Monday and Tuesday we spent time reading our journals, taking notes and reflecting on what we saw. The time reading then moved into time to write with the hope that we would find something we wanted to write more about. The feedback I got from first period was very specific for what they saw - lots of editing comments. They mentioned liking images and feelings they saw in their writing and much was mentioned about the day we wrote about the objects brought from home and the I remember prompt.
Second period noticed that they were ranting in their notebooks, the words reflected their moods, flashbacks, food (class before lunch), random stuff. They were specific about what they liked writing about Sea World or pictures brought from home - another object. This group was a bit more chatty as they worked through their notebooks.
Third period had so many questions about the WNB rubric. Was I fuzzy or do they just want to know where they stand? Things they noticed were that their entries are getting longer. Some lack thought. Feelings, thoughts and opinions are included in entries. They like when they wrote about what is in their head. One student commented that she thought her writing sounded like the Annie Dillard excerpt.
On B day the girls in 5th period found confusing entries - mostly due to info left out. Thoughts and feelings. Drama. Something mentioned that they liked was there was a voice that sounded like they were talking to themselves. Grammar was a concern.
6th period worked noisily. They had lots of questions and wanted to write for a longer period of time. They noticed they were writing about all sorts of things - family, friends, stuff you had forgotten, what happened, and all mixed up.
7th period talked about noticing divine beauty, mistakes. Description and fiction were highlights. Most seem to want to write fiction, but a few want non-fiction.
We also spent time discussing our reading habits. The variety within each class gave us the most to talk about. The question asking what this means seemed most effective to get the girls to reflect on the information gathered and shared.
Yesterday and today the girls used questions from Nancie Atwell to prompt memoir writing. I was not here for 1st and 2nd periods. I'm sure they went well, but it's never the same. Not sure where to go with them tomorrow. 3rd period seemed somewhat like a trial. I went over the questions with them, they picked a few that interested them and wrote. Writing time was focused. The girls shared favorites in small groups. I sat with Rewon, Araceli and Kristy. Their beginnings all had possibilities. Need to show more than tell.
Today with 5th period things went well. I sat in with Jocelyn who wrote about her cousin, Alize family and Jessica riding a bike. Definitely need show not tell lesson.
6th period went well. I sat in with Jordan who wrote about volleyball. Yesenia who wrote about her friend Allisa and Maria who had the best start about taking her picture in pre-k.
And finally during 7th period today I sat with Katy who told not showed. Jenipher who wrote a very powerful story about her step-dad and Lucy a good start about going to see a singer at the Long Center. Lots of description. I really think we are ready to begin collecting around our topics. Hope I'm right!
This class has a few reading concerns - Marlene and Melissa.
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