Thursday, November 18, 2021

Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 12 (November 18)


Greetings!

We had a good day in class and covered a lot of ground.

Quick Write
For today's Quick Writes, we had the following prompts:
1 -- Contribute to the list of Quick Write ideas to be used for my classes for the rest of the year.
2 -- Write about a sports mis-hap that happened to you or that you know about.
3 -- November 18 is National Princess Day and November 16, 1553, was the day that Queen Elizabeth I became the queen of England following the death of her sister, Mary.  Write about any royalty that you are especially interested in.

Words of the Day
We had no words because I anticipated the class time to be too full.

Homework Discussion

We went around the room, and the students shared where they were in the process of their papers and what challenges they were experiencing.  Some common themes about their challenges came up:  time management issues, difficulties finding the right resources, personal challenges, overcoming perfectionism,  refining and defining the focus and topic, etc.  The students are all in different places in their progress, but they're all moving forward.  Some rough drafts have been handed in the the past couple of days, and I will get them back to students over the weekend.  

One of the common challenges was finding enough resources. I recommended trying ProQuest or EBSCO, online databases of peer reviewed, academic articles.  Most local, public libraries have access to these articles and journals.


Presentations
Students are required to present something to their class.  It can be a quick overview of all their topics or a focused look at one aspect.  They can have some kind of visual aid to help them in their presentation.  Lots of students use PowerPoint slides, but they could use a poster or use some other object.  Because we have a large class, the presentations will need to be short (10 minutes), about which some students are really glad.  I showed them a short, humorous video about giving presentations.  I'm also posting some of next week's assignments, because they're related to our presentation.  

Below is our Presentation schedule:
December 2 -- Michael, Gabi, Philip, Levi, Tyler, Jessie
December 9 -- Benjamin, Elliot, Josie, David, Kara, Maria
December 16 -- Ellie, Ethan, Carson, Brooke, Leighton

Sample Paper Reading
Students took some time to read a sample paper by one of my students from about 8 years ago. This was a well-written paper, but not perfect.  They were told to look for what the writer did well and what was not as strong.  

Helpful Resources
In the links below I've included some websites that might be helpful at this stage of their writing.  Some students might need help with in text citations and the Works Cited page.  Even though we've talked about this multiple time, it's always a little different when you're actually doing it.  One resource listed below is something that one of the students, Kara, said she was using.  Supernotecard is an online note-taking app.

We won't have class next week. Enjoy your family and Thanksgiving weekend.
Blessings,
Mrs. Prichard

Homework for Next Class (12/2)
Research Paper Assignments
Presentation Assignments
Presentation Outline


Links for This Week
Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 12 (November 18) 

How to Format Entries on a Works Cited page
 

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Saturday, November 13, 2021

Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 11 (November 11)

 Greetings!


We had another full class time this week.  When I first started teaching at CHAT, I didn't know how I would fill a 90 minute class.  Now I wish I could have the students for even more time because there's always more to cover.  On Google Classroom this week I have a couple of posts that include material that might be helpful as they work on their in text citations and Works Cited pages.


Quick Write
Our prompts for today:
Nov. 10 was the birthday of the US Marine Corps
Nov. 11 was Veterans/Armistice Day
Nov. 12  was National Chicken Soup for your Soul
Students could write something about the military or about something that has to do with social/mental/emotional self-care.

Words of the Day
Today's words were war-related:
military -- fr. Latin militis, "soldier" -- of or relating to war, soldiers, army
veteran -- fr. Latin, veteranus, "old, aged, experienced" -- someone who has served in the military; someone who has had long experience in an occupation/skill
armistice -- fr. Latin, arma, "weapons" and stitium, "to stand, be firm" -- a temporary halt in battles
war -- fr. PIE (Proto-Indo-European) wers, "to confuse, mix up" -- a fight carried on in battle using arms

Homework Check
At this point in the semester, all of the students are in varying places in their writing.  The first rough drafts were due a few weeks ago, and some of the students are still working on that draft.  As I've said, the purpose of the rough draft is to make sure students have enough content and have a good organizational plan.  After any content and organizational issues are corrected, the paper is then ready for me to go over with a "fine tooth comb."  If students are behind, they need to find the time to get their writing done.

Students Led Discussions
We had a presentation on transition words from Tyler, the Works Cited page from Josie, and Works Cited entries from Carson.  

Writing Instructions
We continued looking at in text citations and the Works Cited page.  We also covered hanging indents.

Assignments for Next Week
Citations Quiz (on Google Classroom)
A Note on Assignments on Google Classroom -- All drafts of the Research Paper should be submitted on Google Classroom instead of paper copies in class.  If students do this, I can read and correct them sooner and get them back to the students.

Links for This Week
Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 11 (November 11)


Enjoy the changing seasons!!
Blessings,
Mrs. Prichard
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Thursday, November 4, 2021

Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 10 (November 4)

 Greetings!


We had a full day, but the we do every week!

For today, we had a few options:
Students could write about favorite sandwiches, candy, and political activism.

Words of the Day
Autumn -- fr. Latin autumnus, "increase" -- the season of harvest between summer and winter
Equinox -- fr. Latin aequus, "equal" and nox, "night" -- the time when day and night are equal length
Cornucopia -- fr. Latin cornu, "horn" and copiae, "plenty" -- a horn-shaped container containing food, drink in endless supply
Susurrus -- fr. Latin susurrus, "humming, whispering" -- a soft murmuring or whispering sound
Hibernaculum -- fr. Latin hibernaculum, "winter residence" -- the winter quarters of a hibernating animal

We did a small group check about their rough drafts.  In groups of 3 - 4, students shared their topics, thesis statements, challenges, and progress.  All of them are feeling a bit challenged with writing the rough drafts of their papers. The students are in all phases of writing their papers; they should let me know as soon as they submit their rough drafts on Google Classroom.

We had 2 student-led discussions:  Parallel structure and Expletives and "There is/are."  Here's the video for parallel structure.  

We closed out the class with some discussion about what to look for in rough drafts and how to revise.

Assignments for Next Week 
-- Rough Draft #1 (if not done)
-- Extra Credit -- Evaluating Introductions

Links for this Week
-- Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 10 (November 4)
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Thursday, October 14, 2021

Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 8 (October 14)

Greetings!


Great class today, as always.  This is a lively and engaged group of students.   Writing 3 is a great way to start my Thursday!

Quick Write
For today's Quick Write, I asked students to choose a topic about which they have strong opinions.  It could be something light-hearted and close to home, or it could be a topic of current cultural or political interest.  Then, they were to think about the perspectives of those who are on the other side of the issue.  My goal is that they would take some time consider what others think.  Not so that they could change their minds about their opinions, but so that they could be more understanding of those who they might view as opponents.  Being able to do this is a mark of a mature, wise, and graceful thinker.

Words of the Day
stubborn -- fr, OE, stybb, "stump" -- fixed or set in an opinion; refusing to change
dogmatic -- fr. Greek, dogmatikos, "pertaining to doctrines" -- adhering only to principles or dogma 
indomitable -- fr. Latin, in, "not" and domitare, "to tame" -- incapable of being subdued
inexorable -- fr. Latin, in "not" and exorabilis, "moved/persuaded by entreaty" -- not convinced or persuaded by requests or petitions

Writing
We enjoyed and learned from the student-led discussions about signal phrases, quote sandwiches, in text citations, and block quotes.  Philip, Elliot, Maria, Gabi, Benjamin, Josie, and Ellie did a good job.  All of these topics relate to how students should incorporate their researched material into their papers.

Rough Draft
Students should be well on their way with their research and have a good idea about what material/subtopics they should include in their papers.  The first rough draft is due when we come back after fall break.  For this rough draft, I will be looking primarily for content and organization.  

Fall Break
We don't have CHAT classes next week; October 20 & 21 are our Fall Break days.  I hope you can find some fun outside activities to do.

Assignments for 10/28

Links for this week
Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 8 (October 14)

Have a marvelous Fall Break!
Blessings,
Mrs. Prichard
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Thursday, September 30, 2021

Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 6 (September 30)

 Greetings!


We had a full day in class today.  I'm sure enjoying this group of students!

Quick Write
Today's prompt was inspired by the fact that is was on this day, September 30, in 1890 that Yosemite was named a national park.  I'm afraid I gave some incorrect information.  Yellowstone was the first national park, not Yosemite.  For the prompt, students were to write about some "great out of doors" adventure.  For responses, I heard about some close calls and some good times in nature.

Words of the Day
Vernacular -- fr. Latin verna (home-born slave) & vernaculus (domestic; native) -- "home-style language;" common language
Colloquial -- fr. Latin com (with) & loqui (to talk) -- language of a conversational style
Dialect -- fr. Greek dialektos (talk, conversation, speech) and fr. PIE -leg (to collect, gather, or pick out words) -- language specific to a particular region
Idiom -- fr. Latin idiomas (peculiarity in language) -- a figure of speech; words that have meanings other than their literal meaning

Homework Check
Usually after the beginning of class activities, I check in with the students about any homework questions.  We discussed assignments on Google Classroom.  I want to clarify an issue relating Google Classroom and the Grades Report that is emailed.  If students are missing an assignment, it will say "missing" on Google Classroom.  When I import the scores onto a Google Sheets spreadsheet using a grade book app, the missing scores are changed to zeros.  

Another note about homework.  I don't have a specific day that I correct homework, but the plan is to have it done and returned for the following class period.  When I'm done correcting work, I will update Google Classroom to reflect both the paper homework that was handed in during class and the assignments finished on Google Classroom.  

Student Led Discussion
Two groups of students presented to the class today.  First we heard about Note-taking from Eliana and Leighton.  The Madeleine and Levi gave us important bibliographical information related to Works Cited pages.  In addition to hearing about Evaluating Sources from Tyler & Carson, here's the plan for next week:

Week 7 (10/7)

Paraphrasing & Summarizing

1. Gabi Fletcher

2.   Ethan Barns

Mosaic Plagiarism

1. Madeleine Choe

2.   Kara Smith

Common Knowledge

1. Michael Miller

2.   Ethan Barns


Student Group Discussions
After our presentations, I divided the students into small groups to discuss their topics and to work on their thesis statements for their research papers.  Their Research Proposals were due this week, and a preliminary outline is due next week.  As I've told students, the work for the first part of the semester is pretty light, but now it's picking up.  The first rough draft is due in two weeks!

Assignments for Next Week


Links for This Week
Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 6 (September 30)

Have a wonderful Fall weekend!
Blessings!
Mrs. Prichard





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Friday, September 17, 2021

Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 4 (September 16)

 Greetings!


This week's class was productive, but I always find myself wishing we had more time together.  They are a great group of students!

Quick Write
This week's prompts was a little more academic.  On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower departed from England.  In addition to bringing faith to this new land, the Pilgrims helped lay the foundation for democratic, self-government for the sake of community well-being in their document, the Mayflower Compact.  I had the students write about what they felt were essential rights AND responsibilities.  These could either be attributed in a large scale to humanity as a whole or closer to home (e.g. I have a right to my personal space and a responsibility to keep it clean.)  AND, if they were not thinking so deeply, they could write about their favorite fall beverage!

No Words of the Day this week.

Writing Discussion
In class we continued our discussion about choosing topics.  We also talked at length about developing thesis statements.  The Research Paper that the students will be writing will be a thesis-driven paper.  Many times, coming up with the essential question that drives a paper can be one of the hardest aspects of writing this research paper.  

We also took time this week to do some peer evaluations.  In small groups, students read one another's rough drafts of their essays.  They are to revise their rough drafts into final drafts.  

Assignments for Next Week

Links for This Week
Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 4 (September 16)

Blessings,
Mrs. Prichard

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Friday, September 10, 2021

Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 3 (September 9)

 Greetings!


We had a good class today.  The students came into class ready to learn, and we had a productive time.  

Quick Write

Sept. 10 is National Swap Ideas Day, and it encourages us to share a creative or helpful idea with someone and trade them for their thoughts in return. 

  • Where do you go to get good ideas?  

  • What great ideas do you have to share with others?  

  • What kind of group that you’d like to be in to share ideas.

On Sept. 8, 1930, the American company 3M began marketing a transparent adhesive tape that later became known as Scotch® tape.  On Sept. 10, 1846, American inventor Elias Howe was granted a patent for his sewing machine, which revolutionized garment manufacture in the factory and in the home.  

  • What is one of your favorite inventions/gadgets?  

  • What invention do you think the world needs? 


Words of the Day  (These were invention-related words to go with our Quick Write.)
Patent -- fr. Latin, patere, to lie or be open; including litterae patentes, which means open letters. -- a document that is a license issued by the government conferring rights of ownership of an invention.
Innovation -- fr. Latin innovare, to change or renew -- a new method, idea, or product
Enigma -- fr. Greek ainigma, a dark saying or riddle -- a problem, puzzle, or mystery

Revised Syllabus
This week I was going to hand back the rough drafts of their Essay #1 and go over common writing errors, but I'm afraid my week took a turn that I had not expected.  I was with my mom from Friday to Tuesday until she passed away on Tuesday.  The papers weren't graded, so I pushed back the due dates of some of the writing assignments.  I will have the rough drafts back to them next week and will have all of the homework corrected and updated on Google Classroom.

Google Classroom
I reminded the students that if they don't do an assignment on Google Classroom, they should leave it alone.  I will update the scores for work that was handed in during class.

Student-Led Discussion
This week Kari and Philip gave us good information about standard MLA formatting for papers.  Below are our next presenters for Week 6

Week 6 (9/30)

Evaluating Sources

1. Tyler Kretsinger

2.   Carson Berry

Note-Taking for Research

1. Eliana  Hammond

2.   Leighton Hanish

Bibliographical information

1. Madeleine Choe

2.   Levi Martens



Writing/Research Discussion
The other topic of the day centered on choosing and narrowing a topic.  We did some in class brainstorming using sample topics, and the students have some homework to do more of that.  

Assignments for Next Week
-- MLA Quiz (either the paper version or the Google Forms version)

Links for This Week
Writing 3 Class Notes -- Week 3 (September 9)


Blessings,
Mrs. Prichard
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