Thursday Sept 29th

Today we worked our way through VOICE, PICTURES, and FLOW and discussed how our job as writers is to get our ideas onto paper and into our readers' mind - not an easy task.  I shared my piece of writing I am Rebecca, the reader...and students began their own piece of writing using the same first sentence.

Using I am _______, the reader as your first sentence write about your journey as a reader.  Incorporate RENNS and pay attention to Voice, Pictures, and Flow.

Students did not have a chance to finish, and work is in the classroom...we'll do more writing next day.  See you then!

A short clip that reviews what we've been talking about and working on in class - worth a view.

http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-to-write-fiction-that-comes-alive-nalo-hopkinson

Homework:  READ!!!

Tuesday Sept 27th

Today we spent time itemizing how to include sensory details into writing.  We read and listened to a few examples and practised making boring sentences more vibrant.

Portfolios were returned and each block now has a seating plan.

Your next piece of writing is coming...you will be writing about your journey as a reader and writer - incorporating RENNS, sensory details...and paying attention to VOICE, PICTURES, and FLOW (we'll talk about this next day)..

HOMEWORK:  READ
OVERDUE: Portfolios

A lovely little clip a friend sent me once upon a time.  My wish for all of you this year as you improve as readers.  I might show this to you on Thursday, we'll see what kind of time we have.

http://vimeo.com/33822223

Enjoy!  See you Thursday

Thursday Sept 22nd

Today we reviewed the three types of connections to make while reading using Ellen Page's speech to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as our text.  The article was broken into three sections, and students made a connection to each and ended the class by writing a paragraph response.

Portfolios projects were due today.

Homework for the weekend: READ your independent novel!!!

Enjoy your long weekend!  Hopefully I'll see a few of you tonight at Meet the Teacher.

Ms. R

Tuesday Sept 20th

Today we spent time on portfolio projects.  We went over the requirements, good copy status and students were directed towards the rubric to help maximize marks.

Portfolio Project is due on Thursday Sept 22nd...no more class time...

Homework:  Portfolio project, READ

Friday Sept 16th

Today we wrote and marked the course expectations quiz, revised reading goals, and got started on our portfolio projects.

Portfolio projects are due on Thursday Sept 22nd.  Please make sure your printer is working as your piece of written work needs to be formatted.

We will have some time next day to work on portfolios...

Happy weekend!

Ms. R

Monday Sept 12th

Today we went through some more business items.  For Friday Sept 16th three things:  return parent slip, binder check, and Course Expectations Quiz.  Make sure you know how to get in touch with me, where things are in the room, and what you need to bring to class each and every time we see each other (a novel)...and what homework students need to complete EVERY day (30 minutes of reading). See you Friday!