Writing 2 Class Notes -- April 24

Greetings!

It was a beautiful day yesterday and the students did well being inside for most of the class.  We went outside for the poetry discussion.  I hope they can enjoy this great weather this week.

Our Quick Write was written by Drew Miller.  It was:  Invent something for someone in the class.

We took a bit of time to give back and hand in assignments.  I had a number of Quick Writes to hand back.  I had sent out an e-mail about missing assignments, and students handed in a number of these.  Some students still have missing work and unfinished work.  They have 2 weeks to finish any outstanding worksheets or papers.  If they are unclear about any of the assignments, they should send me an e-mail.  They can also check old e-mails and the blog for clarification.

Our next writing assignment is a Rewrite of any previously written essay.  They can pick one of their first essays that they didn't do as well on.  They could also choose an essay that they had enjoyed writing and want to add more information to.  I want them to hand in their original copies along with their rewritten versions.  A couple of students mentioned that they may not be able to find it on their computers.  If this is the case, a student may have to re-type the essay.

We worked through 3 grammar worksheets today on parallel structures, dangling modifiers, and comma splices.  We discussed these as a group so that we discuss grammar rules along the way.  If students are curious or would like more practice, they can go to the Grammar Bytes Exercises website.  

Because it was so beautiful outside, we took to the parking lot for the last portion of the class.  We discussed "I Hear America Singing" and "O Captain, My Captain" by Walt Whitman, "Because I could not stop for Death" and "I'm nobody. Who are you?" by Emily Dickinson, and "Casey at Bat" by Ernest Lawrence Thayer.  We read the poems aloud.  Poetry is a great vehicle for forcing us to think a little more deeply.

Assignments for Next Week:

-- Essay Rewrite

--  Hand in any missing assignments.

-- Read the following poets:

      Frost (p. 44 – 50); Sandburg (p.53 – 54); Williams (p. 60 – 61); Teasdale (p. 62); Hughes  (p. 75 – 78)

NOTE:  Make sure you read all of the assigned poems assigned. They will appear on the final exam on the last day of class.

Have a great week,

Mrs. Prichard