Creative Writing 5th block

Ah, the biography assignment. A chance to talk to zany relatives and hear the crazy stories of their youth. Yes it is that, but it's so much more. How many of you have ever actually sat down with a grandparent and asked specific questions about their growing up years? How about what they did for a living or why they chose that profession? What about other friends or loves that they may have had in their lives?

Here's the chance (somewhat forced upon you) to do just that. Get to know your family a little better by talking to some of the oldest living members of that family. I know some of you don't look forward to it. I'm sorry. But not much. 99% of students recommend this assignment after they've done it. It can be very entertaining for you and your interviewee. It can be incredibly enlightening for you both. It can be a life-changing experience.

Notice all those "it can be" phrases? You have to make it those things by actually being prepared to do a worthwhile interview and biography.

Here's the question: What attitude are you taking with you into this assignment? How are you going to make it all those "can be's"? What questions do you have that will make this an interesting interview? Share with us some of the unique questions you have thought of so far.

Respond to this post with your comments, then respond to someone else's comments too. Remember to include your first name and last initial at the bottom of your comment.

Mr. B.

A Preview of Technology to be Used

Okay, so here we are about to begin using technology that is unfamiliar to most of you -- Palm brand PDA's. I'm always interested to see how students approach unfamiliar technologies. Some grab it, run with it, and make the most of it. Others seem timid and scared that it will break in their hands, so they never really get much out of it. I reminds me of having my first child and the way I though he was so fragile that I'd break him if I held him wrong. With my latest twin sons being born though (almost 12 years later than the first son), they are lucky if they get any gentle handling from me. They're actually fairly indestructable (the babies, not the Palms), and they can be used and played with and wrestled with.

My point is, if you are afraid of the actual technology, you will likely miss out on some very useful, fun, enjoyable programs and possibilities for your work. I hope you'll take the opportunity to make use of it. It will mean being uncomfortable sometimes, maybe not knowing quite what will work or what to do, BUT it has the potential to be a very powerful tool in your education.

What attitude will you take? In a response to this post, write some of your thoughts about the Palm PDA's that you'll be using this term. Remember to use your first name and last initial only at the bottom of your post. You must make an original comment and then a second that responds to one of your classmates or the teacher's replies.

Mr. B

So it only gets more and more mediocre?

Once again, almost live from Chico, California, we have a special podcast for Tyler and Cole. Listen up!

Chipmunk Vader speaks



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From sunny Chico to the unilluminated

Thanks to Tonya Witherspoon for the GREAT photo!


So, here we are at Tech Matters 06, an institute for technology liaisons of the National Writing Project from across the nation who have converged on a very sunny Chico, California. Technology showcases and playtime with new tech tools are the flavor of the 4-day institute. We have explored podcasting, collaborative online writing, social bookmarking, wiki's, blogging, aggregators, and much more.

Here are a few photos from our week in Chico. It's been colorful, friendly, and HOT!

And for my first podcasting experiment, I've linked this meager clip that gives you a snippet of what our time in the computer lab has done for me.

Cross your fingers, and let's see what happens.


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The OWP @ Eastern kicks off!

To say that the summer institute of the Oregon Writing Project at Eastern has just begun is false. To say that it's just getting started, falser. Although maybe not yet in high gear, during a weeklong writing retreat the fellows of the 2006 summer institute have already produced oodles of prose, poetry, and stuff in between, and are posting their work online to the National Writing Project's E-Anthology. Here, writers from around the nation post their original work and respond to that of others in a project that helps teachers find ways and means to teach writing and literacy to the myriad students comprising our education system.

What better way to "start" than by asking these teacher-consultants to actually go through the writing process and find their own voices?

How has the summer institute already helped you in your quest to refresh your approach to teaching writing or encouraging literacy?

5th Block English 9 - Are you the MySpace generation?

Your generation has been called the MySpace generation. It is obvious that you spend much more time online than previous generations, mainly because you have more access, more technology, and maybe more desire to sit at a computer screen than most others. Is this true? Do you resent that label? For you personally, how do you see yourself as a writer in the online world?

Specifically, respond by explaining how much and where you write online. Do you chat, IM, surf, what? Remember, no full names. First names only.

Then, once you've posted your original piece, go back, read others' posts, and reply to at least one other student's writing.

4th Block CW - Are you really the online generation?

Your generation has been called the MySpace generation. It is obvious that you spend much more time online than previous generations, mainly because you have more access, more technology, and maybe more desire to sit at a computer screen than most others. Is this true? Do you resent that label? For you personally, how do you see yourself as a writer in the online world?

Specifically, respond by explaining how much and where you write online. Do you chat, IM, surf, what? Remember, no full names. First names only.

Then, once you've posted your original piece, go back, read others' posts, and reply to at least one other student's writing.

3rd Block CW -- Is your online generation stuck on the web?

Your generation has been called the MySpace generation. It is obvious that you spend much more time online than previous generations, mainly because you have more access, more technology, and maybe more desire to sit at a computer screen than most others. Is this true? Do you resent that label? For you personally, how do you see yourself as a writer in the online world?

Specifically, respond by explaining how much and where you write online. Do you chat, IM, surf, what? Remember, no full names. First names only.

Then, once you've posted your original piece, go back, read others' posts, and reply to at least one other student's writing.

ONLINE generation sets new standards for writing

Your generation has been called the MySpace generation. It is obvious that you spend much more time online than previous generations, mainly because you have more access, more technology, and maybe more desire to sit at a computer screen than most others. Is this true? For you personally, how do you see yourself as a writer in the online world?

Specifically, respond by explaining how much and where you write online. Remember, no full names. First names only.

Happy Valentines Day!

Today is Valentines Day. You have looked at some very modern and not-so-modern poetry from American poets (and others) and perhaps have already tried your hand at writing L-O-V-E poems. Your assignment is to create an original Valentines-type poem and post it here before Friday, 2/18. Some rules:

Don't do anything that isn't school appropriate.
Don't post your full name -- just your first name and last initial.
Be thoughtful -- no fat cat sat on the mat rhymes.
Have fun!

Writing Workshop - 2/10/05

You have a few things that you can be working on for your final portfolio. I expect that before you leave today you will have helped edit at least one other student's work. Remember that I promised you time each week to write, revise, edit, and do it all on computers. Take this time and use it wisely.

If you feel you are done with everything else and are ready with your final portfolio and reading journal to date, then you may read or do other homework. No Internet, email, games, or the other usuals.

I will conference with you one by one as we have time.

Mr. B

"American" Historical Literature

Have you noticed that in recent years, we seem to be slinging a lot of mud at prominent historical figures? For example, it seems to me that we are trying very hard to find things wrong with the founding fathers of the U.S., important explorers across the world, and even (or maybe especially) religious figures throughout history. What makes us think that we can go back and rewrite history? How are we more qualified or knowledgeable now than those who originally recorded historical events? Are we smarter than them?

You need to do two things today.

First of all, you have a conference with me and revision (for the final portfolio) to do on your letter to sibling. Remember, the key with the letter is to use vivid imagery to convince your reader, not lots of convincing words and arguments. Paint a picture of the consequences of the readers action. Even if you concocted your sibling's "problem," you need to do a great job of illustrating the consequences.

Second, I want you to find out as much as you can today about Christopher Columbus by researching on the Internet. Was he the explorer we have always heard about? Was he nice to the native cultures/societies he discovered? Write a summary of today's research, including your opinions of the sources you got your information from. That is, are they reputable sources? Are they just slinging mud? Do they portray Columbus as a figure to look up to, admire, and learn from, or is he not worth our time? Explain yourself. You will eventually share at least a portion of what you've written aloud with the class, so be articulate.

Mr. Baxter

Looking Back...

Can you look back at this semester, with all the classes you've had, and see the benefit of education? Can you put anything you've learned in the last 4 months into practice? Will it benefit you somehow in college or in future classes at high school?

Do you truly value the education that you are being given the opportunity to take part in? Be honest and explain why, or why not.

Remember, no last names. Just first name and last initial. Post by the end of teacher access on Wednesday, January 19, 2005.

Top Ten Words of the Year

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary has again posted their top ten words of the year for 2004. See their list by clicking here.

Following the following directions to the T will earn you 10 points of writing credit (not following them exactly will earn you ZERO):

Look through the list and click on each one you don't know the definition for. Choose your favorite(s) and respond to this blog by explaining your choice(s).

1. Responding to this post, click on COMMENTS underneath these instructions.
2. Read through any other previously posted comments.
3. Click on POST A COMMENT at the bottom of that whole page.
4. Write your comment, include your FIRST NAME AND LAST INITIAL ONLY and then click on POST ANONYMOUSLY.
5. Look at the main post again to make sure yours showed up.
6. Have a great weekend. You have until Sunday night (midnight) to do this.

Mr. Baxter

Greetings from Indianapolis!

FOR ALL OF MY STUDENTS...

I suppose that most of you know where Indianapolis is. I suppose that most of you could find it on a map if you didn't know where it is. Well, that's where I am. That's right. From way across the U.S. of A. I hear that it might be snowing there soon (if it's not already). Good for you -- it's almost 65 degrees here.

I just sat in meetings with half a dozen famous authors, including Bell Hooks, Hank Stuever, Ted Kooser, and others. It's great to hear an author speak and get to know a little bit about how they think and talk and interact with us normal, non-famous people.

My question to you guys is this -- if you could meet with, talk to, or sit in a big auditorium and listen to any author you know of, who would it be? Why?????

Here's the assignment:

1. Responding to this post, click on COMMENTS underneath these instructions.
2. Read through any other previously posted comments.
3. Click on POST A COMMENT at the bottom of that whole page.
4. Write your comment, include your FIRST NAME AND LAST INITIAL ONLY and then click on POST ANONYMOUSLY.
5. Look at the main post again to make sure yours showed up.
6. Have a great weekend. You have until Sunday night (midnight) to do this.

Mr. B.

p.s. If you respond seriously (my call) and thoughtfully (my call) to another student's comments, you'll get E.C.

In the beginning...

Have you ever wondered, "Can I publish something on the Internet?" Have you ever thought that what you have to say might be so important that millions of people should hear about it? Have you ever thought, "I'd like to be able to get my thoughts down on cyberpaper, but I just don't know how?"

This is your chance to shine. Or flicker. Or fade. But hopefully, shine.

This blog (web log) is designed to be a forum for you and students like you to be able to express your thoughts and responses to topics we discuss in class and things you'd like to discuss in class but haven't had the chance.