1.  Everyday at the beginning of class we will do “sacred writing.” While I am bit wary of this name because it feels forced to me, I do agree with the principle behind it. It means that this writing time is “sacred” and we do not forego it for any reason. It’s our time to write uninterrupted. For me, as a teacher who is constantly busy, I feel like 15 minutes of uninterrupted writing time is a luxury and I am grateful to have that time this year with you guys. So, please be respectful of that time. During this time, you may write whatever you want. Any form. Any style. Anything. It is your time and your writing. All I ask is that your write for the full 15 minutes and you do not disrupt those around you.  Today’s Prompt:  Write a poem or story using three of the following words: expensive, lampshade, bruise, convincing.

2.  If you have your phone, please go to this padlet and type in your favorite word. If you do not have a phone, tell your favorite word to a neighbor or Ms. Rolfe.  http://padlet.com/breearolfe/gsykki4wzq55 or go to my website. It’s linked under weekly agenda. http://padlet.com/breearolfe/gsykki4wzq55  Msrolfe.com  Weekly Agenda (link is under Wednesday)

4.  Pre-writing  Drafting  Revising  Proofreading  Publishing

5.  Our class structure will look like this:  “Sacred Writing: Silent writing in our writer’s notebooks each day. (15 minutes)  Mini Lessons: Ms. Rolfe will give short lessons on craft. (5-15 minutes depending on the topic)  Mentor Text Study: We will read and discuss a mentor text that is related to the mini lesson craft. (20-30 minutes)  Writing Assignment: Ms. Rolfe will come up with an assignment based on the craft lesson or mentor text and students will be given time to start on it. (20 minutes)  Workshopping: Students will share and comment on one another’s work. Class will end with students volunteering to share out with the entire class. (10 minutes)

6.  Starting next week, once a week we will have a full workshop day. You must come prepared with five copies of your piece. This is a grade.  Those class days will look like this:  Sacred Writing (15 minutes)  Small Group Workshop (60 minutes)  Each student will bring one piece they are working on that they would like peer feedback on. Students will read their piece to the group and then the group will offer their comments on the work. Each student in the group will be given equal time, probably about 15 minutes each, so that it is fair.  Whole Class Share (15 minutes)  Students may volunteer to read their work to the entire class.

7.  See all of your favorite words? Now, you must use them in a poem, short story or personal essay. The maximum length is one page and you must use every word. Forms of the word are fine.  Pre-writing: 10 minutes  Drafting: 15 minutes  Workshop with your table: 20 minutes (each person gets about five minutes)  Revising & Proofreading: 10 minutes Apply the changes suggested by your peers. Re-write it neatly.  Publishing: 10 minutes Turn it in to Ms. Rolfe and/ or share with the class. (optional)