In creative writing students have clipped pictures of people and places and then written stories about the person in picture using the place pictured for the setting of their story.
The most successful writing opportunities that the students have had this year are the chance to create their own poetry. For many students, this is a unique opportunity to express their feelings and emotions in a very creative way. Students have typed their poetry for their autobiography books and have submitted them in the poetry contest.
In Advanced Theatre the students wrote skits for spring wind. It's a successful event because they really have to think about their audience. Often when students write they concentrate on what makes them laugh, cry, etc. However, because they perform to a live audience they students are much more aware of what connects with others.
My sophomores are writing letters to 8th grade "pen pals." The first letter is a humorous topic. I gave them three choices: most embarrassing school moment, advice for dating, or ways to be really cool. They use this first letter to introduce themselves to the 8th graders. The 8th graders write a brief response. The second letter, which the 8th graders won't receive until the end of May, is a letter welcoming them to Hempstead and giving them advice for success.
Connection journals have gone very well. I have students that are reading Catcher in the Rye and I have them journal on their most rebellious experience, their views on authority, loss of loved ones. The possibilities are really endless. I seem to get some great writing from them when I am not forcing them to do an analysis or a research project. Although those bigger and more formal assignments are inevitable, the journaling helps them to see their own thoughts on paper and they are a great springboard for discussion.
This year is the first time I have used the MyAccess computer writing program with my freshmen. For each of the writing assignments I have given, I begin by taking them to the lab and having them start their first draft while in my presence, and thereafter I let them work on their writing either during study hall or at home. I like how it gives kids the opportunity to submit and resubmit as many times as they want. Yesterday a person at MyAccess called me and said that the average increase in scores for my students is at 17%, while the average increase for most students is only 9%. I think this is because some of the assignments were given as test scores that "counted." And I had given one of these just prior to conferences, so in order to bring their grades up, I told the parents/guardians that they could continue to work on their essays over the next week. THEY did more and more writing but it didn't take me any more time!
The students write a short page explaining the processes used for a lab activity. They can write it as a short story form or as a outline form. I usually have them put something goofy yet clean in the writing process, so as I read it I don't get bored. This is kind of fun for all of use.
This is successful because the students then use this writing to reflect on after the lesson has been taught. The students put this writing in a folder for groups in the lab classroom.
In creative writing students have clipped pictures of people and places and then written stories about the person in picture using the place pictured for the setting of their story.
ReplyDeleteThe most successful writing opportunities that the students have had this year are the chance to create their own poetry. For many students, this is a unique opportunity to express their feelings and emotions in a very creative way. Students have typed their poetry for their autobiography books and have submitted them in the poetry contest.
ReplyDeleteIn Advanced Theatre the students wrote skits for spring wind. It's a successful event because they really have to think about their audience. Often when students write they concentrate on what makes them laugh, cry, etc. However, because they perform to a live audience they students are much more aware of what connects with others.
ReplyDeleteMy sophomores are writing letters to 8th grade "pen pals." The first letter is a humorous topic. I gave them three choices: most embarrassing school moment, advice for dating, or ways to be really cool. They use this first letter to introduce themselves to the 8th graders. The 8th graders write a brief response. The second letter, which the 8th graders won't receive until the end of May, is a letter welcoming them to Hempstead and giving them advice for success.
ReplyDeleteConnection journals have gone very well. I have students that are reading Catcher in the Rye and I have them journal on their most rebellious experience, their views on authority, loss of loved ones. The possibilities are really endless. I seem to get some great writing from them when I am not forcing them to do an analysis or a research project. Although those bigger and more formal assignments are inevitable, the journaling helps them to see their own thoughts on paper and they are a great springboard for discussion.
ReplyDeleteThis year is the first time I have used the MyAccess computer writing program with my freshmen. For each of the writing assignments I have given, I begin by taking them to the lab and having them start their first draft while in my presence, and thereafter I let them work on their writing either during study hall or at home. I like how it gives kids the opportunity to submit and resubmit as many times as they want. Yesterday a person at MyAccess called me and said that the average increase in scores for my students is at 17%, while the average increase for most students is only 9%. I think this is because some of the assignments were given as test scores that "counted." And I had given one of these just prior to conferences, so in order to bring their grades up, I told the parents/guardians that they could continue to work on their essays over the next week. THEY did more and more writing but it didn't take me any more time!
ReplyDeleteThe students write a short page explaining the processes used for a lab activity. They can write it as a short story form or as a outline form. I usually have them put something goofy yet clean in the writing process, so as I read it I don't get bored. This is kind of fun for all of use.
ReplyDeleteThis is successful because the students then use this writing to reflect on after the lesson has been taught. The students put this writing in a folder for groups in the lab classroom.
Test From Jodie
ReplyDelete