Every day I will begin my class with a picture, song, or short video and ask my students to write about them. I will do this in an attempt to get my students used to flipping on their writing switches quickly and effectively. This is also an incorporation of no- to low- stakes writing.
“No two snowflakes are alike”
I would like you to attempt to create an opening to this scene with the quote and picture in mind.
In my classroom I will use short stories instead of traditional novels. In doing so my students will be able to work through more works and get a larger variety of writings. I will use texts such as the firebird novels:
By using short stories I will also be able to allow my students to have choice in the works that they read. An issue arises in allowing each of your students to read different material, and it is that of how do you teach them or find common ground amongst the works? In answer to this I will teach my students to become better readers through literary theory. Example: I will teach the class about Marxism literary theory and then ask them to represent instances in their works where they find it. This will help other students by giving them many different examples of the theory in works and also allow for full class discussions in spite of different books.
I will also incorporate different genre writing assignments in which they will have to write using different voices. Example-
You walk into the store and while texting and shopping you run into another person’s cart they then begin to tell you off. Start you scene with: Bag! Startled I look up from my phone to find I have collided carts with __________, and lucky for me there not happy. ________( here insert what they say to you).
Here are your different characters-
I will also incorporate different genre writing assignments in which they will have to write using different voices. Example-
You walk into the store and while texting and shopping you run into another person’s cart they then begin to tell you off. Start you scene with: Bag! Startled I look up from my phone to find I have collided carts with __________, and lucky for me there not happy. ________( here insert what they say to you).
Here are your different characters-
Keep in mind- How will there diction, slang, dialect differ?
I will also insert genre by discussing the facets of a genre and then asking them to write short stories in those genres. Example-
I will also insert genre by discussing the facets of a genre and then asking them to write short stories in those genres. Example-
As you can see everything in my class will be kept short, from the readings to the writings. This will give time during the year for more choice and practice.
Thanks for reading.
-Laura Elder
Thanks for reading.
-Laura Elder