9/14

HOMEWORK

History - Cornell notes for Chapter 5: part 2.


CHANGE IN WRITING DUE DATES

Writing - New first draft due Friday morning

We will work on revisions this Friday at school

Additional revisions should be made at home over the weekend

We will revise and edit on Monday and Tuesday

We will start making published copies on Wednesday and Thursday

We will present our personal narratives to our class (and maybe other classes) on Friday


WHY THIS CHANGE IN SCHEDULE?

I finished going over the personal narratives last night and felt like, for the most part, we missed the point of what a Personal Narrative should be.  The way I put it to the kids, "These were entertaining and well written stories, but we're not actually personal narratives.  They relate events, and adventures, but don't really discuss a journey of personal growth."

That's not to say ALL of the pieces were like that, but most were.  Which makes me conclude I did not fully explain to students the purpose and critical components of a personal narrative.

So today, I remedied that.  I read a few more examples of personal narratives written by students.  We learned the importance of writing a narrative that conveys a moral or presents a final thought.  And we brainstormed ideas for personal stories that have some sort of lesson to conclude with.

I feel like this all went quite well.  I am excited by the ideas I heard coming from the students today!

• One student has a story about using a painful experience to comfort someone else going through the same thing.

• Another has a story about daring to try new experiences.

• Another talked about controlling anger.

• And yet another had a wonderful story about learning to laugh at yourself instead of being embarrassed or ashamed.

This what I was hoping for when I first assigned personal narratives, and I am so happy we're getting there.  God knew these children intimately, even before they were born.  They are important to Him, and they live lives of consequence, filled with important stories to tell.  I can't wait to see how God is reflected in them and their writing this year!

We are saving the first attempts.  Many of them are fine stories and might be turned into fuller pieces later in the year.  Some WERE fine personal narratives.  I'm still asking all students, even those who nailed it the first time, to go ahead and write another, as we all have more than one story that's worth sharing :)

I tried very hard to communicate this is NO punishment, nor am I in any way disappointed!  There is nothing wrong with not getting something right the first time!  I invite you to join with me in putting a positive spin on this with your children.  Encourage them to think of their lives and their experiences as important gifts from God, and something worth sharing in their writing!

Blessings and best regards,

Joshua Murphy