Assignments for Sept. 28-Oct..2

In honor of moving to our new site I would like you to pick TWO of your favorite writing pieces and RE-WRITE them.

Try using the skills you have learned so far with organization and voice. What would have made your story, or entry better? Look at the beginning, did it start off strong? Would the story take on a different flavor if you used a different lead?

Revising and rewriting is something that even professionals do. This is why newspaper and book editors have jobs. Take it in stride and know that your next attempt will be better, and you might even like it more than your first draft.

Use spelling words from the last 5 weeks, and don't forget about those challenge words. I think, they should get a bonus. In fact, I will be giving one point per challenge word used in each rewrite.

Have fun class and happy blogging!

~waves hands~

Ms. Lines

September 21-25 Assignments

This week I would like us to focus on "finding our voice". This is our 3rd stop on the 6 traits of writing train, and it is just as important, as any of the traits that we will focus on. Let me paint the picture for you. Imagine you are watching a movie in black and white. Then along comes, Technicolor and POW! Wham! The picture comes to life, and you can see the beautiful red ruby slippers in the "Wizard of Oz". You could also think of "voice" as the spices that make the food taste better. Imagine toast without the butter and jam. How much better was the movie in color? We call these "spices" (literary terms) idioms, hyperbole, and colorful adjectives.

This week You will be graded on the quality of the lead that you use, the ability to use your "voice" and a great conclusion. Don't forget to use those transition words! Remember you are working with homophones, you will be challenged to bring the color to the stories. Because, I want you to have some fun, you may use the spelling word from the last 4 weeks too!

Below are the prompts to choose from. You must complete TWO of the four options:

1. Image that you have been selected to paint the walls at our new school. What theme would you choose? Describe what you would want to be put on the wall.

2. Your hairstyle won "most unusual" in a local paper. Describe why your hair won. What color or colors did you hair have in it? Was it long or short?

3. What would food say if it could talk? What would it say? Write a conversation you might have at dinnertime.

4. Describe how you will someday become famous.

ALL assignments need to have at least (5) FIVE spelling words. When you complete the assignment, leave me a message, so that I know you are ready to get your grade!

Happy Blogging Students!

Ms. Lines

Assignments for September 14-18

Thank you to all the students that have completed all their assignments. I have been asking you to complete the writing prompts in any format you chose. This week I want us to focus on the Organization portion of our pieces. You need to have a solid lead and a strong conclusion. Examples of the types of leads are
1. Dialogue or a Question.
2. Voice or Anecdote
3. Tension or powerful statement.
4. Description or sound

Examples of types of endings or conclusions are:
1. The circular conclusion (typically echoes the lead)
2. Summary/Reflection
3. The emotional conclusion
4. Unfinished business.

OK, now let's try this out on our prompts, remember that you need to complete TWO of the four prompts listed below. All work is due by Friday and should be ready for me to grade.

1. "I must be dreaming", said the teacher, as he or she stepped onto the stage. (use a lead other than the dialogue provided.)

2. (This a narrative) Write about a time when you were really sad.

3. You and your friends have decided to start a band. The only instruments you have are items found in your home. Describe what you would use as instruments. How might they sound? What type of music might you play?

4. If a sunny, spring day was like someone you know, who would it be and why?

Your story will be graded heavily on the organization. If the lead is weak, if you do not have an ending...points will be taken off. You all have done great so far, let's keep it up and as a reminder "YOU MUST USE AT LEAST FIVE (5) spelling words from this weeks unit in your piece.

Happy Blogging everyone!
Ms. Lines

September 7-11 Assignments

Welcome back from the long weekend. I sure hope that everyone feels rested and ready to work! This week we have 4 writing prompts to choose from:

1. Write a "roses are Red" poem about a cowboy. The emotion your poem should express is regret. Use 5 spelling words from unit 3.

2. "This is just awful" said the inventor as he or she tumbled over the waterfall. Remember to use 5 spelling words in your story.

3. Write your favorite recipe. Make sure you include the directions to mix the ingredients together. Use 5 spelling words as you describe the even you would prepare our recipe for.

4. Write a persuasive essay: Topic: Recycling. Do you think that we should recycle? If so why? If not, Why? Convince me either way as to the importance of this topic. Use 5 spelling words.

I am very proud of those of you who are getting all your work done. Remember that you should use the spell checker to make sure that your work is correct. I will be getting to all of your pages to see the work you have done. If you have not published any work, I will not be able to leave you a message.

Happy blogging this week!

Ms Lines