HW from Thursday, 10/20/16

Due on Tuesday, 10/25/16

Please read this post entirely before writing your paper! 

(I would suggest printing a copy of this post. There's a lot of information here!)

Content Requirements:
* Your character sketch is a description of a real person you know. Do not tell a story! You are writing a description, using all the ways you've learned to enhance description in your writing. 

(These seven ways to enhance description should be becoming second nature to you by now: think of your five senses... add adjectives and adverbs... use more descriptive nouns and exciting verbs... add phrases... use figurative language...)

* Your character sketch must have at least two examples of figurative language. In your first typed draft, underline and highlight your examples of figurative language, and identify whether they are simile, metaphor, and/or personification.

* Your character sketch must also have at least one correctly punctuated line of dialogue (or monologue) in it. Be creative with how you work this in. Underline and highlight the line of dialogue in your first typed draft as well.

Procedure:

1) Complete your character sketch. Your initial draft may be typed or handwritten—it is up to you. Either way, be sure it is double-spaced so that you will have room to make corrections as you proofread.

NOTE: Your character sketch should contain at least 250 words, but no more than 300 words.

2) YOU proofread your paper, circling any errors you find. Go back and make any corrections or changes, then type your paper according to the guidelines for typed compositions that appear on the right sidebar of this blog. Save this first draft after you've proofread it.

3) Hand a clean, printed, double-spaced copy of the paper you fixed and typed to a parent or other adult. Have them mark their suggestions for improvement directly on your typed draft, then have them sign the paper to indicate they proofread it. Save this proofread draft as well.

4) Make the corrections suggested by your proofreader if you agree with their assessment. If not, explain why you didn't use the suggestions by writing an explanation directly on the typed, proofread draft.

5) Print your beautiful, corrected draft. Staple it on top of the other two, with the very first draft on the bottom. You will turn this stack of papers in on Tuesday.

6) Also email your paper to me as an attachment to my regular email address (not MarkUp). 

Formatting Requirements: 

* Make sure the header is correctly formatted to automatically repeat on each page of your document. You should only need to type it once, if it is a true header. 

The header format is as follows:

Laurie Sitterding (Use your name!)

10/25/16 (This is the due date.)

Character Sketch, D1 (This is the assignment title.)

Word Count: 263 (Use your actual word count!)

* DO NOT count your words! Word (and any other word processing program) will keep track of the number for you. [If you look in the bottom left corner of your Word document, it will tell you how many words your document is. If you are using a different word processing program, search your help files for how to find this information.]

* Make sure the footer is correctly formatted to automatically number the pages, and place a page number on the bottom center of each page past the first one. (Your first page won't have a page number.)  

* All other formatting requirements are listed in the right sidebar of this blog, including margins, font size, etc. See Guidelines for Typed Compositions.

If you have any questions about how to do any of these things and your family members have not been able to help you, call or text me. I am happy to help.

Also, daily:

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure, aiming for at least 30 minutes daily. Mark the number of minutes on your Reading Log (in multiples of five, rounded down) as you go along. 

+ Write in your Gratitude Journal, aiming for three things but listing at least one thing you are thankful for daily. When you have done so, place a check mark in the top corner of your Reading Log calendar for that day.

The October Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, November 1.

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OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Th, 10/27: Caelie (CWA);  Gabrielle (CWB)
For Tu, 10/25: Victoria (CWA); Leena (CWB)
For Th, 11/3: TBD (CWA); Daniel (CWB)

For Tu, 11/1: TBD (CWA); TBD (CWB)

For Tu, 11/8: TBD (CWA); Nicholas (CWB)

HW from Tuesday, 10/18/16

Due on Thursday, 10/20/16

1) Visit the new web link below (added to the bottom of the previous list I gave you) and listen to the School House Rock song for conjunctions. As you listen, write down the function of conjunctions, the four specific conjunctions that are named, and the official part of speech that a conjunction is (besides a conjunction).

* NOUN A Noun Is a Person, Place, or Thing
* ADJECTIVE Unpack Your Adjectives
* VERB Verb: That's What's Happening
* ADVERB Lolly Lolly Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here
* CONJUNCTION Conjunction Junction, What's Your Function?

2) Be sure you have this assignment from last Thursday completed, and bring it to class: Reread the character sketch I wrote about my grandmother and write down every example you see of figurative language. Identify whether each example is metaphor, simile, or personification. Be prepared to turn this in on Thursday.

3) Complete Copywork #6, following the directions at the top of the handout.

4) Be prepared for a quiz on Thursday. I would encourage you to visit our Creative Writing Blog (see the right sidebar in this Homework Blog for the link) so that you can see the things we have discussed / will be discussing this quarter, and review the material we've learned so far to be sure you haven't missed anything. Focus in particular on figurative language (the seventh way to enhance description in your writing).

5) Choose the person you will be writing your character sketch on. Remember, this must be a real person you know or have at least met. You do not need to begin writing your character sketch at all; just choose who you will write about.

Also, daily:

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure, aiming for at least 30 minutes daily. Mark the number of minutes on your Reading Log (in multiples of five, rounded down) as you go along. 

+ Write in your Gratitude Journal, aiming for three things but listing at least one thing you are thankful for daily. When you have done so, place a check mark in the top corner of your Reading Log calendar for that day.

The October Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, November 1.

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OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Th, 10/20: Zayden (CWA);  Daniel (CWB)
For Th, 10/27: Caelie (CWA);  Gabrielle (CWB)
For Th, 11/3: TBD (CWA); Lorena (CWB)

For Tu, 10/25: Victoria (CWA); Leena (CWB)

For Tu, 11/1: TBD (CWA); Josiah (CWB)

For Tu, 11/8: TBD (CWA); Nicholas (CWB)

HW from Thursday, 10/13/16

Due on Tuesday, 10/18/16

1) Visit this blog post to read about the amazing power of the human brain to decipher and "fill in the gaps" when it is reading things that are riddled with errors. This is why it is so important to proofread things many times, and to have others look at your writing, too. Your brain can see right past the errors and read it as if there aren't any!

2) Make all suggested corrections on your Descriptive Setting paper. Save the corrected copy as Draft 3. Print it and read over it, making sure you don't see any errors. If you find any, fix them and print it again. Then have one other person read over it and proofread it, too. Once you've fixed all errors and you're convinced your paper is perfect, print the final copy of Draft 3 and staple it to the top of the other drafts. You will turn the entire stack in on Tuesday.

3) Read the following section in your Writer's Inc. book. Underline, highlight, or take notes  as your read when something strikes you as important.

* "Using Strong, Colorful Words" (Pages 116-117—Read both pages entirely.)

4) Make a list of as many "said" replacements as you can think of. In class, we named several:
exclaimed
questioned
whispered
remarked
noted
shouted
etc.
Type your list into a Word document (with a proper header), listing one word per line (single spaced). You should include at least 50 words in your list. Feel free to ask others to help you, and to look in any books you have in your home to see which words they use. Only as an absolute last resort should you consult the internet—and if you do, please note on your paper how many you had before you did so.

5) Email your Word document list as an attachment to my regular email address.

6) Reread the character sketch I wrote about my grandmother and write down every example you see of figurative language. Identify whether each example is metaphor, simile, or personification. Be prepared to turn this in on Tuesday.

7) Choose the person you will be writing your character sketch on. Remember, this must be a real person you know or have at least met. You do not need to begin writing your character sketch at all; just choose who you will write about.

8) Have fun!

Also, daily:

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure, aiming for at least 30 minutes daily. Mark the number of minutes on your Reading Log (in multiples of five, rounded down) as you go along. 

+ Write in your Gratitude Journal, aiming for three things but listing at least one thing you are thankful for daily. When you have done so, place a check mark in the top corner of your Reading Log calendar for that day.

The October Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, November 1.

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OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 10/18: Zach (CWA); Haddon (CWB)
For Th, 10/20: Zayden (CWA);  Daniel (CWB)
For Th, 10/27: Caelie (CWA);  Gabrielle (CWB)
For Th, 11/3: TBD (CWA); Lorena (CWB)

For Tu, 10/25: Victoria (CWA); Leena (CWB)

For Tu, 11/1: TBD (CWA); Josiah (CWB)

For Tu, 11/8: TBD (CWA); Nicholas (CWB)

HW from Tuesday, 10/11/16 (Two-Hour Delay – Shortened Class)

Due on Thursday, 10/13/16

1) Make sure you received the return email with the Markup copy of your metaphor, which I graded and made notes on. (If you did not receive it, please contact me ASAP to let me know, so we can get to the bottom of it and figure out what went wrong!) 

Open the Markup attachment, print it, 3-hole punch it, and file it in the homework section of your notebook. I will check to make sure you have this in class on Thursday.

2) In a book of fiction, locate a dialogue (conversation) between two characters. Each should speak at least 3-4 lines, back and forth. Make a copy of the conversation—scan it and print it, if at all possible!—and bring it to class on Thursday.

3) Study the dialogue. Notice how the lines that were spoken are punctuated. Visit our class website (Topics of Study, Q.1—in left sidebar) and 492.3 in Writer's Inc for a quick review of punctuation rules for dialogue. 

4) Using the correct punctuation rules, write a dialogue between two characters. Each person must speak at least three lines of dialogue in the conversation. Without having your characters resort to gossip, please have this dialogue reveal something to us about the character of one of the two people in the dialogue (what he's like). At the end of the conversation, skip two lines, then write down what was revealed about the person through this dialogue.

5) Transfer the reading you've done so far (from 10/1-10/10) from the list you've been keeping to the Reading Log calendar I gave you today. Have your parent initial the transfers.

Also, daily:

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure, aiming for at least 30 minutes daily. Mark the number of minutes on your Reading Log (in multiples of five, rounded down) as you go along. 

+ Write in your Gratitude Journal, aiming for three things but listing at least one thing you are thankful for daily. When you have done so, place a check mark in the top corner of your Reading Log calendar for that day.

The October Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, November 1.

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OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Th, 10/13: Chase (CWA);  Caleb (CWB)
For Tu, 10/18: Zach (CWA); Haddon (CWB)
For Th, 10/20: Zayden (CWA);  Daniel (CWB)
For Th, 10/27: Caelie (CWA);  Gabrielle (CWB)
For Th, 11/3: TBD (CWA); Lorena (CWB)

For Tu, 10/25: Victoria (CWA); Leena (CWB)

For Tu, 11/1: TBD (CWA); Josiah (CWB)

For Tu, 11/8: TBD (CWA); Nicholas (CWB)

HW from Thursday, 10/6/16

Due on Tuesday, 10/11/16

1) Complete Copywork #4. Be sure to copy it carefully, then proofread it when you are finished. Afterward, have one other proofread it for you (in case you missed anything), then read it aloud together to be certain there are no errors. Do your best work!

2) Visit this webpage about metaphor. Read the content in its entirety, but ignore the ads! Of the three examples of literary metaphor given (metaphors from literature), choose your favorite. Send an email to my regular email address telling me why it is your favorite. Be sure to include your name.

3) Visit this webpage, which gives fifty examples of easy-to-understand metaphors. After you have read through all fifty, write one good, unique metaphor of your own. Type your metaphor into a Word document, give it our usual header for papers, save it, then email it to me as an attachment to the following email address: LauraSitterding@MarkupSync.com. Call me if neither you nor any family member of yours knows how to do that.

Also, daily:

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure, aiming for 30 minutes daily. Mark the number of minutes on your Reading Log (in multiples of five, rounded down) as you go along. 

+ Write in your Gratitude Journal, aiming for three things but listing at least one thing you are thankful for daily. When you have done so, place a check mark in the top corner of your Reading Log calendar for that day.

The October Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, November 1.

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OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 10/11: Logan (CWA); Luke (CWB)
For Th, 10/13: Chase (CWA);  Caleb (CWB)
For Tu, 10/18: Zach (CWA); Haddon (CWB)
For Th, 10/20: Zayden (CWA);  Daniel (CWB)
For Th, 10/27: Caelie (CWA);  Gabrielle (CWB)
For Th, 11/3: TBD (CWA); Lorena (CWB)

For Tu, 10/25: Victoria (CWA); Leena (CWB)

For Tu, 11/1: TBD (CWA); Josiah (CWB)

For Tu, 11/8: TBD (CWA); Nicholas (CWB)

(NOTE: First weblink address is http://literarydevices.net/metaphor/ and second weblink address is http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/figurative-language/figurative-language-examples/metaphor-examples/)

HW from Tuesday, 10/4/16

Due on Thursday, 10/6/16

1) Complete Copywork #3. Follow the instructions on the paper carefully. Copy it exactly.

NOTE: There is an error on this Copywork paper. Titles of poems are enclosed in quotation marks, yes—but they are not also italicized, as your Copywork handout has it.

2) Read the following section in your Writer's Inc. book. Underline, highlight, or take notes as your read when something strikes you as important.

* "Using Metaphors" (Page 114—Read the entire page.)

Also, daily:

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure, aiming for 30 minutes daily. Mark the number of minutes on your Reading Log (in multiples of five, rounded down) as you go along. 

+ Write in your Gratitude Journal, aiming for three things but listing at least one thing you are thankful for daily. When you have done so, place a check mark in the top corner of your Reading Log calendar for that day.

The October Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, November 1.

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OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Th, 10/6: John (CWA);  Michael (CWB)
For Tu, 10/11: Logan (CWA); Luke (CWB)
For Th, 10/13: Chase (CWA);  Caleb (CWB)
For Tu, 10/18: Zach (CWA); Haddon (CWB)
For Th, 10/20: Zayden (CWA);  Daniel (CWB)
For Th, 10/27: Caelie (CWA);  Gabrielle (CWB)
For Th, 11/3: TBD (CWA); Lorena (CWB)

For Tu, 10/25: Victoria (CWA); Leena (CWB)

For Tu, 11/1: TBD (CWA); Josiah (CWB)

For Tu, 11/8: TBD (CWA); Nicholas (CWB)

HW from Thursday, 9/29/16

Due on Tuesday, 10/4/16

1)  Keep reading for your Reading Log and writing in your Gratitude Journal even though I neglected to give you the October calendar today.  (You will have to keep track of the reading you do today through Tuesday on another piece of paper.)  My apologies!

2)  Your "Descriptive Setting" paper is due on Tuesday, 10/4.  You will write a descriptive paper about a favorite place.  Do not tell a story, although you may insert yourself into the description if you wish.  NOTE: See the * below—or check your email!—for some clarification sent on Friday morning at 9 a.m.

Remember:

* Be descriptive (i.e. don't give a "weather report") without being flowery (i.e. don't overdo it and make it silly).

* Incorporate at least one example of good figurative language (simile, metaphor, or personification) in your description (as discussed today in class). Please highlight it with a colored highlighter in Draft 1 so I can find it easily. Do not highlight it in Draft 2.

NOTE: If you have any questions about how to do any of these things in your word processor, check with your parents or an older sibling or friend.  If you still need help after trying that, feel free to call me.  I am happy to help.

Please observe the following parameters for your paper:

* Length: at least 200 words (but can be up to 300 words)

* Format: 1-inch margins, automatic double-spacing, no extra lines, 12-point font (Times New Roman or Garamond)

* Header set to automatically show up on top left of each page, with 3 single-spaced lines as follows:

Full name (First Last)
Date due (October 4, 2016)
Title: (Descriptive Setting—Draft 1 (or Draft 2, whichever is appropriate)

* Footer set to automatically show up on bottom center of each page, with page number

* Two drafts in addition to the ten numbered descriptive sentences you wrote for homework last Tuesday:

--> Draft 1 must be proofread first by you, then by a parent and one other person (get signatures).  

--> Draft 2 should be the corrected one, based on your feedback from the two who proofread your paper.  

Staple the three papers together: Put the homework sentences on the bottom, then Draft 1 (with signatures and highlighting of figurative language), then Draft 2 (the beautiful, corrected copy) on top.  Do not fold your papers.

3)  Also, please begin to learn and memorize (as we go along) the different types of figurative language we're studying.  (There are five of them, including three that are good to use in creative writing—simile, metaphor, personification—and two that we want to avoid in creative writing—hyperbole, idiom.  We discussed these at length in class today, with examples given.) 

I would encourage you (and your parents) to visit the class website often, to keep informed of what we're studying and to make sure you're retaining it.

Also, daily:

+ Read your (approved) book for pleasure, aiming for 30 minutes daily. Mark the number of minutes on your Reading Log (in multiples of five, rounded down) as you go along. 

+ Write in your Gratitude Journal, aiming for three things but listing at least one thing you are thankful for daily. When you have done so, place a check mark in the top corner of your Reading Log calendar for that day.

The October Reading Log is due, signed by a parent, on Tuesday, November 1.

------- OPENING (Bible verse and prayer):

For Tu, 10/4: Joshua (CWA); Katie (CWB)

For Th, 10/6: John (CWA);  Michael (CWB)
For Tu, 10/11: Logan (CWA); Luke (CWB)
For Th, 10/13: Chase (CWA);  Caleb (CWB)
For Tu, 10/18: Zach (CWA); Haddon (CWB)
For Th, 10/20: Zayden (CWA);  Daniel (CWB)
For Th, 10/27: Caelie (CWA);  Gabrielle (CWB)
For Th, 11/3: TBD (CWA); Lorena (CWB)

For Tu, 10/25: Victoria (CWA); Leena (CWB)

For Tu, 11/1: TBD (CWA); Josiah (CWB)

For Tu, 11/8: TBD (CWA); Nicholas (CWB)

-------- * From an email I sent at 9:00 Friday morning:

Hello, creative writers! 
I received a great question, and my answer is probably something all of you should read, just to clarify:

The ten descriptive sentences you wrote were intended to give you a head-start on your paper in that it got you thinking (and writing creatively) about the place you had chosen for your paper. Feel free to use any of those sentences in your paper as you write your first draft! That said, if you have changed your mind and would like to write your paper about a different place, that's fine, too. Feel free.

Once you've written Draft 1 of your paper, you will proofread it carefully to make sure it makes sense and you've caught all the errors you can find. Then have a parent AND one other person read over it, making suggestions for improvement or marking errors they see, and then sign it. 

For Draft 2, you will revise and correct the proofread Draft 1 paper based on your proofreaders' suggestions.

Does that make sense? Feel free to call if you have more questions!

LS