Creative Writing  3/10 – 3/14

 

Monday 3/10 Proficiency Test Schedule: shortened periods.  (37 mins)

 

1. Journal: 5 minute open write.

2. Writer’s Workshop – Microfiction!

    a. Small Group Activity – Groups of 4.

    b. Pass your Romeo and Juliet Microfiction around the group.  Everyone should comment on each one.

    c. Have your writing checked as you peer read. Place in portfolio when done.

    d. Begin second Microfiction: Retell the story of The Three Little Pigs from the Wolf's point of view.

    e. Second complete Microfiction due: 3/17.

3. Kathleen, give me the list we have for good short stories so far.

 

Tuesday 3/11

 

1. Journal: Story starter: “Get this thing away from me!” the queen shrieked.

2. Reader’s Workshop

    a. Finish discussion of good short stories using our list from last week. (overhead)

    b. Read “The Sniper” in the old Orange Level Literature book.
    c. When done, answer the following questions:

        1) Did you like this story?  Is it good?  Why?

        2) Would you say the basis of this story was a character or situation in motion?  Explain.

        3) Outline the basic plot points of the story.  Identify the conflict, the climax, and the resolution.

        4) In what ways does the author “reveal” the story to you?  In other words, what does he foreshadow and what does he hold back? 

        5) Did the story build in suspense?

        6) Did the story have a satisfactory resolution?  Was it meaningful?  Explain.

    c. Finish for HW if needed – turn in tomorrow.

3. Reminder: Microfiction 2 due 3/17.

 

Wednesday 3/12

 

1. Journal: Story ender: If only I hadn’t lost my gloves.

2. Reader’s Workshop

    a. Discuss questions about “The Sniper.”

        1) Did you like this story?  Is it good?  Why?

        2) Would you say the basis of this story was a character or situation in motion?  Explain.

        3) Outline the basic plot points of the story.  Identify the conflict, the climax, and the resolution.

        4) In what ways does the author “reveal” the story to you?  In other words, what does he foreshadow and what does he hold back? 

        5) Did the story build in suspense?

        6) Did the story have a satisfactory resolution?  Was it meaningful?  Explain.

    b. How can this help us write a story ourselves?

    c. Turn in responses.

3. Writer’s Workshop

    a. Review the basic parts of the story (handout – not on site, must get in class).

    b. Begin construction of your story by just jotting out basic plot points and conflict since you may not want to plan the climax or resolution yet.

    c. You may also wish to begin constructing your setting and characters to give the plot form and flavor; these will be required eventually anyway, so start there if it’s better for you.  But, you’ll still have to have your plot points.

    d. If you don’t have your basic PW – plot points –  in place by the end of the period, finish for HW.

4. Reminder: Microfiction 2 due 3/17.

 

Thursday 3/13

 

1. Journal: 5 minute free write

2. Writer’s Workshop: Guided Setting Questions

    a. Where, When, and Mood

        1) Where and When – how would they speak?  What would they have?  Clothes?  Food? Housing?  Etc….?

        2) Establish a mood throughout – is it dark/dreary?  Happy?  Changing due to plot?

        3) Ask yourself:

            a) Could this plot and these characters happen or exist in this setting?

            b) Do I need to do some research to capture this setting?

    b. Brainstorm together on your own sheet using lists above – about 2 paragraphs.  Draw maps or diagrams if necessary.

    c. Have Short Story PW – plot points – checked; Setting Paragraphs checked as well if done.

    d. If time, start playing around with drafting your story.

4. Reminder: Microfiction 2 due 3/17.

 

Friday 3/14

 

1. Journal: Characterize your best friend in 2 paragraphs.

2. Tornado and Fire Drills.

3. Creativity Workshop

    Cranium Game

4. Reminder: Microfiction 2 due 3/17.