Writing Coaches' Tips for Parents: If your child has writer's block, these tips from writing coaches may help.
By Linda Strean, GreatSchools Managing Editor
Does your child struggle with writing assignments? You can help, and you don't have to be a great
writer yourself.
That's the lesson from a writing program based in Berkeley, California, that has been training community volunteers to work with middle and high schools students for the last seven years. The WriterCoach Connection puts lawyers, nurses, accountants, college students and retirees through six hours of training. Each coach then works in one-on-one sessions with a student on a piece of writing assigned by the classroom English teacher.
Volunteers are trained to coach writers, not correct their papers. They learn strategies to help students think through what they want to say, organize ideas and revise their writing. Lynn Mueller, the program's associate director and the mother of a recent high school graduate, likens a writing coach to a "patient, friendly listener."
I went through the training and worked as a coach for a year, and I found it a powerful way to help students at all levels discover they had something to say and figure out how to say it. I also used these strategies to help my own teenagers.
The program isn't magic. It's not intended as a substitute for a strong writing program at your child's school. The best way to become a better writer is to keep writing, and if your student isn't writing every day in school, you should take your concerns to teachers and administrators.
How can you help if your child is stumped about how to even begin an assignment? Or "stuck" part way through? These tips, drawn from the experiences of the writing coaches, may help:
Clarify the assignment. Ask your child to explain the assignment to you. If he can't, ask him if he has a written assignment sheet from the teacher. If he doesn't, have him get the assignment from a friend.
Clarify the content. Some students struggle with the writing because they haven't done the thinking about what they want to say. Ask your child to tell you the main point she wants to make. If she can explain her ideas verbally first, the writing will be easier. Ask her to tell you examples or anecdotes that support that main point. That will help her think through how she'll support her main point, or thesis.
If your child is reacting negatively to an assignment, ask her to tell you why. If you help her think her ideas through, she may be able to write an effective paper based on her objections to the assignment.
Check the evidence. Do the examples or anecdotes support your child's main idea? Are they accurate? Are they lively? If your child is having trouble here, ask him to take a minute and tell you about the scene or event he's describing as if he were a reporter, using the 5 W's and H: who, what, when, where, why and how.
Check the organization. If it is an essay, see if the teacher has given specific instructions about the introduction, body paragraphs or conclusion. Go over the sequence of ideas in each paragraph your child has written. Can you follow the thinking or are there missing steps that you need to understand his logic? Are transitions needed to link the paragraphs together? Talk about paragraphs that work well, identifying why they are effective. Discuss how the introduction and conclusion relate to the topic. Does the writer draw in the reader with his introduction? Does the conclusion include his thesis and sum up his ideas?
The WriterCoach Connection coaches found these tips helpful in coaching once their kids had the beginnings of a piece of writing. You can read more on the WriterCoach Connection Web site.
Start by asking your child, "How can I help you?" As a coach, your role is to listen and help your child figure out what he is trying to say. "You're giving the child a sounding board to talk out his ideas," Mueller says. "You'll help him organize those ideas and support them with examples."
Listen to your child read the piece of writing aloud without interrupting. Writing is hard work that requires concentration. If you interrupt, you risk interfering in your child's thinking process.
Find three strengths in your child's writing and point them out. Always start with strengths. Look for concrete details, sentences that are clear, words that are vivid, and praise them when you find them. Point to the phrase, sentence or paragraph and read it aloud. Tell her why it's effective: "I really like the way you understand the main character of the book," or "I love the colorful details in that sentence." You'll be showing her that writing isn't a mystical process but one that requires skills that she can master.
If something is unclear ask for more information. Ask questions about what your child is trying to communicate. Tell him if there's something you'd like to know more about, an idea that's not fully expressed. Don't criticize or give the answer, but help him find his own answers. If you respond to his writing as a reader, you'll be showing him that writing is a way to communicate ideas to an audience. "Every writer has an audience," Mueller says. "Student writers may not realize this because they're writing an assignment for a teacher."
Don't correct grammar or mechanics on a rough draft. Your child may correct her own rough-draft errors as she revises her writing, particularly if you encourage her to read her work aloud — to you or to herself. But if your child makes a consistent mistake in mechanics at this stage, see if she knows how to correct it. If she doesn't, give her the correct form. On the final draft, encourage your child to edit her own work. Resist the temptation to make the paper "perfect" from your point of view.
Respect your child as a writer. What and how to revise is your child's choice, not yours. The "voice" he uses should be his, not yours. Offer a suggestion, and remember that your child must learn to do the thinking and writing.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
AP Day Nov. 3
I'd advise all students to attend regardless if APSU is your school -at least you'd ahve an idea of what questions to ask and information you should know for your school of choice.
AP Day Nov. 3
You could look at our brochures, talk to our admissions counselors and browse our Web site. They’re all helpful and interesting. But the fact is, there’s no better way to get a feel for a university than by visiting campus.
AP Day is the prime time to visit our campus. During this day-long event, you’ll have the chance to experience life at APSU.
Talk with professors
Learn about financial aid, housing, admissions and student life
Tour the campus and residence halls
To reserve your spot, click on title of posting or call 800-844-APSU.
Lunch will be provided in APSU’s cafeteria.
AP Day Nov. 3
You could look at our brochures, talk to our admissions counselors and browse our Web site. They’re all helpful and interesting. But the fact is, there’s no better way to get a feel for a university than by visiting campus.
AP Day is the prime time to visit our campus. During this day-long event, you’ll have the chance to experience life at APSU.
Talk with professors
Learn about financial aid, housing, admissions and student life
Tour the campus and residence halls
To reserve your spot, click on title of posting or call 800-844-APSU.
Lunch will be provided in APSU’s cafeteria.
October/ Novemeber/ December
ENG III- American Literature
Wow, my juniors are finally working on their own. We are tackling Revolutionary writers in groups using the skills we've been working on as a class and soon they will present their findings. Then we jump into the Dark Romantics Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe, and the like. Transcendatlists are next and then on to Realism when we read as a class, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Whenever possible the class will continue researching an American author and practice writing in a persuasive style. Which will all culminate in a semester review in preparation for the final exam.
ENG IV- British Literature
We are having a blast exploring the literature and culture of the middle ages. We have finished "The Canterbury Tales" by Chaucer and are looking at one of the King Arthur tales "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." To finish the unit there will be an exam and each student will write one essay through a series of drafts into a final polished essay. Then we will begin William Shakespeare's play "The Tragedy of Macbeth" set in Scotland which explores the themes of greed and betrayl. I am hoping that the class will also see a play this semester and will send home details if that should become a reality. To make sure all students are ready for the future we will also have lessons on scholarship writing, resume, 'how to ask for letter's of recommendation' and the like. And of course we will take a few days to review for the semester exam.
Wow, my juniors are finally working on their own. We are tackling Revolutionary writers in groups using the skills we've been working on as a class and soon they will present their findings. Then we jump into the Dark Romantics Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe, and the like. Transcendatlists are next and then on to Realism when we read as a class, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Whenever possible the class will continue researching an American author and practice writing in a persuasive style. Which will all culminate in a semester review in preparation for the final exam.
ENG IV- British Literature
We are having a blast exploring the literature and culture of the middle ages. We have finished "The Canterbury Tales" by Chaucer and are looking at one of the King Arthur tales "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." To finish the unit there will be an exam and each student will write one essay through a series of drafts into a final polished essay. Then we will begin William Shakespeare's play "The Tragedy of Macbeth" set in Scotland which explores the themes of greed and betrayl. I am hoping that the class will also see a play this semester and will send home details if that should become a reality. To make sure all students are ready for the future we will also have lessons on scholarship writing, resume, 'how to ask for letter's of recommendation' and the like. And of course we will take a few days to review for the semester exam.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Roxy Theatre- A Doll's House
I love the theatre!! While I don't get out enough I want to be sure you all have a chance to experience life while you can. Consider attending a Roxy performance. Make an extra credit assignment out of it and write a review for publication. "A Doll's House" is the current Roxy show and will soon be followed by "The Chimes." More shows and dates to come.
Contact Information
Tom Thayer
931-645-7699
100 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN 37040 roxytheatre@midsouth.net
A DOLL’S HOUSE
By Henrik Ibsen
10am November 12,13,14,15,16,19,20 - 2007
Nora, doll-like to the world and to her husband, sacrifices her moral integrity to save him. When she realizes he will not sacrifice anything for her, will she have the courage to step out of her doll house?
THE CHIMES
Adapted for the stage by John McDonald
9:15 and 11:30 December 3,4,5,6,7,10,11,12,13,14,17,18,19,20 - 2007
Charles Dickens’ “other Christmas Carol” is a cross between the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. In it, Toby Veck meets the spirits of the church chimes and sees the greater importance of his life.
MY WAY: A TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA
Conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson
Book by Todd Olson
10am February 11,12,13,19,20,21,25,26,27,28,29 - 2008
Whether he is a voice from your past or just a music icon, Frank Sinatra thrills once more. Join us for a memorable evening boasting over 40 songs made famous by “Ol’ Blue Eyes”.
JULIUS CAESAR
By William Shakespeare
9am and 11:30 March 10,11,12,13,14 - 2008
Shakespeare’s gripping political thriller runs an emotional gamut from private intrigue to personal conflict and public violence. “Beware the Ides of March…” as the Republic of Rome reverberates once more.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Book by David Simpatico
Songs by Matthew Gerrard & Robbie Nevil; Ray Cham, Greg Cham & Andrew Seeley; Randy Petersen & Kevin Quinn; Andy Dodd & AdamWatts; Bryan Louiselle;
David N. Lawrence & Faye Greenberg; and Jamie Houston
Music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle
Based on a Disney Channel original movie written by Peter Barsocchini
10am March 31 April 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,14,15,16,17,18 - 2008
Math and science wiz Gabriella Montez meets basketball team captain Troy Bolton for the first time when they are picked to perform a karaoke duet. Their immediate musical chemistry must overcome the stereotypical roles their high school friends want them to follow. Join us for the regional premiere of this hit musical comedy!
Contact Information
Tom Thayer
931-645-7699
100 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN 37040 roxytheatre@midsouth.net
A DOLL’S HOUSE
By Henrik Ibsen
10am November 12,13,14,15,16,19,20 - 2007
Nora, doll-like to the world and to her husband, sacrifices her moral integrity to save him. When she realizes he will not sacrifice anything for her, will she have the courage to step out of her doll house?
THE CHIMES
Adapted for the stage by John McDonald
9:15 and 11:30 December 3,4,5,6,7,10,11,12,13,14,17,18,19,20 - 2007
Charles Dickens’ “other Christmas Carol” is a cross between the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. In it, Toby Veck meets the spirits of the church chimes and sees the greater importance of his life.
MY WAY: A TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA
Conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson
Book by Todd Olson
10am February 11,12,13,19,20,21,25,26,27,28,29 - 2008
Whether he is a voice from your past or just a music icon, Frank Sinatra thrills once more. Join us for a memorable evening boasting over 40 songs made famous by “Ol’ Blue Eyes”.
JULIUS CAESAR
By William Shakespeare
9am and 11:30 March 10,11,12,13,14 - 2008
Shakespeare’s gripping political thriller runs an emotional gamut from private intrigue to personal conflict and public violence. “Beware the Ides of March…” as the Republic of Rome reverberates once more.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Book by David Simpatico
Songs by Matthew Gerrard & Robbie Nevil; Ray Cham, Greg Cham & Andrew Seeley; Randy Petersen & Kevin Quinn; Andy Dodd & AdamWatts; Bryan Louiselle;
David N. Lawrence & Faye Greenberg; and Jamie Houston
Music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle
Based on a Disney Channel original movie written by Peter Barsocchini
10am March 31 April 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,14,15,16,17,18 - 2008
Math and science wiz Gabriella Montez meets basketball team captain Troy Bolton for the first time when they are picked to perform a karaoke duet. Their immediate musical chemistry must overcome the stereotypical roles their high school friends want them to follow. Join us for the regional premiere of this hit musical comedy!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Southern Book Festival OCT 12 - 14
I'm really excited about this book festival coming up. I have attended Writer's Conventions but have never had the pleasure of attending a book festival. More importantly this celebration focuses on Southern authors and interests.
This would make a great extra credit project. Attend the festival and write about your experience. Extra credit will be awarded to students who write about specific authors they meet and the overall experience. A finished draft should be in the format of a letter to the editor for publication in local newspapers the Tennessean and Leaf Chronicle. We will also send a copy to the school newspaper and CMCSS newsletters for possible publication.
Why attempt to publish it? The community needs to hear that our youth are partaking of events from the community and that Northwest High students do positive things and have a bright future ahead of them.
Why attend? When I attended Writer's Conventions I got a chance to meet authors in person. I enjoy reading books so much more when I know a bit about them and have a face to go with the words on the page- it is like taking a peek into a diary except I get to peer into the imagination of someone I've meet. I've included the information on the event below. If you click on the title of this blog entry you will be taken to the Humanities TN website for more information as to authors and appearance times. I hope to see you there.
2007 Southern Festival of Books
The Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word® brings readers and writers together for its 19th anniversary October 12-14 at the Legislative Plaza in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.
Southern Festival of Books hours are Friday, October 12 from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, October 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 14 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Festival is free and open to the public and welcomes more than 200 authors and more than 50 exhibitors to this year's Southern Festival of Books. The festival schedule will be posted approximately three weeks before the event.
Book lovers have the opportunity to hear from and meet some of America's foremost writers in fiction, history, mystery, biography, travel, poetry and children's literature. Each author on the program participates in a panel discussion or offers a solo presentation, and each has a book signing immediately following his/her session.
Special events for children are planned including appearances by favorite characters and birthday parties to celebrate the anniversaries of great children's books.
The festival will also feature two performance stages in addition to a Cooking Stage. The Café Stage features exceptional musicians, and the Children's Stage features children's storytellers, writers, performers and musicians. The Cooking Stage will highlight talented chefs preparing and discussing recipes from the latest food and cookbooks.
Over the course of this three-day event we need and welcome approximately 400 volunteers. Please consider sharing your time and talents to help make this Festival a success.
This would make a great extra credit project. Attend the festival and write about your experience. Extra credit will be awarded to students who write about specific authors they meet and the overall experience. A finished draft should be in the format of a letter to the editor for publication in local newspapers the Tennessean and Leaf Chronicle. We will also send a copy to the school newspaper and CMCSS newsletters for possible publication.
Why attempt to publish it? The community needs to hear that our youth are partaking of events from the community and that Northwest High students do positive things and have a bright future ahead of them.
Why attend? When I attended Writer's Conventions I got a chance to meet authors in person. I enjoy reading books so much more when I know a bit about them and have a face to go with the words on the page- it is like taking a peek into a diary except I get to peer into the imagination of someone I've meet. I've included the information on the event below. If you click on the title of this blog entry you will be taken to the Humanities TN website for more information as to authors and appearance times. I hope to see you there.
2007 Southern Festival of Books
The Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word® brings readers and writers together for its 19th anniversary October 12-14 at the Legislative Plaza in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.
Southern Festival of Books hours are Friday, October 12 from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, October 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 14 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Festival is free and open to the public and welcomes more than 200 authors and more than 50 exhibitors to this year's Southern Festival of Books. The festival schedule will be posted approximately three weeks before the event.
Book lovers have the opportunity to hear from and meet some of America's foremost writers in fiction, history, mystery, biography, travel, poetry and children's literature. Each author on the program participates in a panel discussion or offers a solo presentation, and each has a book signing immediately following his/her session.
Special events for children are planned including appearances by favorite characters and birthday parties to celebrate the anniversaries of great children's books.
The festival will also feature two performance stages in addition to a Cooking Stage. The Café Stage features exceptional musicians, and the Children's Stage features children's storytellers, writers, performers and musicians. The Cooking Stage will highlight talented chefs preparing and discussing recipes from the latest food and cookbooks.
Over the course of this three-day event we need and welcome approximately 400 volunteers. Please consider sharing your time and talents to help make this Festival a success.
Intertribal Pow Wow Oct 13 -14
Wow! I haven't been to a Pow Wow since I was a little girl. I barely remember it as it was late at night and there were so many people there I couldn't see anything. In the Southwest the Indian tribes there don't have Pow Wows their tribal celebrations are private and the public is not invited. Not to mention that the tribes are very different from central plains indians or Cherokee.
And of course extra credit oppurtunity... Write a paper about your experience, make it creative, connect personally with the event relating your culture to the culture you are viewing and learning about. by making personal connections your writing will stand out and be honest in its intent- connecting and identifying with other people and cultures.
Intertribal Pow Wow
Native Cultural Circle
Clarksville's 9th annual pow wow. Come share in the Indian culture, foods and shop the venders for arts and crafts. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the dancing.
Contact Information
Native Cultural Circle
931-326-5837
Port Royal State Park
Dates and Times
Saturday, October 13, 2007 Day Long Event
Sunday, October 14, 2007 Day Long Event
And of course extra credit oppurtunity... Write a paper about your experience, make it creative, connect personally with the event relating your culture to the culture you are viewing and learning about. by making personal connections your writing will stand out and be honest in its intent- connecting and identifying with other people and cultures.
Intertribal Pow Wow
Native Cultural Circle
Clarksville's 9th annual pow wow. Come share in the Indian culture, foods and shop the venders for arts and crafts. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the dancing.
Contact Information
Native Cultural Circle
931-326-5837
Port Royal State Park
Dates and Times
Saturday, October 13, 2007 Day Long Event
Sunday, October 14, 2007 Day Long Event
1st nine Weeks Grades
I have a TON of grading to do. The students really came together and turned in wonderful projects- it takes forever to grade as I don't want to put the projects down. Now on to grades... I will not have grades completed until later next week. Please email me if you would like me to email you your grades or your child's grades upon the conclusion of grading.
Also kuddos to the many students who completed a grade saver contract. So far ALL the students who fulfilled the contract terms are now passing. To the parents: I believe that we need to hold our kids responsible for their actions. I also believe that when a student exercises maturity in recognizing poor decisions and poor behavior they should be permited a second chance. Thus I sent home a grade saver contract on Friday 9/28 for any and all students that were failing my class. The contract had to be signed by a parent as well as a current progress report. Additionally, the student was required to write a formal letter aplogize for their behavior, identify what behavior led to a failing grade, and suggest behaviors that will lead to a passing grade in the future. This contract allowed students to make up all zeros and assignments that were not completed.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Enjoy Fall Break!
Grades are in- should you be unhappy with your grade it is not too late- see me!
Also kuddos to the many students who completed a grade saver contract. So far ALL the students who fulfilled the contract terms are now passing. To the parents: I believe that we need to hold our kids responsible for their actions. I also believe that when a student exercises maturity in recognizing poor decisions and poor behavior they should be permited a second chance. Thus I sent home a grade saver contract on Friday 9/28 for any and all students that were failing my class. The contract had to be signed by a parent as well as a current progress report. Additionally, the student was required to write a formal letter aplogize for their behavior, identify what behavior led to a failing grade, and suggest behaviors that will lead to a passing grade in the future. This contract allowed students to make up all zeros and assignments that were not completed.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Enjoy Fall Break!
Grades are in- should you be unhappy with your grade it is not too late- see me!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Extra Credit
Extra Credit #1 If you haven't figured out by now- I love all things cultural. Attend any cultural event- write a review- earn extra credit points! Tell me about an event so I can post it on this blog.
Extra Credit #2 Visual Vocabulary: right now I am looking for visuals for several units coming up and accompaning vocabulary ask me what words to tackle.
Extra Credit #3 Help instructor- I have more things I want to do than hands or time to accomplish them. Offer your services!
Extra Credit #4 Movie Mania- I love films and like to discuss them. Watch a film you've cleared with me first. Then critique it- I'll ask you to look at directorial choices, editing, lighting, scripts, and so on. Maybe you can compare the film to the book. Or compare two versions of the same film from different decades.
Extra Credit #5 Read an additional novel each quarter and complete a novel project, study guide, and review of the book.
Extra Credit #6 Donate college, military, and technical school/training information to our NEW class library of post graduation options.
Extra Credit #7 Dress up for spirit days, pep rallys, hat days, cultural days, and other events. I have spirit- yes I do- I have spirit- how about you? To create a strong community you have to be a part of it!
Extra Credit #8 Individual contracts generated by students at student request. Teacher signs the contract and sets deadlines.
There is NO excuse to fail or for failing to earn the grade you want.
Extra Credit #2 Visual Vocabulary: right now I am looking for visuals for several units coming up and accompaning vocabulary ask me what words to tackle.
Extra Credit #3 Help instructor- I have more things I want to do than hands or time to accomplish them. Offer your services!
Extra Credit #4 Movie Mania- I love films and like to discuss them. Watch a film you've cleared with me first. Then critique it- I'll ask you to look at directorial choices, editing, lighting, scripts, and so on. Maybe you can compare the film to the book. Or compare two versions of the same film from different decades.
Extra Credit #5 Read an additional novel each quarter and complete a novel project, study guide, and review of the book.
Extra Credit #6 Donate college, military, and technical school/training information to our NEW class library of post graduation options.
Extra Credit #7 Dress up for spirit days, pep rallys, hat days, cultural days, and other events. I have spirit- yes I do- I have spirit- how about you? To create a strong community you have to be a part of it!
Extra Credit #8 Individual contracts generated by students at student request. Teacher signs the contract and sets deadlines.
There is NO excuse to fail or for failing to earn the grade you want.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Book Report ENG III & ENG IV
ENG III & ENG IV
Second Qtr Novel Test & Report
Due Dates:
2nd Quarter
Oct 1 – 5 select 2nd Qtr novel
Nov. 2 finished reading novel
Nov. 5 Novel Test
Nov. 13, 14 & 15, 16 Book report Due
Alternative Book Report
Select one of the options below. You must choose a different choice for each book. Complete the assignment by the due date above. I have many other possibilities- tell me about an idea or see me for an alternate. This project should be fun!
1) Scrapbooking: You’re a character in the novel create a scrapbook that he/she would have made (variation memory box). Include 10 items or 5 pages. Decorate throughout and neatness counts. Originality is required do not only use novel for ideas.
2) You’re a professional critique the interactions in the novel from the point of view of an organization that might have something to say about it. EX: bank lender, church, Humane Society, IRS, military, LULAC, NAACP, ACLU, Sierra Club and others…
3) You’re a friend of a character; imagine your childhood intersected with theirs. Write a series of three memories in which the two friends interact. (Length is 1 page each.) These memories should be unique and not from the novel.
4) Create an alphabet book: based on your characters personality. 'A' is for the adventure Huck discovers on his journey down the river. 'B' is for... (Variation uses the title of the book as a source rather than the alphabet discussing theme, plot, & characters.)
5) Imagine your character is passionate about an 'issue' create a pamphlet, brochure, or blog about this issue that includes your characters opinions on the subject. Make sure it looks professional and includes a list of sources you researched for this.
6) Blogging: Create blogs for 5 characters from the novel (use yahoo or goggle’s blogspot). It should include an introduction, a hobby, and a comment on family. Plus additional flourishes appropriate to that character. Email the links to me.
7) Imagine you are friends with your character and are recommending 5 books/ movies to him/her. Which 5 books/movies and why? Write your answers in 5 short essays that include summaries of the selections and particular connections between the selection and the character’s interests or experiences.
8) Poetry: write 5 poems in response to the novel. 20- line length requirement or a variety of strict poetic form approved by instructor. Consider: theme, character, and location. These poems should go through multiple drafts attempting to use figurative language and poetic technique. Focus on word choice & ideas.
9) You are a psychologist- select three characters from the novel and write an essay about each character’s fears in terms of psychosis and what they want to avoid the most. Use examples from the novel to support your findings and refer to medical articles to back up your claims. See me for help as needed.
Do not forget you must complete a bibliography regardless of which choice you select or number of resources.
Second Qtr Novel Test & Report
Due Dates:
2nd Quarter
Oct 1 – 5 select 2nd Qtr novel
Nov. 2 finished reading novel
Nov. 5 Novel Test
Nov. 13, 14 & 15, 16 Book report Due
Alternative Book Report
Select one of the options below. You must choose a different choice for each book. Complete the assignment by the due date above. I have many other possibilities- tell me about an idea or see me for an alternate. This project should be fun!
1) Scrapbooking: You’re a character in the novel create a scrapbook that he/she would have made (variation memory box). Include 10 items or 5 pages. Decorate throughout and neatness counts. Originality is required do not only use novel for ideas.
2) You’re a professional critique the interactions in the novel from the point of view of an organization that might have something to say about it. EX: bank lender, church, Humane Society, IRS, military, LULAC, NAACP, ACLU, Sierra Club and others…
3) You’re a friend of a character; imagine your childhood intersected with theirs. Write a series of three memories in which the two friends interact. (Length is 1 page each.) These memories should be unique and not from the novel.
4) Create an alphabet book: based on your characters personality. 'A' is for the adventure Huck discovers on his journey down the river. 'B' is for... (Variation uses the title of the book as a source rather than the alphabet discussing theme, plot, & characters.)
5) Imagine your character is passionate about an 'issue' create a pamphlet, brochure, or blog about this issue that includes your characters opinions on the subject. Make sure it looks professional and includes a list of sources you researched for this.
6) Blogging: Create blogs for 5 characters from the novel (use yahoo or goggle’s blogspot). It should include an introduction, a hobby, and a comment on family. Plus additional flourishes appropriate to that character. Email the links to me.
7) Imagine you are friends with your character and are recommending 5 books/ movies to him/her. Which 5 books/movies and why? Write your answers in 5 short essays that include summaries of the selections and particular connections between the selection and the character’s interests or experiences.
8) Poetry: write 5 poems in response to the novel. 20- line length requirement or a variety of strict poetic form approved by instructor. Consider: theme, character, and location. These poems should go through multiple drafts attempting to use figurative language and poetic technique. Focus on word choice & ideas.
9) You are a psychologist- select three characters from the novel and write an essay about each character’s fears in terms of psychosis and what they want to avoid the most. Use examples from the novel to support your findings and refer to medical articles to back up your claims. See me for help as needed.
Do not forget you must complete a bibliography regardless of which choice you select or number of resources.
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