Poetry Book Assignment

You have written some lovely poems this marking period! Now we are going to make a book to put all of that work together. Here are some guidelines: 

1. Go through all of the poetry you have written. 
2. Find a theme or topic to make your book about.
3. Create a title and design a cover page (use drawings or pictures). 
4. Choose your FIVE best poems (write more if you have to) and put them together in your book. 
5. You will need to retype old poems to make the book cohesive. 
6. Edit/Add pictures
7. Put it all together!

Diamante Poems

Here is today's poetry form! Please make sure you try at least three and turn in your best poem!

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/diamante_poems_2/

Acrostic Poems

Try writing an acrostic poem today! Use the link below!

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/acrostic/

Poetry Mini Unit

Bell Work

In your notebooks, answer the question: WHAT IS POETRY?

Introduction
Good Morning Middle School Students!

We are going to begin our poetry mini unit today. As we begin to write poems remember that when writing poetry it is important to use your IMAGINATION. 

The best poems make people THINK and FEEL. They help us to look at the world DIFFERENTLY. (Arts Standards 1 & 2)

Today's Assignment
1. We are going to work on shape/theme poems today and use an interactive computer tool. 

2.Click below: 

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/theme_poems/

3. Follow the steps given. Try the process as many times as you would like. Print your best poem to turn in. 

*Did you know? A shape poem is called a CONCRETE poem!

EXTENSION: Did you know you can create your own shape poem by hand? If you would like more of a challenge, try this! See me with questions. 

Short Story Writing Assignment

 The Assignment

For this assignment, you will be creating your own short story. Use the elements of story writing that you have learned in school so far. The goal is to work towards creating a story that includes these elements, and also takes into account all of the challenges that are a part of writing good fiction. You may choose any genre you would like for this assignment. 

Choose an online tool to help you! Everyone must choose one!

Story map

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/storymap/

Plot Diagram

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/plot-diagram/

Circle Plot Diagram

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/circle-plot-diagram-30026.html

In crafting your story, keep the following in mind:

• Choose a theme/conflict as the basis for your story.
• Use indirect characterization (description of character’s appearance, actions, thoughts, words, and other character’s reactions to them) to bring your characters to “life.”
• Think carefully about your lead and your conclusion-your lead should draw the reader into the story (narrative hook), and your conclusion should provide some sort of resolution.
• Try using thoughts and descriptive pictures (imagery) to make your story and characters believable. 

Reminders

As you write and revise your story, keep the following tips in mind:

• Give enough information so the reader can actually picture the story events and characters.
• Give details that are specific and relevant.
• Consider word choice and sentence structure carefully.
• Correct any grammatical and spelling errors.

Practical Considerations

Be sure to following all guidelines set forth in class.  Remember:

• Your story must be a minimum of two typed pages and no more than four.
• Use Times New Roman, size 12 font for everything, including the title.  Double space your story.

Interview a Classmate Essay

Good morning! For our short week, we are going to work in partners. Here are your tasks:

1. Find a partner to interview. If it is someone you know, try to learn something new about them.
2. Let your partner interview you!

*You are welcome to come up with your own questions to ask. Remember to keep it appropriate!*

Need help coming up with questions? Use the "Getting to Know You Interview Forms" provided or this link: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/cube-creator-30850.html?tab=4#tabs

*You must use Google Chrome to make this interactive work. Use the Bio Cube or the Create-Your-Own Cube Option

3. Write an essay about your partner. We will discuss lengths in each class period.

Note: I will post the guidelines for our last project in case you are behind. Please ask me questions if you have any!

Welcome to Our Blog!

Welcome to our Blog!

Welcome to middle school creative writing! I will post a great deal of information for the class right here, so be sure to check the blog often!

You are welcome to comment and ask questions on the blog, but please make sure that your posts are school related and appropriate. Thank you!

Here is today's agenda: 

Bell Work: Find and bookmark the class blog!

Essential Question: Am I prepared to start the new marking period?

1. In your notebooks, brainstorm about the following: 

• Goals
• Expectations
• Feelings about starting a marking period.

2. Task: Write a Dear Me Letter. 
Here are some guidelines on how to get an A: 

• Write yourself a letter discussing your feelings about starting a new marking period.
• What did you love and hate about last year?
• What are your goals and expectations for this marking period/year?
• How do you feel about being at SOTA?

*Note: These guidelines are here to get you started. You may add to the them as well!

* If you type your letter, please use Microsoft Word and SAVE YOUR WORK! Don't know how? ASK!

Fractured Fairytales

Check this out! Let me know if you have done this assignment before.

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/fairytales/

Poetry Book Assignment

You have written some lovely poems this marking period! Now we are going to make a book to put all of that work together. Here are some guidelines: 

1. Go through all of the poetry you have written. 
2. Find a theme or topic to make your book about.
3. Create a title and design a cover page (use drawings or pictures). 
4. Choose your FIVE best poems (write more if you have to) and put them together in your book. 
5. You will need to retype old poems to make the book cohesive. 
6. Edit/Add pictures
7. Put it all together!

QUESTION? JUST ASK!

Diamante Poems

Here is today's poetry form! Please make sure you try at least three and turn in your best poem!

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/diamante_poems_2/

Acrostic Poems

Try writing an acrostic poem today! Use the link below!

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/acrostic/

Poetry Mini Unit!

Bell Work

In your notebooks, answer the question: WHAT IS POETRY?

Introduction
Good Morning Middle School Students!

We are going to begin our poetry mini unit today. As we begin to write poems remember that when writing poetry it is important to use your IMAGINATION. 

The best poems make people THINK and FEEL. They help us to look at the world DIFFERENTLY. (Arts Standards 1 & 2)

Today's Assignment
1. We are going to work on shape/theme poems today and use an interactive computer tool. 

2.Click below: 

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/theme_poems/

3. Follow the steps given. Try the process as many times as you would like. Print your best poem to turn in. 

*Did you know? A shape poem is called a CONCRETE poem!

EXTENSION: Did you know you can create your own shape poem by hand? If you would like more of a challenge, try this! See me with questions. 

Format For a Play

Bell Work/Do Now
Please copy the following into your notebooks:

Stage Directions

• Stage directions can either come before dialogue to set up a scene or within lines of dialogue. 

• The lines within dialogue explain how lines are supposed to be said or something a character is supposed to do. This type of stage direction is italicized but is also contained inside brackets or parenthesis. 

Whole Group Time

• Pass back work. 
• Read play example (Standard 2)
• Answer questions. 

Work Time

• Finish up play synopsis and character list (due at the end of class today.)
• Begin draft of play (Standard 1)
• Questions asked and answered.

Closure

• Turn in work. 
• Clean up your space. 

Homework

• None- Unless you were unable to turn in your work today. 
• If you need to finish your play synopsis for homework, I will accept it tomorrow for a late grade. 
• If you owe any work, take this time to catch up. 

Steps to Follow When Writing a Play

Bell Work/Do Now

Please copy the following seven steps into your notebooks. 
REMINDER: Notebooks are graded!

Steps to Follow When Writing a Play

Step 1: Begin with an idea. 

Step 2: Develop the story before turning it into a play. 

Step 3: Create interesting characters. 

Step 4: Create the world carefully. 

Step 5: Write believable dialogue. 

Step 6: Write a lot of action. 

Step 7: Keep it simple. 

Whole Group Time

1. Hand in signed progress reports and/or any missing work. 

2. Discuss and go over The Steps to Follow When Writing a Play. 

3. Go over deadlines/questions.

4. Arts standards

Arts Standards

Standard 1: Creating, Performing and Participating in the Arts

Students will actively engage in the processes that constitute creation and performance in the arts (in this case, theater) and participate in various roles in the arts. 

Standard 2: Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources

Students will be knowledgeable about and make use of the materials and resources available for participating in the arts in various roles. 

Work Time

1. Continue working on play synopsis/summary. 

2. Build character list/conflict. 

Closure 

1. Write your due date in your agenda:

Synopsis is due Wednesday, October 1st!

2. Clean up your space, log off your computers and push in your chairs. 

Homework

Work on your synopsis if you are behind schedule. 

Have a great day!

One Act Play Assignment

ASSIGNMENT 

A one act play can have as few as one character or as many as 15. It can be set in anytime, cover any theme, be in any language and tell any type of story. The only real definable feature is that a one act play simply has only that, one act. It is like a short story told only with dialogue.

Your assignment, worth 100 points is to write your own one act play. Your plays should be typed and formatted properly. This assignment, besides the guidelines below, is pretty wide open. I encourage you to write what you know and to write about what interests you. Your play can be anything you want it to be. It can be a play for kids. It can have musical numbers, be set in outer space or inside your own house. You can be the star of the play or it can be about people who are nothing like you. You tell the story you want to tell!

*This assignment addresses NYS Arts Standards 1 and 2, along with Common Core Standards for ELA. We will discuss these standards in class tomorrow!


GUIDELINES

• At least 4 pages long (This is easier than expected when writing a play.)
• 12 pt. font
• Follows proper dramatic format
• Is an original creation- all your own work!

TIMELINE

The following are dates when you will have to get something turned in to show your progress and receive feedback. These check-in dates are a third of your grade, 

Wednesday, October 1, 2014- A synopsis, or a summary of your one act play. Compile a list of characters. Identify the conflict; explain how the plot proceeds and how your play will end. 

Friday, October 3, 2014- Minimum of two pages of your play with dialogue and stage directions hand written or typed. 

Tuesday, October 7, 2014- Typed rough draft of your play (at least four pages completed.) 

Thursday, October 9, 2014- Final copies of your play typed and turned in by the end of the class period. 

Reminders

• You will receive various resources to help you with the play writing process. Please keep these materials organized and use them!
• If you are unsure of something, ask for help. 
• This is an arts class- do not be afraid to find your voice. 
• Have fun!

Happy Wednesday!

Hello! As you can see, I am not here today. Please read the instructions for your class period below: 

Periods 3 and 8 (8th Grade Creative Writing)

1. Please finish up any work you are doing for your poetry assignments and catch up on any missing work you may have. (We went over missing assignments yesterday!) 

2. When you are done, please respond to one of the following prompts: 

•   Describe the perfect day. Put in as many details as you can. Make it a possible day, not a "dream day." 

• Describe a real made-up dream or nightmare.

• Describe an event that changed your life forever, or make up and describe an event that would change your life forever.

• Describe someone who is a hero to you and explain why.

*Do your best to develop your answers. Use paragraphs write at least a couple of pages.

Hand in what you accomplish by the end of class to receive credit. 

Your behavior and participation are being graded as well!

Period 6 (7th Grade Creative Writing)

1. You were asked yesterday to brainstorm ideas for a play and write a short synopsis of that play. A synopsis is a short summary explaining what your play is about. 1-2 paragraphs is perfect! Please make sure this is done before you go to step two. 

2. Begin writing your play. Do not worry about length and/or any guidelines, just begin the writing process. 

3. Save your work at the end of class. I will check to see what you accomplished tomorrow in order to give you a grade. 

*No homework tonight!

Period 9 (7th Grade Creative Writing)

1. Continue working on your visual arts and creative writing projects.

2. We will set a deadline today, so think about how much time you will need to do this assignment well.

Journal Prompts

Complete the phrases and choose one to journal about. Try to write 1-2 pages. You may type or write this journal entry.

1.  If I could live anywhere in the world, I would choose _________.
2.  The thing I regret most about my life is ___________________.
3.  If I could accomplish one more thing, I would ______________.
4.  My favorite childhood memory is ________________________.
5.  The saddest/happiest moment in my life was when___________.
6.     The thing that scares me the most is ______________________. 

Dear Me Letters Continued

Agenda

Bell Work: Please take out your supplies and open your notebooks to your brainstorms from last week. In order to get full credit I need to see:

• Notebook with brainstorm
• Folder
• Pens/pencils
• Student agenda

E.Q. Am I organized and ready to learn this week?

1. After your homework is out and ready to be checked, please continue working on your letter from last week. 

2. Make sure your letter is well-developed and detailed. 

3. When you finish, you will have time to share your letters with a classmate. 

4. You are also welcome to type your letters if you have time. 

5. Do not print without asking permission! When you do print, you will need to choose the HP Laser Jet 5200 printer (see me with questions.)

6. Letters are due at the end of class. I will explain how to hand them in. 

*If you finish before class is over, I have something for you to do. 

Welcome to our Blog!

Welcome to middle school creative writing! I will post a great deal of information for the class right here, so be sure to check the blog often!

You are welcome to comment and ask questions on the blog, but please make sure that your posts are school related and appropriate. Thank you!

Here is today's agenda: 

Bell Work: Find and bookmark the class blog!

Essential Question: Am I prepared to start the new school year?

1. In your notebooks, brainstorm about the following: 

• Goals
• Expectations
• Feelings about starting a new school year.

2. Task: Write a Dear Me Letter. 
Here are some guidelines on how to get an A: 

• Write yourself a letter discussing your feelings about starting a new school year.
• What did you love and hate about last year?
• What are your goals and expectations for this year?
• How do you feel about being at SOTA?

*Note: These guidelines are here to get you started. You may add to the them as well!

* If you type your letter, please use Microsoft Word and SAVE YOUR WORK! Don't know how? ASK!