Welcome to Writing 1, Basic Composition. We had a wonderful class this week, and I'm excited to have both returning and new students. Writing 1 is an opportunity for students to hone their skills and to expand themselves as writers and thinkers.
After opening the class in prayer, I had the class write a Quick Write. Most weeks we will begin each class with a short writing exercise. This helps students settle into thinking about writing. Most of the time these Quick Writes will be light-hearted, but occasionally I will give them a more thought-provoking prompt. Our Quick Write today was "What did you NOT do this summer?" We also spent some time getting to know one another.
I spent a lot of this class explaining the syllabus, classroom policies, and the ways in which I run the class. I've attached the documents that I handed out in class to this e-mail. You should also be getting an invitation to the Dropbox file with these documents. We discussed the Classroom Policies, which I also asked them to have you read and sign/initial. It may also help it parents read through the syllabus so that they know the steps for writing the research paper.
The first essay for this semester is a Descriptive Essay. This essay can be about any topic or event that they have observed and can describe using any of the 5 senses. I gave them a handout explaining the guidelines and expectations for this assignment. The rough draft is due next week: I will hand back the rough drafts with comments the following week. The Final draft is due September 11.
Our first book this semester is Animal Farm by George Orwell. This is a great book for this class; it allows us to read a fascinating story and to have good discussions about historical and political ideas. I've given them a Study Guide and will give them a Vocabulary worksheet.
Most weeks, the class time will be divided into writing discussions, literature discussions, and grammar lessons. This week we didn't take time for grammar. Next week!
I explained to the students that they can find information for the class in a number of places: handouts in class, Dropbox, attachments to e-mails, and the Writing 1 Blog. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Assignments for Next Week:
-- Read and sign the Classroom Policies Handout; bring it to class next week.
-- Read the handout introducing Animal Farm.
-- Read the Introduction in the book by C. Woodhouse.
-- Write a paragraph or two answering the question: "What makes a Good Leader?".
-- Write the rough draft of the Descriptive Essay.
Have a great holiday weekend!
Mrs. Prichard
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