Be Okay with Time and Space

 We are living in a time of increased stress and anxiety due to the challenges of the global pandemic.  There is much concern about student mental health. I am trying, in my classroom, to not contribute to this problem. My students are currently writing essays. I am asking my students to engage in an activity that requires deep reading, thinking and then thoughtful expression.  The chance that this happens at home for them after school is slim.  So many extra curriculars, so much math homework, so much exhaustion from the school day (to which many of them are STILL trying to adjust after the shut down) .....I need to be okay with my commitment to provide them the structured time and space to read and write and think.  Without me.  I have done all of the direct teaching to get them to this point.  I need to be okay with them not needing me right now. Or at least, not needing me constantly.  They know that I am here if they need help. I need to be okay not talking.  We teachers love to hear ourselves talk.  I need to be okay with the quiet.  I need to do as I have asked them to do: trust the writing process. It's so difficult. 

Characteristics of the "Epiphany"

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11DvTXLbMfsUJOYUx5_SDegtGA2irQ670Lw7KI8Nqcbc/edit?usp=sharing

Non-Fiction titles

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ctcfBVhgojkDtYlR_22TBYtln4XKClfjuGmflQovOgw/edit?ts=5ba3d74a#slide=id.g4212a559eb_0_65

Joyas Voladoras

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Pl2IW1Hi4xrEH4nDHJFlluSTLBKuEGqb?usp=sharing

Characteristics of the Introductory Essay

First Hour Thinking
An effective introductory essay will......

intrigue the reader
show the voice of the author
have an anchor that connects to the author's life
illustrate thoughtful word choice and purposeful sentence structure
introduce aspects of your personality to the reader through the use of detail
be free of grammatical and spelling errors
consist of no more than 650 words
shift the ground upon which the reader stands

Third Hour Thinking

An effective introductory essay will…..

Demonstrate  proper grammar, usage and mechanics

Use a variety of sentence lengths

Express the author’s voice

Engage the readers

Use appropriate vocabulary and purposeful diction

Show and tell through the use of detail

Utilize a structure that is organic to its purpose

Introduce the author reaching beyond surface detail

Establish a connection between the reader and the author

Convey some type of emotion

Leave the audience wanting to know more or “forever changed”

Consist of 650 words

Illustrate creativity and individuality

Fourth Hour Thinking

An effective introductory essay will…..

Catch the reader’s attention

Entertain the reader

Show the author’s voice

Describe the author

Be organized with a structure that is creative and organic to the purpose and content

Evoke the emotion of the audience

Tell a unique story

Give insight into the author’s life

Be personal

Be free of grammatical and mechanical errors

Consist of 650 words

Not be a list

Be memorable and not easily forgotten

Sixth Hour Thinking

An effective introductory essay will…..

Be imaginative

Display your qualities

Show your creativity

Make the reader feel as though they know you

Be captivating

Reflect your voice

Break rules

Use proper grammar, usage and mechanics

Consist of 650 words

Leave the reader shook

Show your personality

Shows individuality

Have an anchor or context

Exam Essay Folder

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OCpvZO6L1_tgNuyO1pS7Ep-Os5HgK7Z6?usp=sharing

AP Lang exam prompt

Reflect upon your year in AP Lang.  Discuss your growth as a writer, reader, student, human. Show and tell by including specific anecdote(s) and/or examples to illustrate your assertions and ideas. Maybe include some sweet rhetorical moves to show off what you’ve learned this year.  800 words minimum.  Write the word count at the bottom of the page.  Share your essay to the folder indicated on the most recent post of my blog: mcallister470.blogspot.com.  If you write it ahead of time, you still have to show up for the exam and be silent until everyone is finished.