Upcoming Due Dates and Writing Workshop Protocols

First of all, let me say what a joy it is to work with all of you.  You are a bright group, a clever group, and it's going to be a wonderful journey for us to get to know each other through writing.  Please let me remind all of you, though, it's a privilege to participate in writing workshop. so I want to refresh you about your choices. You may quietly conference with your group about your teammates' papers, compose and revise your own paper, work on your writer's notebooks, or read your independent choice book quietly.  Sometimes when there are a number of choices, it is tempting to get side tracked.  Don't!


l.  On Thursday, September 4th we will be conducting our second draft conferences. You will bring in a revised - substantially revised - copy of your narrative. I hope your group gave you some valuable input as to possible revisions you might try for your second draft.  Think about the questions they asked you.  Think about revising your introduction, starting differently.  Do you spell out for your readers what it is you do or don't believe in?  How about jazzing up the description in your narrative?  Can you paint a picture with words to show your reader what you are describing, or who you are describing or where your narrative takes place?  Does the personal anecdote or story explain why you have formed your belief?

1.  When we meet on Monday, you will be turning in your final This I Believe writing packet.  Just to clarify, you will be placing all of your drafts in your pocketed folder with all of the notes you and your group wrote about your various drafts.  On the top, you will include a letter to me about the process of writing this paper (handout).  You will also highlight the changes you have made on your final paper.

2.  If you haven't yet published your blog, we will take care of this on Monday.  Your first blog post "101 Things About Me," will be your first post.   Many of you have already published your blog, as you can see from the "blog list" on the top right of this home page.  After you have finished your first post, and as the rest of us also publish,  please read class posts and comment, making connections where you can and providing positive feedback for all .

3.  In each of our class periods, you may choose to read silently when you have finished the job at hand.  Gee, time to read in class! 

Everyone should be working on tasks related to this class.  Video games, movies, email, chit-chat, etc. are "off task."

Use your time wisely.  I know you will!