You have found your way to your source of class information for your Creative Writing class, whether it is Period A-1, B-1 or B-4.
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END OF SCHOOL YEAR INFO:
Your Final Exam consists of two parts:
- The revised version of your latest short story
- A conference with Mr. Callison about a short piece of your writing that you are particularly pleased with
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Its been a really fun year, guys. Thank you.
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Monday May 4
A-1
- I.R.
- - Peer feedback regarding your Two Photo Poems (from second set of photos;
I liked, Should expand, Could be stronger) for each of the two. HOMEWORK: Typed versions (and electronic versions) of the two poems are due Wednesday.
-Journal 20: Dialogue exercise, two people, benefits of college education
Tuesday May 5
B-1 and B-4:
- I.R.
-Journal 20: Reaction to article titled "Dude, You've Got Problems"
Journals 16-20 will be due Thursday
-Typed versions (and electronic versions) of last two poems are due by Thursday at latest
-Typed drafts of short stories will be due next week
- I.R.
- Journals 16-20 are due today (self-scored)
- Revised/typed versions (and electronic versions) of last two photo poems are due by Friday at latest
-Typed drafts of short stories will be due next week
- Loose sheet reaction to article titled "Dude, You've Got Problems"
Thursday, May 7
B-1 and B-4
- I.R.
-Journals 16-20 are due today (self-scored)
- Revised/typed versions (and electronic versions) of last two photo poems are due today
-Typed drafts of short stories will be due next week
- Class-devised criteria for short story grading (pick three)
(3-Part Structure and Mechanics are mandatory for both classes)
B-1:
Effort, Dialogue, Creativity, Believable-ness, Dialogue, Length, Plot, Character Development, Thought Process of Character
B-4: Conflict, Imagery, Dialogue, Avoid Formula, Character Development,Hook,
Sunglasses, Satisfying Conclusion, Effort
Friday, May 8 (noon release)
A-1:
- Revised/typed versions (and electronic versions) of last two photo poems are due
- Class-devised criteria for short story grading (pick three)
(3-Part Structure and Mechanics are mandatory for both classes)
-Notecard assignment
-Typed drafts of short stories will be due Monday
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Monday April 27
A-1 (Callison out sick)
- I.R.
-Work time on short stories
-Written peer feedback regarding your outline is due
(I liked, Should expand, Could be stronger)
- Two Poems overdue
Tuesday April 28
B-1 and B-4:
- I.R.
-Work time on short stories
-Written peer feedback regarding your outline is due
(I liked, Should expand, Could be stronger)
- I.R.
- 3-paragraph peer feedback due
- conference w/ Callison re your story progress
Thursday, April 30
B-1 and B-4
- I.R.
-Journal 19: Dialogue exercise, two people, benefits of college education
- Story outlines into rough drafts
-Fourth Period got to four or five student films
Friday, May 1
B-1 and B-4
- IR
- B-4 did a Share-Out on Journal 19
- Peer feedback regarding your Two Photo Poems (from second set of photos;
I liked, Should expand, Could be stronger) for each of the two.
HOMEWORK: Typed versions (and electronic versions) of the two poems are due Tuesday.
-B-1 did some judging of student films for the 505 Contest
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Monday April 20
A-1
- I.R.
- A Letter to Mr. C. about my I.R. in the last month (collected)
-Journal 19: reactions / inspiration from second photo set; 5 choices
- An outline from Quick Writes last Wednesday (just started; 5 min.)
1. character is "up the tree"
2. rocks are thrown at character
3. character down from tree
Tuesday April 21
B-1:
- I.R.
- Using your Journal 18 brainstorm, create two pieces (to be graded on effort)
that connect to the second set of photos
-Quick Write outlines/ideas from Quick Writes (up the tree, etc.) need a stamp for credit, then get an additional grade for your first draft
B-4:
- Outlines need a stamp
- IR Letters are still due
- For Thursday:
- Using your Journal 18 brainstorm, create two pieces (to be graded on effort)
that connect to the second set of photos
-Quick Write outlines/ideas from Quick Writes (up the tree, etc.) need a stamp for credit, then get an additional grade for rough draft
- I.R.
- An outline from Quick Writes last Wednesday (get a stamp for credit)
1. character is "up the tree"
2. rocks are thrown at character
3. character down from tree
- Using your Journal 18 brainstorm, create two pieces (to be graded on effort)
that connect to the second set of photos
Thursday, April 23
B-1 and B-4
- I.R.
- Story outlines into rough drafts:
You need feedback from me, and written feedback from a classmate
- Two poems from second photo set are due
Friday, April 24 (Half Day)
A-1
- brief IR
- Three items due today:
1. Story Outline w/ stamp
2. Two Photo Poems (from second set of photos)
3. Peer feedback regarding your outline (I liked, Should expand, Could be stronger)
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Monday April 13
A-1
- I.R.
- John Cheever's short story "Reunion" podcast
-Assignment: character analysis of Charlie and his father; backside should be short reactions to double-sided handout on Battlestar Galactica and The Wire.
Tuesday April 14
B-1:
- I.R.
- John Cheever's short story "Reunion" podcast
- Assignment: character analysis of Charlie and his father; backside should be short reactions to double-sided handout on Battlestar Galactica and The Wire.
B-4:
- I.R.
- Journal Share-Out postponed to Thurs. for completion
- We reprised "Reunion" and talked a bit about story arcs
- Ten-Minute Quick Write / new story brainstorming. What's the conflict?
- I.R.
- Journal Share-Out: your conversation with a famous person
- We reprised "Reunion" and talked a bit about story arcs
- Ten-Minute Quick Write / new story brainstorming. What's the conflict?
Thursday, April 16
B-1
- I.R.
-Journal 18: reactions / inspiration from second photo set; 8 choices
- story arcs / 'only two stories'
- Quick Write
B-4:
- I.R.
-Journal 18: reactions / inspiration from second photo set; 4 choices
- Reactions to double-sided handout on Battlestar Galactica and The Wire.
- Journal Share-Out: ongoing
Friday, April 17
B-1
- I.R.
- A Letter to Mr. C. about my I.R. in the last month
- An outline and beginning from Quick Writes yesterday
1. character is "up the tree"
2. rocks are thrown at character
3. character down from tree
-Get suggestions from one classmate
B-4:
-Battlestar / Wire pieces are due
- I.R.
- A Letter to Mr. C. about my I.R. in the last month
- An outline and beginning from Quick Writes yesterday
1. character is "up the tree"
2. rocks are thrown at character
3. character down from tree
-Get suggestions from one classmate
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Monday and Tuesday April 6 and 7 were testing days for the Juniors
Wednesday, April 8 was an abbreviated day and the conclusion of testing
A-1
-IR
-Journal 18:
Choose some famous person, living or dead, whom you would particularly like to know.
Please do your best to choose someone who is famous for something beyond their celebrity.
-Don’t forget to mention why you chose this individual.
-Imagining that you and this person could meet, write a descriptive sketch about the meeting. Feel free to use dialogue.
Thursday, April 9
B-1:
- I.R.
-Journal 17:
Choose some famous person, living or dead, whom you would particularly like to know.
Please do your best to choose someone who is famous for something beyond their celebrity.
-Don’t forget to mention why you chose this individual.
-Imagining that you and this person could meet, write a descriptive sketch about the meeting. Feel free to use dialogue.
-Share-Out for a participation grade
B-4:
- I.R.
- John Cheever's short story "Reunion" podcast
-Journal 17:
Choose some famous person, living or dead, whom you would particularly like to know.
Please do your best to choose someone who is famous for something beyond their celebrity.
-Don’t forget to mention why you chose this individual.
-Imagining that you and this person could meet, write a descriptive sketch about the meeting. Feel free to use dialogue.
-Share-Out for a participation grade
Friday, April 10 - no classes - Vernal Holiday
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Week Six of Six Week Grading Period
Monday, March 30
A-1:
DUE: Six poems, typed, one to correspond with each of the six photos for Lit Mag.
- I.R.
Using the Quote Sheet, discuss the writing and structure of Stranger Than Fiction
-Literary Magazine Submissions of your choice are due Friday. You need to bring it saved on your thumb drive AND in hard copy form.
Tuesday, March 31
B-1 and B-4
- I.R.
DUE: Six poems, typed, one to correspond with each of the six photos for Lit Mag.
- B-1 took care of Journal 16 (see above) and B-4 did a Share-Out
-Literary Magazine Submissions of your choice are due Friday. You need to bring it saved on your thumb drive AND in hard copy form.
Wednesday, April 1
A-1
-IR
-Six Poem Set Share-Out for participation grade
-read article "Yes, We Have No Bananas", short discussion of non-fiction
-Literary Magazine Submissions of your choice are due Friday. You need to bring it saved on your thumb drive AND in hard copy form.
Thursday, April 2
B-1:
- I.R.
-Six Poem Set Share-Out for participation grade
-read article "Yes, We Have No Bananas", short discussion of non-fiction
-Literary Magazine Submissions of your choice are due today. You need to bring it saved on your thumb drive AND in hard copy form.
B-4:
-Literary Magazine Submissions of your choice are due today. You need to bring it saved on your thumb drive AND in hard copy form.
-read article "Yes, We Have No Bananas", short discussion of non-fiction
-Regarding non-fiction, watched approx 20 min. promo for The Wire
Friday, April 3
A-1
I.R.
-Literary Magazine Submissions of your choice are due today. You need to bring it saved on your thumb drive AND in hard copy form.
-Short discussion of non-fiction
-Journal 17:
Henry David Thoreau defended the right of an individual to be out of step with the rest of society:
(“…perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.”) In what ways do you think this applies to you?
What are the pains and pleasures associated with it?
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Week Five of Six Week Grading Period
Monday, March 16
A-1:
- I.R.
- Stranger Than Fiction notecards: five words plus reaction
- Six photos for Literary Mag: short reactions followed by "frenzy of productivity"
Tuesday, March 17
- I.R.
- Stranger Than Fiction (B-1 to 1:19 mark, B-4 to 1:15)
Wednesday, March 18
A-1
-IR
-Individual Writing Time
HOMEWORK (due after Spring Break)
For Monday, the 30th: Six poems, typed, one to correspond with each of the six photos. (Story form can be negotiated for extra credit.)
1. Eyes
2. Skull
3. Butterfly
4. Skyline
5. El Camino
6. Hidden Pathway
Thursday, March 19 (Assembly Schedule)
B-1, B-4 (Both Classes)
- I.R.
- Stranger Than Fiction to end. Notecards: five words plus reaction
Friday, March 20
(both classes)
I.R.
-Individual Writing Time
HOMEWORK (due after Spring Break)
For Tuesday, the 31st: Six poems, typed, one to correspond with each of the six photos. (Story form can be negotiated for extra credit.)
1. Eyes
2. Skull
3. Butterfly
4. Skyline
5. El Camino
6. Hidden Pathway
B-4 also did Journal #16:
Using the Quote Sheet, discuss the writing and structure of Stranger Than Fiction
Spring Break March 23-27
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Week Four of Six Week Grading Period
Monday, March 9
A-1:
- I.R.
-Journals returned
-Typed Version of Lyric Inspiration assignment due
-"A Good Man Is Hard To Find" by Flannery O'Connor to end; up to #4 on 7 Study Questions for discussion
Tuesday, March 10:
B-1:
- I.R.
-"A Good Man Is Hard To Find" by Flannery O'Connor to end
- 7 Study Questions turned in; no discussion yet
B-4:
- I.R.
-"A Good Man Is Hard To Find" by Flannery O'Connor
-Practice with Tone
- Last Four out of 7 Study Questions assigned and partly discussed; not turned in yet
Wednesday, March 11:
A-1:
(Callison out)
-IR
-Stranger Than Fiction to approx 1 hour mark
Thursday, March 12
B-1:
-IR
-"A Good Man Is Hard To Find" by Flannery O'Connor:
7 Study Questions peer-scored and turned in
-Stranger Than Fiction to approx. :26 mark
B-4:
-IR
-"A Good Man Is Hard To Find" by Flannery O'Connor
last four Study Questions turned in
-Stranger Than Fiction to approx. :19 mark
Friday, March 13
A-1:
-IR
-Stranger Than Fiction finished just at end of period
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Week Three of Six Week Grading Period
Monday, March 2
A-1:
- I.R.
-Journals 11-15 due with accurate self-score
-Draft of Lyric Inspiration assignment due
- I.R.
- 'Forrester' Reaction Piece due
-Draft of Lyric Inspiration assignment due
B-4:
- I.R.
- Draft of Lyric Inspiration assignment due
-We read "A Good Man Is Hard To Find" by Flannery O'Connor; brief discussion and a notecard following
Wednesday, March 4
A-1:
- I.R.
- Guided Quickwrite w/downshift: "It makes me mad when..."
-We read "A Good Man Is Hard To Find" by Flannery O'Connor and didn't quite finish
Thursday, March 5
B-1, B-4:
- I.R.
- Draft of Lyric Inspiration assignment due
- Bring something to read to us tomorrow
- Guided Quick-Write ("It really makes me mad when...") w/ Downshift
-
We read "A Good Man Is Hard To Find" by Flannery O'Connor almost to end
Friday, March 6
- IR
- Share-Out of your own material; if you can't manage that, then of something impressive that you read on your own recently.
-Journal 17:
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Week Two of Six Week Grading Period
Monday, February 23
A-1:
- I.R.; Reading Logs will be due Wednesday
- Watched Finding Forrester to 1:37
Tuesday, February 24
B-1:
- I.R.; Reading Logs will be due Thursday
- Watched Finding Forrester to 1:26
B-4:
- I.R.; Reading Logs will be due Thursday
- Watched Finding Forrester to end
- Quotes assignment
Wednesday, February 25
A-1:
- I.R. Reading Log Equivalent:
-Your score out of 60 points
-A Letter to Mr. C explaining why you like the book (don't summarize the plot).
-Convince me you read the pages you listed
- Watched Finding Forrester to end
-Journals 11-15 will be due Monday
-Journal 15 is a Reaction / Review of 'Forrester' - incorporate quotes (from handout) , or don't
Thursday, February 26
B-1:
- I.R.;
Reading Log Equivalent due:
-Your score out of 60 points
-A Letter to Mr. C explaining why you like the book (don't summarize the plot).
-Convince me you read the pages you listed
- Watched Finding Forrester from 1:26
B-4:
- I.R.;
Reading Log Equivalent due:
-Your score out of 60 points
-A Letter to Mr. C explaining why you like the book (don't summarize the plot).
-Convince me you read the pages you listed
- 'Forrester' / quotes assignment due
-Lyric Incorporation draft due
Friday, February 27 - Next Step Day - no classes scheduled
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Week One of Second Six Week Grading Period
Tuesday, February 17
B-1:
- Journals 11-15 will be due Thursday
- 'K-12' share-out, cont.
- Music Inspiration Assignment given - have your song chosen and bring lyrics Thursday
- Watched the first 10 minutes of Finding Forrester
- Journals 11-15 will be due Thursday
- Music Inspiration Assignment given - have your song chosen and bring lyrics Thursday
- Watched Finding Forrester to the 1:08 mark
Wednesday, February 18
A-1:
- Journal 13: Two different short story beginnings
- Music Inspiration Assignment given - have your song chosen and bring lyrics Friday
- Watched opening credits only of Finding Forrester
Thursday, February 19
B-1:
- Journal 15: Describe a busy place
- Journals 11-15 are due
- Music Inspiration Assignment lyrics due
- Watched Finding Forrester to :38 or so
B-4:
- Journal 15: Describe a busy place
- Journals 11-15 are due
- Music Inspiration Assignment lyrics due
- Watched Finding Forrester to 1:53
Friday, February 20
A-1
- Journal 14: Describe a busy place
- Music Inspiration Assignment lyrics due
- Watched Finding Forrester to :40
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Week Six - End of Six Week Grading Period
Monday, February 9
A-1:
-Continuing work on K-12's; typed version is due Wednesday
-Journal 12: Descriptive piece - describe a place you love
Tuesday, February 10
B-1:
-Natalie Goldberg on original detail
-Sherman Alexie's "Indian Education"
-Most chose My K-12 over My Shoe History (to be typed; due Friday the 13th); will be workshopped on Thursday
B-4:
-Natalie Goldberg on original detail
- Either "My K-12" or "My Shoe History": Typed version due Thursday the 12th to be workshopped. -credit for progress given today.
- Journal 14: Descriptive piece - describe a place you love
Wednesday, February 11
A-1:
- "My K-12" or "My Shoe History": Typed version due today
- Peer Response on 'K-12'
- Shareout, 'K-12'
Thursday, February 12
B-1:
- Journal 14: Descriptive piece - describe a place you love
- 'My K-12' or 'My Shoe History' Typed version due Friday the 13th
B-4:
"My K-12" or "My Shoe History": Typed version due today
- Peer Response on 'K-12'
- Shareout, 'K-12'
Friday, February 13
B-1, B-4
- 'My K-12' or 'My Shoe History' due
- Peer Response on 'K-12' also due
- Shareout, 'K-12' - 1st Period didn't finish, 4th Period did
-Fourth watched the first 21 minutes of Finding Forrester
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(Week Five, Term One, Semester Two)
Monday, February 2
A-1:
-Twilight pce. due
-Quick Write #?
-Short Fiction: your story continued?
Tuesday, February 3
B-1, B-4:
-The syntax, spelling and vocabulary lecture for B-1
- Quick Write, Share-Out
- Journal Thirteen: Two new story beginnings (for B-4 the first was a shoe story)
Wednesday, February 4
A-1:
- A story involving a shoe, on a loose sheet, handed in
-Share-out of shoe stories
Thursday, February 5
B-1:
- A story involving a shoe, on a loose sheet, handed in
B-4:
-Sherman Alexie's "Indian Education"
-Most chose My K-12 over My Shoe History (to be typed. not collected)
Friday, February 6
A-1:
-Sherman Alexie's "Indian Education"
- 'My K-12' or 'My Shoe History' (to be typed. not collected)
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(Week Four, Term One, Semester Two)
-Practice with screenplay format
- Your Poetry Assignment, Version Two: due Wednesday.
Your example poem, typed, with the instructions/grading clearly stated, on the same sheet.
Tuesday, January 27 -
B-1, B-4:
- Journal Twelve: Reaction/Response to a Chagall painting, a Keith Jarrett tune, and a photo of the Tokyo Skyline
- "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
Wednesday, January 28
A-1:
- Your Poetry Assignment, Version Two: due today.
(Your example poem, typed, with the instructions/grading clearly stated, on the same sheet.)
- "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson - one-page response collected
-Homework: "Twilight" related poem on a notecard
Thursday, January 29 -
B-1, B-4:
-"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson revisited
-Practice with screenplay format: using The Dark Knight as your template, re-write your Smooth Talk ending in screenplay format.
(B-4 got the "subtle" lecture on connections between spelling, syntax, vocabulary and reading)
Friday, January 30 -
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-the Twilight phenomenon reaction piece
-Open Mic. (if you like) B-1 did not get to it - first thing Tuesday
-start considering your short story: Short Fiction: your story continued?
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(third week of second semester)
Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - No Classes
Tuesday, January 20 -
B-1, B-4:
- Reading Logs Due ( /60 points)
- Journal Eleven: Your thoughts on MLK, Jr. Day back-to-back w/ Obama's inauguration
- Your Poetry Assignment, Version Two: due Thursday. Your example poem, typed, with the instructions/grading clearly stated, on the same sheet.
Wednesday, January 21
A-1:
- Reading Logs Due ( /60 points)
-Two-sided assignment due: One side are your If-You-Were poems,
Side two is your poetry assignment idea, with an example of your own.
Thursday, January 22
B-1, B-4:
- Your Poetry Assignment, Version Two:
due
-Literary Magazine name contest for a bag o' cash - due on a notecard
-A few screenwriting terms, and a look at the format
(6 or 8 pages of The Dark Knight)
Friday, January 23
A-1:
- Journal Eleven: Reaction/Response to a Chagall painting, a Keith Jarrett tune, and a photo of the Tokyo Skyline
-Literary Magazine name contest for a bag o' cash - due on a notecard
-A few screenwriting terms, and a look at the format
(one scene of
The Dark Knight)
(Poetry Assignment v. 1 not returned yet)
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(second week of second semester)
Monday, January 12
A-1:
-You are the screenwriter, and a rewrite is your task.
Two Parts:
1. Vent
2. Create your alternate ending to Smooth Talk
Tuesday, January 13 - NM State Competency Exam - No Classes
Wednesday, January 14
A-1:
- Alternate Endings to Smooth Talk due; Share-out for those who didn't get a participation grade reading through their One-Acts
-You design the poetry assignment - due on a notecard
Thursday, January 15
B-1, B-4:
-Reading Logs for all classes will be due Tuesday and Wednesday, the 20th and 21st
-You design the poetry assignment - due with your notecard (B-1)
-Two-sided assignment due: One side is your If-You-Were poem, Side two is your poetry assignment idea, with an example of your own.
Friday, January 16 - Cluster In-Service Day - No Classes
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SECOND SEMESTER
Monday, January 5:
A-1:
(No heat in classroom to start day)
-I.R.
-Journals, Finals, Grades
-One-Act Plays: Job Interview
Tuesday, January 6:
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-Journals, Finals, Grades
-Film version of the J.C. Oates story - "Smooth Talk" (B-1 to :52, B-4 to 1:03)
-Wednesday, January 7:
A-1:
Assembly Schedule
-I.R.
-Film version of the J.C. Oates story - "Smooth Talk" to end; no writing on it yet
Thursday, January 8:
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-Film version of the J.C. Oates story - "Smooth Talk" to end
-You are the screenwriter, and a rewrite is your task.
Two Parts:
1. Vent
2. Create your alternate version
Friday, January 9: (also a "B" day)
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-You Are the Screenwriter / alternate endings of "Smooth Talk" due
-Share-out
-You design the poetry assignment
___________________________________________________________________________
(A-1)
Monday, December 15:
-Practice Quiz / Wake-up Call - Poetry Terms for Final
-Dylan Thomas: "A Child's Christmas in Wales"
(Final Exam for this class is 9:15-10:45 am on Wednesday, December 17)
(B-1, B-4)
Tuesday, December 16: Snow Day / extra Study Time
Finals for the two B Day classes will consist of Journals and the Test of Poetry Terms
-Journal 10: will be completed during Final period
-Journal Self-Score (40 points each, total of 200 possible) on Journals 6-10
B-1: Final Exam for this class is 9:15-10:45 am on Thursday, December 18
B-4 : Final Exam for this class is 10:25-11:55 am on Friday, December 19
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Last day of First Semester is December 16; Finals are Dec. 17-19
Monday, December 8:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Quick Write #5
-We read the Joyce Carol Oates story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" together as a class, and finished just as the bell rang.
Tuesday, December 9:
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-List of Poetry Terms - definitions to be found by you. These will be on the Final Exam.
-Another run at Journal Eight
-
Joyce Carol Oates story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" read to selves; not quite finished, not discussed.
Wednesday, December 10:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Guided Quick Write/Informal Poem "Cold Morning" (collected)
-List of Poetry Terms - definitions to be found by you. These will be on the Final Exam.
-We revisited the Joyce Carol Oates story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?"
-Journal 10 (Part A, 100 words) is a reaction to the story after first reading, without discussion
-Journals will be due Friday
Thursday, December 11:
B-1, B-4:
-We revisited the Joyce Carol Oates story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?"
-Journal Nine (Part A, 100 words) is a reaction to the story after first reading, without discussion;
Part B is a reaction after discussion (the other 100 words).
-Slam Poetry Judging - Team Competition; Judging Sheets due
Friday, December 12:
A-1:
-I.R.
"Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" discussion
-Journal 10, Part B is a reaction after discussion (the other 100 words).
-Journal Self-Score (40 points each, total of 200 possible) on Journals 6-10
-Journals Due
-Slam Poetry Judging: finished DVD, judging sheets due
____________________________________________________________________________
*Week Five of Six Week Grading Period*
Monday, December 1:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Reading Logs Due: list and total pages (50 pages = 15 points. Give total /60)
-
Literary Magazine input due: Your vision for the magazine, what you would prefer to contribute, an idea for the title, how writing and art should be judged, ideas for how money might be raised-Collected
-Slam Poetry (handout) and intro to judging. Watched semifinals: Eric Darby(x2) Beau Sia (x2) and class ended before Xero Skidmore's piece finished once.
-Tuesday, December 2:
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-Reading Logs Due: list and total pages (50 pages = 15 points. Give total /60)
-Literary Magazine input due: Your vision for the magazine, what you would prefer to contribute, an idea for the title, how writing and art should be judged, ideas for how money might be raised-Collected
-Slam Poetry (handout) and intro to judging. B-1 did no scoring; watched E. Darby twice before running out of time.
-have not gotten to Joni Mitchell lyrics yet
-Wednesday, December 3:
A-1:
-I.R., share-out
-Slam Finals DVD and judging (once through, not turned in or discussed yet)
-Thursday, December 4:
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-Slam Finals DVD and judging (once through, not turned in or discussed yet)
Friday, December 5:
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-Journal Eight: Analysis of two sets of lyrics: "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" and
"Edith and the Kingpin" (handout)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Monday,November 24:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Stories returned / mini-conferences
-Your poems, shared out loud, conclusion
-Notes taken from PowerPoint: Poetry Terms
Journal Nine: Analysis of two sets of lyrics: "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" and
"Edith and the Kingpin" (handout)
Tuesday, November 25:
B-1, B-4:
-Stories returned / mini-conferences
-Your poems, shared out loud
(B-1 read Marjane Satrapi interviews instead of I.R.)
Part 3 of Journal Seven: What makes a poem work out loud?
-Notes taken from PowerPoint: Poetry Terms
Wednesday,November 26:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Joni Mitchell lyrics discussed, listened to
Thursday and Friday November 27 and 28 - Thanksgiving Break 
_______________________________________________________________________________
Monday,November 17:
A-1:
-I.R.
Finished and discussed Persepolis - notes due
-Notecard assignment: a.) In your opinion, what is a poem? b.) What makes a poem one that you like?
(not collected yet)
HOMEWORK-For Wednesday, bring a poem that you like
Tuesday, November 18:
B-1, B-4:
-Stories returned / mini-conferences
-Journal Seven (Two Parts): an expanded version of the notecard assignment
a.) In your opinion, what is a poem? b.) What makes a poem one that you like?
-Your poems, shared out loud
Wednesday,November 19:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Stories returned / mini-conferences
-Journal Eight (Two Parts): an expanded version of the notecard assignment
a.) In your opinion, what is a poem? b.) What makes a poem one that you like?
-Your poems, shared out loud
Thursday, November 20:
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-Notecard assignment: Ideas for Film Elements (your ideas for location, prop, character name, background sound, line and costume)
-Your Poetry Choices: Share-Out, cont.
B-4 read the Marjane Satrapi interview and discussed very briefly
Friday, November 21:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Notecard assignment: Ideas for Film Elements
-Your Poetry Choices: Share-Out, cont.
-Marjane Satrapi interview read, not discussed
_____________________________________________________________________________
Monday,November 10:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Journal Seven:
connections to Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants."
Tuesday, November 11: Veteran's Day - No School
Wednesday, November 12:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis (film version of graphic novel) to 1:07
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Thursday, November 13
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis (film version of graphic novel)
Friday, November 14
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-Finished and discussed Persepolis - notes due
-Notecard assignment: a.) In your opinion, what is a poem? b.) What makes a poem one that you like?
(not collected yet)
HOMEWORK-For Tuesday, bring a poem that you like
_______________________________________________________________________
Monday,November 3:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Second (corrected and self-scored w/rubric attached) drafts of stories due
-Journal Six: share and discuss
-In-class reading of Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants." Short reaction paper (not collected) in two parts:
First, your impressions of the story. Second part, what you notice about how the piece is written.
Tuesday, November 4: Election Day - No School
Wednesday, November 5:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Discussion and re-reading of Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants."
-First mention of the Valley Literary Magazine
Thursday, November 6
B-1, B-4:
-Journal Six: share and discuss
-In-class reading of Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants." Short reaction paper (not collected) in two parts:
First, your impressions of the story. Second part, what you notice about how the piece is written.
Friday, November 7
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-"Hills Like White Elephants" Part Two: Guided Imagery
(both assignments handed in)
-Persepolis - first 30 min. or so of film version of the graphic novel
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(Week Six of the Second Six-Week Grading Period; Grading Period Ends Nov. 3)
Monday, October 27:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Journal Six: finish / share
-quick story conferences: typed draft due Weds.
-two short Woody Allen humor pces; hamburger half-sheet reaction to each due
Tuesday, October 28
-Two grades given: 1st Stories on time (get a stamp) and
- Full page of comments for a classmate following the rubric
-Second drafts are due Thursday the 28th
-In Period B-1, those without stories for critique read the two short Woody Allen humor pces.
Wednesday, October 29
-Three grades given: 1st Stories on time (get a stamp) and
- Full page of comments for a classmate following the rubric
-Reading Logs self-scored and collected
-
Second drafts are due Monday, November 3 for this class
didn't get to Woody Allen here, either
Thursday, October 30
B-1, B-4:
-Reading Logs self-scored and collected
-Second (corrected and self-scored w/rubric attached) drafts of stories due
-Journal #6: Two Parts: 1.
Do you feel expectations in your classes are too low or too high?
Be specific and give examples. 2. Give your definition of an educated person.
Friday, October 31
Next Step Day - No Classes Scheduled
_________________________________________________________________________________
(Week Five of the Second Six-Week Grading Period; Grading Period Ends Nov. 3)
Monday, October 20:
A-1:
-I.R.
-Journals Returned along w/ second story idea
-Self-selected peer feedback groups
-Peer Feedback sheets due end of period
-still did not finish "Death Knocks"
Tuesday, October 21
-Rubrics for 1st Short Story Assignment: Typed Draft due Tuesday, Oct. 28
-Work time in class on stories
Wednesday, October 22:
A-1:
-Rubrics for 1st Short Story Assignment: Typed Draft due Wednesday, Oct. 29
-Work time in class on stories
Thursday, October 23
-QuickWrite #5
-Portfolio reacquaintance
-Two Sherman Alexie short stories as a group
Friday, October 24:
A-1:
-IR
-QuickWrite #5
-Portfolio reacquaintance
-Two Sherman Alexie short stories read individually
-Journal Six topic given - to be written outside class:
Two Parts: 1.
Do you feel expectations in your classes are too low or too high?
Be specific and give examples. 2. Give your definition of an educated person.
____________________________________________________________________________
(Week Four of the Second Six-Week Grading Period)
Monday, October 13:
A-1
-I.R.
-Due: 200 word start on your second story idea - different characters, genre,
setting and action than those in your Journal Entry # 5
-still did not finish "Death Knocks"
Tuesday, October 14
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
-Due: 200 word start on your second story idea - different characters, genre,
setting and action than those in your first story idea. Both are due today.
Wednesday, October 15 (PSAT testing in morning, 30-minute classes in afternoon)
A-1: Sherman Alexie story "Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix..."
Thursday, October 16 - Teacher Training - No School for students
Friday, October 17 (A "B" Day)
B-1, B-4
-both story drafts returned
-peer group work, with your comments due at end of period
-Come ready on Tuesday to talk about the Sherman Alexie story "Because My Father..."
____________________________________________________________________________
(Week Three of the Second Six Week Grading Period)
Monday, October 6
A-1:
-Share-out/Participation from Journal #4: Five years after "Killings"
-Notecard assignment: Ideas for what our short stories should be graded on,
plus, from your imagination 2 possible settings, 2 characters and ideas on their motivation
Tuesday, October 7
B-1, B-4:
Notecard assignment/Discussion: what are the elements of a good story?
Second side- Your five criteria for grading a short story - the one given is Mechanics
-On a loose sheet: Two genre ideas, Three character descriptions, Two possible settings, An action idea or two
Wednesday, October 8
A-1:
-I.R.
-Journal 5: A 200-word run at a possible choice for your short story
-Journals 1 - 5 Due
-"Death Knocks" by Woody Allen
Thursday, October 9
B-1, B-4:
-I.R.
- A 200-word run at a possible choice for your short story
-"Death Knocks" by Woody Allen
Friday, October 10
Fall Break - No School
If you can't be good, be safe.
_________________________________________________________________
(Week Two of the Second Six Week Grading Period)
Monday, September 29
A-1:
-Reading Logs Due; 200 pages = 60 points
-Two-sided Character Analysis (Eva and Scott from Freedom Writers) is also due
-Discussion of "Totally Like Whatever, You Know?" and "Did I Miss Anything?"
Tuesday, September 30
B-1, B-4: I.R., Reading Logs returned. The expectation is 50 pages per week for full credit; reading time outside class can be counted. If you are unhappy with this grade, it can be negotiated this first time.
- Desks in a circle to read the short story "Killings" by Andre Dubus
Wednesday, October 1
A-1:
-Reading Logs returned. The expectation is 50 pages per week for full credit; reading time outside class can be counted. If you are unhappy with this grade, it can be negotiated this first time.
- Desks in a circle to read the short story "Killings" by Andre Dubus
Thursday, October 2
B-1, B-4:
Journal 5: taken from "Killings."
Friday, October 3
A-1:
Journal #4: taken from "Killings."
_______________________________________
David Foster Wallace (1962-2008)
___________________________________________________________________________
(Week One of the Second Six Week Grading Period)
Monday, September 22
A-1: I.R., Freedom Writers to 1:35 mark
End of grading period; no further late work accepted
Tuesday, September 23
B-1, B-4: I.R., Freedom Writers to approx. 1:30 mark
Wednesday, September 24
A-1: I.R., finished Freedom Writers, essays and haiku returned and filed in portfolios, 2-sided character analysis of Eva and Scott from Freedom Writers due Monday.
Thursday, September 25
B-1, B-4: I.R.,
- Finish watching Freedom Writers.
-Journal #4: Analyzing the Characters Eva and Scott (Ms. G’s husband) from Freedom Writers. For each, include all you have on the following seven:
-Character Traits (Behavior)
-Appearance
-Motivation
-Changes in Behavior
-Quotes About Character
-Key Actions
-Other Character’s Perceptions of the Character Being Analyzed
Friday, September 26
B-1, B-4:
I.R.
Reading Logs due
Journal Four, cont. and discussion
'Totally, Like...' by Taylor Mali
Performance poet Taylor Mali
"What Do Teachers Make?" _____________________________________________________________
(Week Six of the Six Week Grading Period)
Monday, September 15
A-1:
Haiku Share-Out for a participation grade
3 Typed Haiku due Wednesday
Journal #2 checked
Focus on dialogue: Richard Price
New vocab and examples of dialogue to be selected from text and turned in.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
B-1: 3 Typed Haiku due today
Focus on dialogue: Richard Price
10 New vocab. words and two examples of pleasing dialogue to be selected from text and turned in;
stamp for first part, get definitions on your own.
Journal Three:
200 words, with this as your stem: “…his heels hitting heavily on the pavement at first but with an effortless gathering out of a kind of sweet panic growing lighter and quicker and quieter, he runs.
Ah: runs. Runs." (John Updike)
Wednesday, September 17
A-1: 3 Typed Haiku due today
Focus on dialogue: Richard Price
10 New vocab. words and two examples of pleasing dialogue to be selected from text and turned in;
stamp for first part, get definitions on your own.
Journal Three:
200 words, with this as your stem: “…his heels hitting heavily on the pavement at first but with an effortless gathering out of a kind of sweet panic growing lighter and quicker and quieter, he runs.
Ah: runs. Runs." (John Updike)
'Totally like' handed out, not read yet
Thursday, September 18
B-1, B-4: "Say What?" Vocab. / Dialogue assignment due w/definitions
Focus on character: Freedom Writers (2007) to approx. 30 min. mark
Friday, September 19
A-1:"Say What?" Vocab. / Dialogue assignment due w/definitions
Focus on character: Freedom Writers (2007) to approx. 30 min. mark
__________________________________________________________
(Week Five of the Six Week Grading Period)
Monday, September 8
A-1: Independent Reading / Share - Out continued
'First Seven Years' / Character Analysis of Sobel Essays due
Classmate Assist grade for critique of peer's paper
Tuesday, September 9
B-1: Independent Reading / Share - Out for first half of the class
Fire Drill, Portfolios started
"What Do Teachers Make?"
Alternate assignments (Essays on The Cameraman) accepted today in place of 'First Seven Years' pces.
B-4: Independent Reading / Share - Out
'First Seven Years' / Character Analysis of Sobel Essays due
Classmate Assist grade for critique of peer's paper
Wednesday, September 10
A-1:
Last Share-Outs
Quick Write Four
Journal 2: 200 words, with this as your beginning:
“I will die in Paris, on a rainy day…it will be a Thursday.”(by Cesar Vallejo)
Introduction to Haiku - three by you to be typed and submitted next week
We started a class share - out of our haiku
Thursday, 9/11
B-1:Last IR Share-Outs
Quick Write Four
Journal 2: 200 words, with this as your beginning:
“I will die in Paris, on a rainy day…it will be a Thursday.”(by Cesar Vallejo)
Introduction to Haiku
Did not get to class share - out of our haiku
B-4:Last IR Share-Outs
Quick Write Four
Journal 2: 200 words, with this as your beginning:
“I will die in Paris, on a rainy day…it will be a Thursday.”(by Cesar Vallejo)
Introduction to Haiku - three by you to be typed and submitted next week
We started a class share - out of our haiku
Friday, September 12
B-1: Haiku Share - Out for a grade
(bring three typed for Tuesday)
Focus on dialogue: Richard Price New vocab and examples to be selected from text
B-4: Haiku Share - Out for a grade
(bring three typed for Tuesday)
-Two quick video examples of performance poetry
-Did not get to Richard Price
______________________________________________
(Week Four of grading period)
Monday, Sept. 1 - Labor Day Holiday
Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept 2 and 3
Bernard Malamud's "The First Seven Years"
Four paragraph(minimum - feel free to go longer) essay on the character Sobel: two para. on character traits, and one on your reaction to Sobel.
Buster Keaton's "The Cameraman" - with focus on the character Keaton plays
Thursday and Friday, Sept. 4 and 5
B-1 cannot make up late essays; alternate assignment is based on
The Cameraman
B-4's essays are due on Tuesday, the 9th
-Classes started portfolios (B-1 yet to do)
A-1 got slam intro / "What Do Teachers Make?" and half the class did an IR share-out; their essays are due Monday
______________________________________
(Week Three of grading period)
Friday 22 and Monday, the 25th
Indpendent Reading
Stems from your IR Book, which lead into
Quick Write #3
Anne Lamott, excerpt from Bird by Bird
Tuesday and Wednesday, the 26th and 27th
IR signups continue
Focus on character development
A-1 and B-4 used Buster Keaton's The Cameraman as the text; A-1 didn't get as far, and didn't turn in their assignments yet. A-1 got the Reading Log format.
Thursday and Friday the 28th and 29th
Bernard Malamud's "The First Seven Years"
Four paragraph essay on the character Sobel: two on character traits on one on your reaction to the character.
Buster Keaton's "The Cameraman" - with focus on the character Keaton plays
____________________________________________________________
Week of Aug. 18-22 (Week Two)
Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19
OK, lets start off with some book lists, since you need to select an Independent Reading choice by the end of the week. There are three criteria for this: I need to approve it, so we can agree it's at an appropriate level for you. It needs to be new to you, meaning you haven't read it before. Finally, and most importantly, it needs to be something you're into. If it isn't, you need to find something else, simple as that. Take the time to make a good choice - you won't regret it.
This one is The 100 Best Books for Teens:
This next site totally rules: there are dozens of useful links here. It's called
Reading Rants!Out of the Ordinary Book Lists for Teens.
Check out the specialized lists down the right margin.
This one is Outstanding Books for the College Bound:
We went over Journal requirements, and wrote Journal #1, which is half your reaction to "Meditations on the South Valley" and half your own version of 'Meditations.' Be prepared to read some of your piece to the class (6-8 lines minimum).
Wednesday and Thursday, August 20 and 21
-Independent Reading books checked and signed off on for a grade
-Your version of the Jimmy Santiago Baca piece out loud to the class: First Period absolutely tore it up!
(Good writing, energetic readings, respectful listening.)
Author and poet Jimmy Santiago Baca
Week of Aug. 12-15 (First week of school)
Tuesday and Wednesday, August 12 and 13
We got all three classes off on the right foot, it seemed to me. To get the most out of these classes, we established that you have to like to write, or at least not hate it (can I get a "duh"?). In order to write quality material, you need to be reading quality material - all the time. This is also known as "garbage in, garbage out." More about that in a minute.
You will need a Composition Book, a section of your binder, and a thumb drive / memory stick for this class. We had a Q and A session about the class on the first day; I will have some handouts for you with more complete info in a week or so. I had you write a short Biographical Introduction for me; this helps me learn your names more quickly.
We did our first Quick Write / First Thoughts - this is timed free writing, where you can't lift your pen from the page. Did I mention that all your writing in here needs to be in ink? It does. This Quick Write went for a mere five minutes, and you guys did really well with it, I must say.
Sherman Alexie
Thursday and Friday, August 14 and 15
We took up where we left off with the Quick Writes; if you hadn't already, I had you select a section that you liked. That fragment became the beginning of today's writing practice, which went for 10 minutes.
You need to find an Independent Reading book by our next class meeting. There are three criteria for this: I need to approve it, so we can agree it's at an appropriate level for you. It needs to be new to you, meaning you haven't read it before. Finally, and most imprtantly, it needs to be something you're into. If it isn't, you need to find something else, simple as that.
Your other homework for the weekend was to do what you are doing right now: reading the info on this site. Once you've had a glance around, don't forget to send me an email with your full name and class period number as the title. For the body of the email, simply convince me you've had a look around, and know where to find our class information (right here).
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