Week #4 - The Perks of Being....Infinite

Hello Seniors!

Are you active or passive?  An introvert or an extrovert?  When you think back on your years in high school are you happy with your participation or do you believe you could have been more involved?  What are the advantages/disadvantages of observation?  What are the advantages/disadvantages of participation? We will be discussing, writing, and exploring these themes (and more) as we delve into Stephen Chbosky's "The Perks of Being a Wallflower".

As with our previous unit this semester - this will require class attendance, participation, discussion, and in-class work completion.  In order to assure your achievement - I would suggest you get your own copy of the for-mentioned novel - you can find it online, at a bookstore, at the library.  We will have classroom readings available - but you will not be able to annotate or take them home.  Below you will see our selected readings.

We will be noting Chbosky' style and writing choices. We will also work with the film adaptation of the book, interviews with the cast and writer/director, as well as assess some of the lyrics to some of Charlie's favorite songs.  We will culminate this unit with a healthy Socratic discussion - you will want to use your notes, texts,and insight to guarantee your success.

Extra Credit Opportunities:
* Tuesday - Lyrical Exchange - Queen Bees in North Park @ 8:30 pm
* Turn in your Villanelle and allow Photography to use it? Do thisby Weds. and get additional credit
* Poetry Club - Weds @ lunch - Participate in the Spoken Word Poetry symposium.  Your participation can/will assure you an A or B for the semester.  Make sure to attend poetry club this Weds for more information.
* Poets Meet Poets III is in the works....stay tuned for details
* Open House at Saans Lena Studio - Sunday 3/9 from 11-2.  Come by the studio! Tell friends and family.  There will be a sign in sheet, food, activities, and a raffle!

Tuesday
* Anticipatory Guide
* Sacred Writing Time -See initial Q's in opening blog paragraph
* "PBW" - Pages 2-13 - note style, voice, tone....Who is Charlie?
* "PBW" -Trailer - What emotions does the clip convey?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQPhbA1luzw

Wednesday
* SWT
* "PBW" - pages 14-18
* Charlie's Letter as Mentor Text - note/examine language choice, dialogue, style

Thursday
* SWT
* "PBW" - Pages 28-39
* Notes - authenticity, voice, themes characters,

Friday
* Inspirational Texts - TED Talks - random selections....if you want to present right away please come to class on Tues/Weds with an index card that has your name, your TED Talk name/presenter, and a note that lets me know you are ready to present.
* Authors Chair - present your independent writing
* WW Cipher

Please work hard and be prepared for high level critical thinking and discussion.  We will also preview guidelines for our upcoming Spring Spoken Word Slam....team selections, expectations, and writing response groups!  Office hours are Wednesday after school.  Come by if you have any questions or concerns.  You have 14 weeks left in your high school career....make these days count!

"and in that moment, I swear we were infinite..."

Samakosky

Week #3 - Valentines Week, Writing, Workshops, and a Whole Lotta Love....

Dear Seniors!

Valentine's Week is upon us. We will be writing and work-shopping in class during our FOUR day work week.  Please note that there will not be a lot of homework - so your efforts in class, participation, and attendance are crucial to your success.  Please join in, find your voice, have fun, and take some risks with your writing.

Opportunities this week:
SD Poetry Slam - Monday @ Queen Bees @ 8 pm
Lyrical Exchange - Tuesday @ Queen Bees @ 8:30
Submit a poem for photography.  Please ask for more info - easy extra credit points.

Office Hours are this Weds after school.  Please let me know if you have any concerns.

Here is our tentative schedule. 

Monday

*Valentine Villanelle's -  We will revisit this poetic form to write poems for our loved ones, friends, crushes, pets, etc....
* Plan on using a portion of this assignment for your Valentine...you can also use your writing for our in-class Valentine's celebration on Thursday and/or Author's Chair

Tuesday

* Freaks and Geeks - Boyfriends and Girlfriends
* Reflect on this episode - themes, characters, writing. Turn this in by Thursday. This is not a mandatory assignment.  It can/will only help you.

Wednesday

* Workshop with Nashona from ourmommieshands.org
* Feel free to visit her website in advance or "like" her Facebook page
* Today's workshop is Day 1 - Nashona will join us again to complete our writing activities

Thursday

* Valentine's Day Celebration - We're going old school!  Bring valentines, poems, writing, candy, chocolate, sweets for your friends and classmates!
* Author's Chair - share your Villanelle or any other writing of your choice...
* Sing Along Jams!
* WW Cipher - V Day Edition

Have a fun week! Work hard! Write on!

Samakosky

Week #2 - How do different writers in different genres differ stylistically when all still exploring the same/similar themes?

Hello Seniors!

This is an important week.  Make sure you are keeping all of your resources, taking notes, and spending some time organizing your thoughts. We will continue to explore how different writers purposefully make decisions that affect the way readers interpret their work and words.  You can learn a lot from these writers and I hope I get to see you trying on these different styles in the future.

This week your grade is dependent upon your participation during class - specifically Weds/Thurs Socratic Seminar.

On Friday you will have an in-class writing assignment (open note) which will ask you to synthesize all of the work we have been doing.  Your own creative and unique analysis will be assessed as a test grade.  Make sure you are prepared.

Office Hours - Weds after school.  If you would like some help with your organization for Friday's writing assignment - please attend office hours.

Poetry Club - Weds @ lunch

Extra Credit Opportunity - Poets Meet Poets - this SATURDAY from 10-1 - right here at PLHS in room 854.  Bring a friend!

* Guest poets include: Imani Cezane, Matt Cuban, Preston Clark, Jordan Hamilton, Glassless Minds, and more!

Here is this weeks tentative schedule:

Monday

* Finish "Notes" from "The Things They Carried" - you should check out your own book to use for notes/comments/discussion

* Video Clip - Vietnam Ambush

* "Facing It' - poem activity - read/annotate for devices and purpose

Tuesday

* "Facing It" - poem activity - read/annotate for devices and purpose

* Video Clip discussion

Weds/Thurs

* Socratic Discussion - be prepared with notes/resources/handouts

* Failure to attend or participate will affect your grade

Friday

* In Class Writing Assignment - see prompt Q below.  Be prepared.  Open Notes

Your participation is key this week.  I look forward to seeing you think critically.  I look forward to seeing you write with purpose, citing evidence, and making solid connections between all of the sources we are using.  Please use the overarching question below to help guide you along.

Be Good.

Samakosky

Overarching Question we are Exploring:

How do different writers in different genres differ stylistically when all still exploring the same/similar themes of war? (ie: loss, death, loyalty, brotherhood, innocence, longing, (dis)connection, aftermath, PTSD)

Sources

Anticipatory guide

Goodnight Saigon – Billy Joel

Tim O’Brien – Transrcipt (style)

Obama – State of Union

Speaking of Courage - O' Brien

Notes – O’Brien

Jordan Hamilton

Facing it – poem

Film Clip – Soldier Ambush
Socratic Seminar

Semester II - Week I - The Things They Carried

Hello Seniors.

Thank you for checking the blog.  I am anticipating an excellent second semester as you approach your graduation from Point Loma High School.

Office Hours this week will on Wednesday at 2:15
Please come by if you have any questions or concerns.
Advocate for yourself. 

Extra Credit - Poetry Club @ lunch on Weds.
Lyrical Exchange attendance on Tuesday nights @ 8:30 pm @ Queen Bee's in N.Park
Attendance on 2/8 for Poets Meet Poets II - this event is from 10 am - 1pm

*** All the work we are doing over the course of the next two weeks will result with Socratic Discussions on Weds.2/5 and Thurs 2/6.   You will want to take notes, participate in discussion, and use all of our texts and resources as evidence. We will be reading selections from Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried".  There are copies of this book in the library.

Here is our tentative schedule:

Monday
* SWT
* "The Things They Carried" - anticipatory guide/questions
* "Goodnight Saigon" - lyrical them annotation

Tuesday
* SWT
* Read "Speaking of Courage" - an outtake from "TTHC"
* Notes/Discussion

Wednesday
*  SWT
* Tim O' Brien video clip
* Finish "SOC" and begin "Notes"

Thursday
* SWT
* Video Clip- "Platoon"
* Revisit texts - "Speaking of Courage" and "Notes" for content and author style

Friday
* SWT
* Continued discussion "SOC" and "Notes" - What can we learn as writers?
* Author's Chair/Inspirational Text

You will need to be in class daily to do these assignments.  Your attendance will be part of your participation grade this semester.  Whether excused or not - you must be IN the class to get credit for the class.

Samakosky

Semester One Portfolio Requirements - Due on Weds. 1/22 (Per. 1,2), and on Thurs. (Per.3)

Hello Seniors!

Here are the guidelines for your Semester Portfolio...your Final.
The total for this project is 200 points and will count for a large portion of your semester grade.

Besides just having the writing and assignments - you are being graded for content, keeping it error free, revision, and your overall presentation and product. Remember this is supposed to represent you as a student, an individual, and most importantly as a writer who is making strides and improving their craft. Make sure it looks good and reads well. You are in charge of the order of you assignments and the way you want it to read.

Please take the time to edit/proofread and include the very best work you have. Anything less will be marked down and it will affect your overall score. Also - be aware that your classmates will have the opportunity to see your portfolio and will be assisting me in assessing you score...if your classmates think that it lacks effort...well then it most certainly does and you will have to deal with the consequences.

Step #1:  Meet the requirements - see the suggested Table of Contents - listed below.  See Step #4 for specifics regarding your intro/letter.

Step #2: Gather the writing that you have done this semester - with specific attention to the suggested table of contents. You should bring work that you have revised in your WRG's and Slam Teams.

Step#3:  Edit/Revise/ Organize your work so it becomes an experience for the writer.  Use WRG time to get assistance from your classmates.  This should be an adventure through your first semester of Writers Workshop.

Step #4:  Type up the reflective letter.  For this, you are writing a letter to your reader and the subject of your letter is your writing.  This will also serve as an introduction to your portfolio.  Your purpose is  to guide the reader in reading your portfolio and to answer any questions that they may have about your writing, your style, and your specific choices.  This letter must be 1-2 pages in length - with substance and thought.

Here are some questions for you to respond to in your letter:
* What is your writing portfolio about?  What is important to you about these pieces?
* In what ways do these writings represent your accomplishments?  In what ways did you stretch yourself in writing these pieces?
* What should the reader notice in your writing?
* How has each piece of writing evolved since starting it?  Describe your revision process.
* What does your writing reveal about the challenges that you face as a writer?  Where are you still struck or struggling?
* What have you liked/disliked about Writing Response Groups?
* Do you feel your writing has improved this semester?

Remember that good writers anticipate and respond to their reader's questions. What else do you think your reader needs to know (or wants to know) about your writing pieces.  I look forward to reading this.

Your portfolio MUST be a minimum of 20 pages.  You must include the following - this is NOT part of your page count.
* Title Page 
* Table of Contents w/Page numbers
* Introduction letter - see Step #4. 
* Dedication/In Memory page
* About the Author (written in 3rd person)

Your Suggested Table of Contents: (This is all work that we have completed)
* WI #1-3
* WI # 4-6
* Personal Statement
* Klosterman piece (expriement with time)
* Inspirational Text
* Vilanelle
* Sestina
* Free Choice poem
* Quote poem
* Individual/Group pieces from Slam
* Sacred Writing Time prompts
* Free choice - poems/stories never turned in
* Selections from your Top 13 of 2013

* You may include artwork, photos, collages, etc...please note that this will not count towards your page count.  This is strictly for you to really make this portfolio unique to you.
* Font and font size should be high school appropriate.  Make smart choices.

There will be workshops after school on Wednesday 1/15 and also on Tuesday 1/21 for anyone who needs assistance or needs to print.  There will be no late work accepted.

Write On.

Samakosky

Week #16 - Welcome Back! Hello (class of) 2014!

Hello Seniors!

Welcome to your graduation year!  I am very excited for you and for us to continue exploring new territories with our writing.  This is a reflective and pivotal time in your lives.  Embrace our activities, assignments, discussions, and time together.  It is all about YOU!

Our semester ends in just a few weeks.  We will be using our time to read a few selections merely to note what stylistic choices we are seeing authors use - we are MUCH more in tune with this since we have been learning and trying lots of techniques ourselves.  We will also read for multiple purposes - not just style, but choice, decision, and content.  Pay attention - you just might learn something!

New this week will also be our "Letter to Self Activity" - this was covered in class on Tues. 1/7.  You will have a draft (partial) with you for our first WRG of the year...this Friday.  You must have a workable draft in order to receive credit. No work - no credit.  The final copy is due on the day of your Final. Be honest and put in some sincere effort...at the end of the day - this assignment is FOR YOU.

Extra Credit Opportunities
* Lyrical Exchange - 8:30 on Tues nights at Queen Bees in N. Park.  Perform a poem at LE - watch your grade sore - this is the ultimate proof of confidence and growth and voice as a writer!
* Poetry Club on Wednesdays - attend, share, perform

Office Hours are on Wednesday 1/8 - after school. There are lots of F's and D's in our class..I am concerned...are you?  If you have Portfolio questions...please come by.

Monday/Tues
* Sacred Writing Time
* George Carlin - "Something to Ponder" - read and annotate
* Analysis/Reflection
* Socratic Seminar (20 points)

Wednesday/Thursday - Please note classes will be taught by Mr. Turner periods 1,2,3
* "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" - short story
* We will continue to read for multiple purposes - style, choice, content, connections - you must be in class to participate in the activities and discussions. 

Friday - we will skip Authors Chair and Inspirational Texts ( we will resume these next week)
* WRG - you must be present in order to get credit
* LTS draft due - workcheck
* Portfolio discussions/share/edit/revise

Please remember to have the FAFSA worksheet/info ready to go for our day with Gear Up this upcoming Monday. No matter what you are choosing to do once you graduate - this is a great opportunity to get your paperwork in order so you can get some financial assistance for the future!

Portfolio contents will be available VERY soon - there will be a new blog entry with specific assignments - essentially your Table of Contents.  In the meantime - begin gathering your best writing and work from the semester.  Start thinking about how you will arrange your pieces so it really indicates your sincere growth, understanding, and maturity as a writer.  You will want to have evidence of style and choice that is unique to YOU!.

All the best in 2014.  Work hard. Play hard. Write On!

Samakosky
Turner

Week #15 - Spoken Word Slam Semi-Finals and Finals! Top 13 of 2013....and Break!

Happy Holidays Writers and Poets!

I hope this update finds you well and thinking reflectively and creatively.  What an amazing week of poems, words, statements, observations, skills, techniques, group creativity, and effort!  I think we were all truly impressed by the quality and vulnerability that our classmates and fellow writers were willing to share.  I am eagerly anticipating some fantastic pieces as we finish up this session of Spoken Word/Poetry.  I look forward to where this momentum will take us as we head into 2014 and our remaining time together in Writers Workshop.

You are expected to be writing individually and independently.  Take advantage of opportunities to advocate for yourself. Your last minute concerns will not be mine.  If you are worried about your efforts, grade, missing assignments, etc....THIS is the week to be seen and heard.

Office Hours - M/W - 2:15 - 3:30
* Wednesday will be an information session for extra credit and making up assignments.  You must be present in order to take advantage of this opportunity.
Poetry Club - W/F @ lunch

Monday
* Typed poems/reflection DUE
* Poetry Slam Semi-Finals - each team will present TWO of their THREE poems.  Plan well so that you can earn the scores you want.  Remember the point is the poetry.  Learn from what worked/didn't work in Round One. 

Tuesday
* TBD (To Be Determined)
* Class time will be given to write/edit/proofread your Top 13 of 2013

Wednesday
* Conclusion of Semi Finals - Spoken Word Slam.  Each team will present their THIRD piece for evaluation.  The TWO teams with the top combined scores will move on to the Finals.
* Class time to finalize your Top 13 of 2013

Thursday
* Top 13 of 2013 DUE.  Not late work will be accepted.  Your work must be error free and publishable.  If it is not easy to read and presentable it will NOT be graded.  Make wise choices.
* Spoken Word Slam Finals!  Remember that the winning team (with work completion) will get an A for their efforts and dedication with our unit!

Friday
* Authors Chair/Inspirational Texts/Top 13 of 2013
* You will be allowed to take your Manilla Folder home over the break  w/all of your turned in work thus far from the semester.  You can revise assignments, make up missing assignment, etc....
* Your attendance (unless you inform me much earlier in the week) will count as a participation grade for today! Please be present.  It is better when you are here.
* Let's celebrate our writing community, the end of a great year, and the beginning of 2014!


It is truly a privilege to be your teacher and mentor and fellow writer.  Continue to expect the best from yourself and one another.  The new year will bring forth plenty of new creative writing assignments to explore individually and together.  Take advantage of these authentic opportunities to navigate new perspectives and to take genuine cosmic risks.  Remember that good writing is the willingness to play, have fun, and experiment; though the focus should always be on revising, improving and expanding. 

Work hard, play hard!  Write on!

Samakosky
Turner