly on Fridays - so you must be ready - you have the entire week to decide. If you are not ready you will receive a ZERO. Feel free to volunteer - but you must ask by Wednesday.
This can be a video clip - similar to the "Ball Pit Video" I showed. It can be an inspiring poem/song. You can share an inspirational on-line article, newspaper/magazine article, kids book, illustration, a selection of text from a book, a TED Talk...whatever you think will strengthen our community and inspire us!
Examples:
Link to TED Talks - http://www.ted.com/
http://www.thelawofattraction.com/22-extraordinary-pictures-to-restore-your-faith-in-humanity/
http://www.writermag.com/2013/09/23/writing-hard/
http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/06/21/18-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-was-18/
You must have a typed introduction of the piece, offering an explanation. You must include your reason for wanting us to be exposed to this piece. Explain what can we learn from both the content and the stylistic approach. The more academic the better. This must be at least one page and must consist of multiple paragraphs. Please proofread and make sure it contains no errors to receive full credit.
Monday
* In Class Writing Activity - Explore a fun task that will get your creativity going and your writing flowing!
Tuesday/Wednesday
* Personal Statement WORKSHOP with Gear Up!
* You DO NOT want to miss these two days!
* Writer's NB check - are you writing? Please place a post it on ONE selection that you would like read that you believe showcases your efforts and your writing.
Thursday
* Personal Statment draft day!
* You will be writing independently in class - be sure to bring all resources/brainstorms/etc...that will help you to construct your writing.
Friday
* AUTHOR'S CHAIR
* WW Cypher
* Inspirational Texts- FOUR students will be asked to share their inspirational text - see above
HOMEWORK - What is due this week?
* You will get credit for attending the PS workshop - if you are not present how can you participate?
* Inspirational Text - Be accountable and ready!
* PS draft check on Thursday/Friday. You must show evidence of a draft.
* Tues/Weds - NB Check
Tutoring is available after school on Tuesday. If you want any assistance at all or want to raise your grade - please make sure to advocate for yourself.
Write On!
Samakosky
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Week #6 - Pointer Statue, Writing WI #4 and #5, WRG, Silent Gallery Walk, and Author's Chair
Hello Writers!
Welcome to our sixth week together. Grades will close this Friday. Advocate for yourself, do what is asked of you, and exceed expectations. Put forth sincere creative and independent effort into all of your writing this week. Make sure that your assessment reflects you authentically.
Extra Credit:
Poetry Club - Weds @ lunch
Printing Paper
Tissues/Hand Sanitizer
* Submit both WI #4 and WI #5 (Specify which one you want officially graded)
*** Your HOMEWORK this week is to edit, revise, and write every night until you believe your writing is your very best...draft draft draft!
Monday
* We need a change of environment and perspective....so meet at the Pointer Statue in the Quad. On an index card (or a post it) write: Once A Pointer, Always A Pointer. Do not be late or you will be marked Tardy. Those with index cards/post its will receive additional participation points for the six week grading period. Have your Writer's NB with you - as well as your favorite writing instrument.
* Writing Activity - Various prompts to select from all having to do with your tenure at PLHS
Tuesday - Classroom computers and printing will be available from 2:15 until 3:30.
* Writing Day
* Work diligently on WI #4 and/or #5 - get specific assistance on issues you may be encountering...come with specific questions and/or concerns.
* Work on your REFLECTION...see Thursday.
Wednesday
* WRG - Bring your 5 copies and any questions/concerns for your last WRG before your piece is due tomorrow. Follow WRG protocol and assist one another authentically.
* Please note that if you show up WITHOUT your draft(s) - you WILL NOT be working with your WRG and you will receive a ZERO for the day. No excuses.
Thursday - DUE DATE - NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED
* WI #4 and/or #5 is due. You must have a self assessed rubric stapled to the BACK of your piece.
* You will also include TWO TYPED paragraphs explaining why you are most happy with your writing. What stylistic choices did you make and what did you purposefully do that you want the reader to be aware of? What are you proud of? If given more time...are there changes you would still make? Are there still aspects you are still unsure about? Explore ANY and ALL of these questions.
* Silent Gallery Walk - A Fun and Active Brainstorming Strategy
* Begin to discuss ELEMENTS of PERSONAL STATEMENTS (WI#6)
Friday
* Author's Chair - participation activity
* Share - WI #4, #5, Prompts, Whatever!
Have a good week! Be the best writer you can be! I believe in you!
Write On!
Samakosky
Welcome to our sixth week together. Grades will close this Friday. Advocate for yourself, do what is asked of you, and exceed expectations. Put forth sincere creative and independent effort into all of your writing this week. Make sure that your assessment reflects you authentically.
Extra Credit:
Poetry Club - Weds @ lunch
Printing Paper
Tissues/Hand Sanitizer
* Submit both WI #4 and WI #5 (Specify which one you want officially graded)
*** Your HOMEWORK this week is to edit, revise, and write every night until you believe your writing is your very best...draft draft draft!
Monday
* We need a change of environment and perspective....so meet at the Pointer Statue in the Quad. On an index card (or a post it) write: Once A Pointer, Always A Pointer. Do not be late or you will be marked Tardy. Those with index cards/post its will receive additional participation points for the six week grading period. Have your Writer's NB with you - as well as your favorite writing instrument.
* Writing Activity - Various prompts to select from all having to do with your tenure at PLHS
Tuesday - Classroom computers and printing will be available from 2:15 until 3:30.
* Writing Day
* Work diligently on WI #4 and/or #5 - get specific assistance on issues you may be encountering...come with specific questions and/or concerns.
* Work on your REFLECTION...see Thursday.
Wednesday
* WRG - Bring your 5 copies and any questions/concerns for your last WRG before your piece is due tomorrow. Follow WRG protocol and assist one another authentically.
* Please note that if you show up WITHOUT your draft(s) - you WILL NOT be working with your WRG and you will receive a ZERO for the day. No excuses.
Thursday - DUE DATE - NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED
* WI #4 and/or #5 is due. You must have a self assessed rubric stapled to the BACK of your piece.
* You will also include TWO TYPED paragraphs explaining why you are most happy with your writing. What stylistic choices did you make and what did you purposefully do that you want the reader to be aware of? What are you proud of? If given more time...are there changes you would still make? Are there still aspects you are still unsure about? Explore ANY and ALL of these questions.
* Silent Gallery Walk - A Fun and Active Brainstorming Strategy
* Begin to discuss ELEMENTS of PERSONAL STATEMENTS (WI#6)
Friday
* Author's Chair - participation activity
* Share - WI #4, #5, Prompts, Whatever!
Have a good week! Be the best writer you can be! I believe in you!
Write On!
Samakosky
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