Catching Up

Ok, so after completing grades this week it appears that some of you need a few days to get caught up. This is what we're going to do, then. Those of you who are behind on your Commonplace Book I want you to get cracking on that. I will not collect them this week so that you have a chance to get on track. I will collect them again on Monday, November 19, 2007 with 28 entries. Because of this I expect quality entries from all of you! Really challenge yourself to do some good writing this week.

Some suggestions on what to include in your book this week:
1. Choose a quote that moves you and complete a say, mean, matter writing on it. Be sure to properly cite (introduce and give credit to) the quote and its source. You can find some good ones online.

2. Clip an article from a magazine or newspaper and respond to it. Don't tell me what it's about, but give me your opinion on the subject.

3. Pick a place near where you live and describe it in detail. Include each of the 5 senses in your writing. I want to read this entry and be there in that place because of your description.

4. Choose a color and begin your entry with this phrase: __(color)__ is the color I remember ... Continue writing wherever your thoughts take you.

For example:
"Red is the color I remember
leaves through my window
panes dancing and tumbling
downward
winter winds replacing fall
with stark emptiness
bleak blankness
with snow."

Be creative with this one. I find it helps me generate great poems.

5. Begin an entry: If I were a character from a book, I'd be __Character__ from __Book Title__ by __Author____ because...
Fill in the blanks and continue writing until you're out of reasons or explanations.
For example: "If I were a character from a book I'd be Jim Burden from My Antonia by Willa Cather because he gets the opportunity to live at his grandparent's farm in the countryside instead of staying in the big city. Having been stuck in a big city, as Los Angeles is, for the past five years, I long to feel farm fresh air on my face, to look up at the stars at night and know that no matter how great the universe, that I am connected to it."

As well, I expect you to work on Fast Food Nation. It is a brilliant example of quality expository writing and holds a wealth of information that you will find compelling and exciting. Please read chapter two for Tuesday, November 13th. While reading, complete 5 double entry logs. These entries should represent information you found interesting, confusing, or significant. Your response columns should be thoughtful and thorough. Paragraph form is best.
Any questions? Please post a comment or send me an e-mail.

See you next week! And enjoy your long weekend!

I'll collect your Super Size Me essay on Tuesday. You may have the weekend to work more on it. Please revise for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. I don't want to see any incomplete sentences.