This week's class was a word-focused time, which shouldn't be surprising since this is a writing class. Our Quick Write for the day was spent coming up with sentences for contronyms, or Janus words. (See this link for 75 Contronyms) These are words that have opposite meanings. Or, in other words, are their own antonyms. For example, to clip something means to connect (as with a paper clip) and to separate (as in clipping the hedges.) Or garnish means to add (as with food preparation) or to take away (as in garnishing wages.) The students were to write sentences using both meanings of a contronym.
As was promised, this week we had our Word of the Day quiz/test. I intentionally did not make it a hard test. If I were testing specific vocabulary for a content area, the test would have been more difficult since knowing the vocabulary for a subject area is significant in understanding the subject. Having our weekly Words of the Day, on the other hand, was intended to show that words are interesting and fun. Expanding the students's vocabulary and, as on said, their horizons. Therefore, the quiz was fairly easy.
I handed back the rough drafts of their History/Biography Essays. My general practice is to discuss common writing and grammar mistakes that were in the papers. I changed it up a bit this time. I divided the class into 5 groups in order to discuss their papers in a small group and to look for themselves to find common mistakes. They then came up to the white board and wrote what they felt were the top 5 mistakes/errors. Using their lists, I covered some points of writing and grammar for them to consider when correcting and revising their papers.
The Final Drafts of their essays are due next week. When they hand in their final draft, along with the rough draft, I would also like them to include either at the bottom of their final draft or on a separate piece of paper the following information: 1) the thesis statement, and 2) their top 3 mistakes.
Their only other homework for next week is to brainstorm their answers to these questions:
1. What have I learned this semester about writing?
2. How would I like to see my writing improve?
These questions will be the subject of our Quick Write next week.
I usually take the final week of this first semester to do some fun "stuff." I'll bring some Christmas cookies, and students may bring any treats if they want.
Assignments for Next Week:
-- Final Draft of the History/Biography essay
-- Thesis statement and list of Top 3 Mistakes
-- Brainstorm about what you've learned and how you'd like to improve
-- Christmas treats (optional)
This week's links:
Class Notes
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Prichard
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