Mr. Smith
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Independent Reading

9/24/2015

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This week we start with the first of many reading workshop days this year. We will read every Monday during the first semester. Some important reminders and guidelines:

  • You are required to read a minimum of two focused hours per week. This includes the time you take in class to read. This is non-negotiable. Treat your reading time as you would any other homework.
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This week we start with the first of many reading workshop days this year. We will read every Monday during the first semester. Some important reminders and guidelines:

  • You are required to read a minimum of two focused hours per week. This includes the time you take in class to read. This is non-negotiable. Treat your reading time as you would any other homework.
  • How much you read (quantity) is personalized to you and your book. Be sure to calculate an accurate reading rate when you begin any new book to determine how many pages you should be able to read. You should meet or beat your goal each week. That’s how you know you are staying on track in your growth as a reader. I will be checking each week to help you stay on track.

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  • If you finish your book mid-week, begin another. Don’t forget to take your reading rate and set your weekly goals for that book. Consult your “on-deck” list. There’s also a list of “Recommended Reading” on this website (Click “Meet Your Next Favorite Book” on the right).
  • Log all finished books in the Independent Reading Log online (under Honors World Lit tab).
  • Beginning in October, you will be required to write weekly reflections in your notebook. Details about that will be given out later.
For your convenience, a step-by-step list of reminders for what to do as you read can be found online under Quick Links > Reading > Independent Reading: What To Do As You Read.

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Reader/Writer AutioBio

9/10/2015

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For Tuesday, write a 1-2 page paper (double-spaced) about your reading and writing life. Here’s what to consider:

For your reading life, mention any or all of the following (but please don’t separate them like you’re answering questions):

  • what’s your attitude toward reading?
  • how has it changed?
  • what titles have you enjoyed--then and now?
  • what do you read? when do you read? where do you read?

For your writing life, mention any or all of the following (but please don’t separate them like you’re answering questions):

  • what’s your attitude toward writing?
  • how has it changed?
  • texting? email? essays? creative?
  • what do you write? when do you write? where do you write?

Requirements:


  • 1-2 pages, double-spaced, 11-12 pt.
  • MLA header
  • NO big block paragraph; at least 2 paragraphs, probably more?
  • use your voice (“I”)
  • italicize and capitalize titles like This
  • use an original title (NOT “Reader/Writer AutoBio,” for example)
  • proofread -- spelling, apostrophes, ROs, etc.
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On Writing...

9/6/2015

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There are many different approaches to any craft. Stephen King offers a lot of good advice on writing in his On Writing. (Hey, that's why it's called that!) This year, you'll hear lots of advice. Most of the advice would be helpful to any kind of creative work, so I suggest listening carefully. 

I'd also like you to seek out some advice on your own. Writer and thinker Maria Popova hosts a great website called Brain Pickings. She collects a lot of great advice from all sorts of thinkers and posts them on her site. The following post about Stephen King's On Writing also includes links to writing advice (most in list form) from several other successful writers. 

For homework, click on some of those links found on this post, and select two rules that make sense to you--or interest you in some way. For homework, copy them down in your writer's notebook and explain why you selected them underneath. 
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6-word Memoir

9/6/2015

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Your life in six words. It can:
  • tell a story
  • offer advice
  • express your interests
  • express a personal outlook/philosophy
  • etc.


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Writer's Notebook

9/6/2015

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Get a writer's notebook and bring it every day. 
  • Any size, color, shape.
  • Must have at least one-lined side.
  • It's your property--I'll never collect or grade it. (However, you are unprepared without it.)
  • Must be bound, as in not loose-leaf.


Cool?

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    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

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