We Are All Writers!

We Are All Writers Now  Over the course of the last several weeks, I have witnessed a transformation in many of you. Some of you have gone from seeing writing as a dreadful task required at school to embracing writing as a craft that is worthy of your time and talents. You are all writers now; there's no changing that. Each of you has a voice and a poem and a story to tell. As you move forward with your writing, I thought it would be important to hear the advice of some more established writers. Is there a quote below that resonates with you? Talk to with a teammate about the words of advice that most stand out to you and why. Be prepared to share.      

Writing Activity # 1: "I Am From" Poem  Today's class period is simply dedicated to writing. Please dedicate part of your time today to working on your "I Am From" Poem. Think carefully about each word you choose. Consider reading each line of your poem as you write. Are you capturing the tone and feelings that you're aiming for? Also, as you continue to improve and revise your poem, consider adding more sensory details. A handy list of sensory details can be found here. Can your reader visualize the objects, people, places, and experiences your poem seeks to capture? 

I know it's still a work in progress, but I wanted to share with you a poem that one of your classmates is writing. I love its simplicity, careful word choices, descriptive details, and the feelings it evokes. These are the words of a truly talented writer. 

By Aiden

Writing Activity # 2: 100 Word Challenge Story  I know that for many of you this week's 100 Word Challenge (100 Word Challenge: He was shocked to find . . .) has been a frustrating and confusing exercise because you've been tasked with finishing a story that's not your own. I suppose there's a reason then that they call this activity a "Challenge." While I understand your frustrations, I still think you can use this as an opportunity to practice your craft. How can you take someone's else story and make it uniquely your own? How can you inject your voice and your creativity into this story? I'm confident you can. If you need help strategizing, let's talk. 

Scholastic Book Order  Friendly reminder to please consider ordering from Scholastic. Not only do they have a wide selection of the latest and hottest titles but buying from Scholastic earns our class points, which allows us to purchase new books for our classroom library.

You may either order your book online using our class activation code: FMRJ4. Or you can order the old-fashioned way by turning your order form to me along with cash or a check made our to Scholastic Reading Club. Deadline: Book orders will be due tomorrow, Friday, November 21.   

Homework  (1.) Read your A.R. book at home for at least 30 minutes and make a Digital Reading Log entry. (2.) Continue working on your "I Am From" poem. (3.) Complete your 100 Word Challenge: He was shocked to find . . . story, which we will publish
tomorrow, Friday, November 21. (3.) Consider buying a book or two form Scholastic. Orders are due tomorrow, Friday, November 21. (4.) Tomorrow is Friday, so several assignments from the past week are due, including: Personification in Poetry and "Oranges" - Sensory Details.