Monday I collected your definition pieces and reviewed their/they're/there. I also discussed the importance of reading through the book and this website AGAIN. We went over to/too/two and you were to write two sentences using each one correctly.
Today I collected the to/to/two sentences and then we covered a little bit of the revision process. Some of this was introduced back in chapter one. Now that we've been writing for a while, it is important to cover again.
Your assignment is to revise TWO of your pieces of writing from earlier in the semester. There is a Revision Priority Checklist on page 16 that will be very helpful in coming up with your revision plan.
Look at the areas of content, organization, style, and mechanics.
On Monday I will collect your revisions AND your original pieces.
The last part of class was spent going over the sentence revision worksheet from the how-to papers.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday's Questions
Remember that today is workshop day. Do not report to ATB. You are free to work where/when you choose today, as long as you have everything completed by 2:00 on Monday. If this is your first time visiting this site, it would be a good idea to start at the beginning and work your way back. It will be good review! If you haven't already realized, it is impossible to cover everything in our 50 minutes of class. That is why it is extremely important for you to be reading your text book and checking here for additional information. I have posted links to websites and some of the notes from class that are important for you to remember.
The exercises from the chapters in your book will be very useful in helping you understand and put into practice what you are learning/reviewing. You may also benefit from some one on one help in the Writing Center. If you are confused or unhappy with the results you've been getting, try something different!
I also want to emphasize the importance of reading. Reading ANYTHING will help your writing! If you have not been reading your textbook, get busy.
On to the questions for your assignment. There are five questions that are worth six points each (for a total of 30 points). This will require you to read through past posts and probably click on some links for further reading to locate the answers.
Remember that your definition piece is due Monday, along with your free write from Wednesday's class. FYI, yesterday I was notified that a faculty member from the English department will be observing class on Monday. I get an observation once a semester, so this is no cause for alarm or anything I'm worried about. I just wanted you to know.
Have a wonderful weekend! It's supposed to be warm and sunny!
The exercises from the chapters in your book will be very useful in helping you understand and put into practice what you are learning/reviewing. You may also benefit from some one on one help in the Writing Center. If you are confused or unhappy with the results you've been getting, try something different!
I also want to emphasize the importance of reading. Reading ANYTHING will help your writing! If you have not been reading your textbook, get busy.
On to the questions for your assignment. There are five questions that are worth six points each (for a total of 30 points). This will require you to read through past posts and probably click on some links for further reading to locate the answers.
- What are the four basic groups to which parts of speech belong, and what are the eight parts of speech?
- What are seven easy steps to becoming a comma superhero? The next question is related to this one, so read on.
- Write one sentence as an example for each of the steps mentioned above (for a total of seven sentences). When you find the answers for number two, use the examples given to you as a models for the sentences you write. Sometimes the best way to gain an understanding of something is to model it. Example: If I wanted to model the sentence Jennifer wants to go to the store after school, but she has no money. I would keep the same structure, but maybe change the nouns and verbs. The result could be: Dustyn wants to go to Barley's after school, but he has to work. Make sense?
- What is a phrase AND what are the nine types of phrases?
- Tell me the three patterns in writing that use coordinating conjunctions AND write on sentence for each. Again, use the examples given as models for your own sentences.
Remember that your definition piece is due Monday, along with your free write from Wednesday's class. FYI, yesterday I was notified that a faculty member from the English department will be observing class on Monday. I get an observation once a semester, so this is no cause for alarm or anything I'm worried about. I just wanted you to know.
Have a wonderful weekend! It's supposed to be warm and sunny!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Sunshine!
Is it just me or are our classes going by faster and faster every week?
I have to say, I am so impressed with the thought and creativity you all have been showing the last couple weeks! I know it's not always easy (or fun), but you won't regret the hard work you do in this class; I promise.
Today we did a free write based on chapter 28 (definition), where we chose something we knew well and tried to define it. What does it mean? What does it mean to YOU? Read through the chapter in the text book as you write this piece. Some things that may be helpful as you get started are to look up the definition in the dictionary, thinking about what your topic is NOT, and comparing it to something else.
Remember that Friday is workshop time. You should use this time to work on this piece of writing, because a typed, polished piece is due on Monday. Please also bring your free write from today and turn this in with your typed paper so you may receive credit for the work in class.
You should also read through this weblog before Monday. On Friday I will post FIVE questions for you to answer, requiring you to go back through the weblog and read some posts. Write these answers on a sheet of paper, put your name on it, and bring it to turn in on Monday.
We started another sentence revision worksheet at the end of class today, but didn't get too far. Please keep these for working together on Monday.
Lastly, we're going to spend some time next week talking about revision. Please bring copies of all of your typed pieces from this semester. We'll be looking through them and choosing two to revise. Remember that it doesn't have to be the exact copy that I graded (though that would be helpful for you). If you lost the one I graded but have a copy saved on your computer, just print a new one up and bring that.
As always, after you read your book and the weblog, if you are ever confused or need help with ANYTHING, please let me know. I'm more than willing to work with you one on one.
I have to say, I am so impressed with the thought and creativity you all have been showing the last couple weeks! I know it's not always easy (or fun), but you won't regret the hard work you do in this class; I promise.
Today we did a free write based on chapter 28 (definition), where we chose something we knew well and tried to define it. What does it mean? What does it mean to YOU? Read through the chapter in the text book as you write this piece. Some things that may be helpful as you get started are to look up the definition in the dictionary, thinking about what your topic is NOT, and comparing it to something else.
Remember that Friday is workshop time. You should use this time to work on this piece of writing, because a typed, polished piece is due on Monday. Please also bring your free write from today and turn this in with your typed paper so you may receive credit for the work in class.
You should also read through this weblog before Monday. On Friday I will post FIVE questions for you to answer, requiring you to go back through the weblog and read some posts. Write these answers on a sheet of paper, put your name on it, and bring it to turn in on Monday.
We started another sentence revision worksheet at the end of class today, but didn't get too far. Please keep these for working together on Monday.
Lastly, we're going to spend some time next week talking about revision. Please bring copies of all of your typed pieces from this semester. We'll be looking through them and choosing two to revise. Remember that it doesn't have to be the exact copy that I graded (though that would be helpful for you). If you lost the one I graded but have a copy saved on your computer, just print a new one up and bring that.
As always, after you read your book and the weblog, if you are ever confused or need help with ANYTHING, please let me know. I'm more than willing to work with you one on one.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Windy April Monday
I hope everyone had a great weekend! It was so nice to see the sun!
Today I collected your past/passed sentences. We then went over their/there/they're. For Wednesday, write two sentences correctly using each word. This means you should come with a total of six sentences.
The rest of class was spent going over the worksheet on identifying fragment sentences. I know this can be confusing and requires a lot of hard work. You all did a great job!
Please spend some time going through the most recent posts and reading the necessary chapters in your book. This will make our time in class more productive because everyone will be prepared with the background information.
FOR WEDNESDAY: In addition to writing the six sentences, read chapter 28 --starts on p.408.
As always, if you have any questions please ask.
Today I collected your past/passed sentences. We then went over their/there/they're. For Wednesday, write two sentences correctly using each word. This means you should come with a total of six sentences.
The rest of class was spent going over the worksheet on identifying fragment sentences. I know this can be confusing and requires a lot of hard work. You all did a great job!
Please spend some time going through the most recent posts and reading the necessary chapters in your book. This will make our time in class more productive because everyone will be prepared with the background information.
FOR WEDNESDAY: In addition to writing the six sentences, read chapter 28 --starts on p.408.
As always, if you have any questions please ask.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Foggy Friday
I'm preparing this post before class so I can reference it when we are together today.
***We didn't get through as much as I had planned today, but I still want you to read through this post (and at some point the rest of the blog.***
Remember that we will meet in ATB 132 on Monday and Wednesday next week. Friday is workshop day.
Our commonly confused words lesson for this week is past vs passed. For Monday, write THREE complete sentences using each word correctly. This means write three sentences using PAST and another three using PASSED, for a total of SIX sentences.
We'll finish going over the sentence revision worksheet that you completed on Wednesday and spend some more time discussing editing and proofreading.
Finally, we'll begin looking at chapters 9 & 10 on conjunctions and prepositions and phrases.
These links may be helpful to review in clarifying the difference between coordinating and correlative conjunctions.
Here are some great exercises to test yourself on prepositions (once you click, scroll down a little).
Test yourself on conjunctions here.
FOR MONDAY: read chapters 9 & 10. You should also read through this post and spend time going through the links; it will reinforce what you've read in the book. Don't forget to write your sentences for Monday as well. For bonus points, on a piece of paper, tell me why proofreading is important. Turn this in as soon as you come to class Monday for the extra points.
***We didn't get through as much as I had planned today, but I still want you to read through this post (and at some point the rest of the blog.***
Remember that we will meet in ATB 132 on Monday and Wednesday next week. Friday is workshop day.
Our commonly confused words lesson for this week is past vs passed. For Monday, write THREE complete sentences using each word correctly. This means write three sentences using PAST and another three using PASSED, for a total of SIX sentences.
We'll finish going over the sentence revision worksheet that you completed on Wednesday and spend some more time discussing editing and proofreading.
Finally, we'll begin looking at chapters 9 & 10 on conjunctions and prepositions and phrases.
These links may be helpful to review in clarifying the difference between coordinating and correlative conjunctions.
Here are some great exercises to test yourself on prepositions (once you click, scroll down a little).
Test yourself on conjunctions here.
FOR MONDAY: read chapters 9 & 10. You should also read through this post and spend time going through the links; it will reinforce what you've read in the book. Don't forget to write your sentences for Monday as well. For bonus points, on a piece of paper, tell me why proofreading is important. Turn this in as soon as you come to class Monday for the extra points.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Time Flies When You're Having Fun
Wow! Today's class went so fast; I'm sorry for rushing at the very end.
You did a great job working together on the revision worksheet. We'll finish going over that on Friday, so don't forget to bring them so I can collect them and give you credit for completion. Do you feel like doing those worksheets are helpful at all? Sometimes it's beneficial to take sentences out of the larger piece and focus on what's correct and incorrect to get a better picture of what's going on. Thank you for being cooperative and helpful with each other.
At the end of class I introduced you to chapter 25 (page 365), which is about explaining a process or telling someone how to do something. Read through the chapter for some ideas and then for Friday bring a typed piece explaining how to do something. This should be something you already know how to do. It can be like the example we talked about in class: how to make a grilled cheese sandwich. Or if there is something you do at work, like cleaning tables or running a mower, you could tell how to do that.
A good place to start may be making a list of the steps and then expanding that way. Don't make this harder than it needs to be. Marc mentioned that he may write about how to do a household task like mopping the floor. That's a great idea!
Other topics students have written about in the past include: how to break up with a girlfriend, how to ask someone on a date, how to apply for a scholarship, how to find a good gym, how to put gas in your car, how to register for classes, how to bake a cake, how to install a car stereo, etc.
If you're struggling for ideas, don't hesitate to ask. I love brainstorming with students!
To clarify: THIS FRIDAY WE MEET IN ATB 132.
Next week we will be focusing on our writing a bit more and shifting workshops to FRIDAY. This means that you will need to do the Writing Center modules on your own time, since it closes at 2:00 Friday. The workshop time will be for writing and you will have freedom to choose where you do this work. We'll talk more about it in the near future; I just wanted you to be aware of the change. Note that this was on the schedule I gave you back in February.
If it ends up that Fridays don't work as well, we can always shift back to Monday. We aren't married to this and I'm more than willing to work it any day. This was just an attempt to meet the desires of everyone in class, having workshop on Monday for a while and then Friday. Also remember that if you ever want help or have questions, I am willing to meet during this workshop time or another day/time. You just need to ask. I don't have a formal office to hold office hours, but am always available before and after class for at least 30 minutes. However, I don't read minds and I never assume that because you aren't doing well in the class that you want me to help you.
Just in case, here is my contact information: slillich@jccc.edu is my email and 913-469-8500 ext 5418 is my voicemail.
You did a great job working together on the revision worksheet. We'll finish going over that on Friday, so don't forget to bring them so I can collect them and give you credit for completion. Do you feel like doing those worksheets are helpful at all? Sometimes it's beneficial to take sentences out of the larger piece and focus on what's correct and incorrect to get a better picture of what's going on. Thank you for being cooperative and helpful with each other.
At the end of class I introduced you to chapter 25 (page 365), which is about explaining a process or telling someone how to do something. Read through the chapter for some ideas and then for Friday bring a typed piece explaining how to do something. This should be something you already know how to do. It can be like the example we talked about in class: how to make a grilled cheese sandwich. Or if there is something you do at work, like cleaning tables or running a mower, you could tell how to do that.
A good place to start may be making a list of the steps and then expanding that way. Don't make this harder than it needs to be. Marc mentioned that he may write about how to do a household task like mopping the floor. That's a great idea!
Other topics students have written about in the past include: how to break up with a girlfriend, how to ask someone on a date, how to apply for a scholarship, how to find a good gym, how to put gas in your car, how to register for classes, how to bake a cake, how to install a car stereo, etc.
If you're struggling for ideas, don't hesitate to ask. I love brainstorming with students!
To clarify: THIS FRIDAY WE MEET IN ATB 132.
Next week we will be focusing on our writing a bit more and shifting workshops to FRIDAY. This means that you will need to do the Writing Center modules on your own time, since it closes at 2:00 Friday. The workshop time will be for writing and you will have freedom to choose where you do this work. We'll talk more about it in the near future; I just wanted you to be aware of the change. Note that this was on the schedule I gave you back in February.
If it ends up that Fridays don't work as well, we can always shift back to Monday. We aren't married to this and I'm more than willing to work it any day. This was just an attempt to meet the desires of everyone in class, having workshop on Monday for a while and then Friday. Also remember that if you ever want help or have questions, I am willing to meet during this workshop time or another day/time. You just need to ask. I don't have a formal office to hold office hours, but am always available before and after class for at least 30 minutes. However, I don't read minds and I never assume that because you aren't doing well in the class that you want me to help you.
Just in case, here is my contact information: slillich@jccc.edu is my email and 913-469-8500 ext 5418 is my voicemail.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Adjectives and Adverbs
I realize this post is late. Something unexpectedly came up right after class Friday that prevented me from posting before I left the room, which is what I usually try to do.
Remember that today is workshop in the Writing Center. You should be getting ahead on those modules and using what you're learning as you do the writing assignments in class. Once we cover something, you are held accountable for putting it into practice. Carelessness and laziness are not excuses for repeating the same mistakes (over and over); if you need help or clarification, YOU have to ask.
On Friday we heard Jennifer and Dustyn's writing about their favorite people. Thanks for sharing! Reading our writing to each other is just another way that we absorb language. It all helps to improve our writing abilities.
We then reviewed the parts of speech and discussed adjectives and adverbs. If you haven't, READ CHAPTER 8 from your text book! There are practice exercises and samples that will review and perhaps clarify what we covered in class.
Remember that adjectives describe nouns and adverbs describe verbs. You should still read chapter 8 THOROUGHLY!
On Wednesday, in COM 319, there is a creative writing reading event at 11:00. Students and faculty are invited to read their writing. You are welcome to join in the reading, or you may also attend to observe and enjoy the creativity. As an extra credit opportunity, you can earn up to 25 points for attending and typing up a half-page reaction. In order to receive the points, this must be turned in by this Friday, April 1.
I hope your week is off to a good start, despite the silly snow. Browse through the site here for things you may have missed and to review important information. More extra credit will be available soon.
I'll see you all on Wednesday!
Remember that today is workshop in the Writing Center. You should be getting ahead on those modules and using what you're learning as you do the writing assignments in class. Once we cover something, you are held accountable for putting it into practice. Carelessness and laziness are not excuses for repeating the same mistakes (over and over); if you need help or clarification, YOU have to ask.
On Friday we heard Jennifer and Dustyn's writing about their favorite people. Thanks for sharing! Reading our writing to each other is just another way that we absorb language. It all helps to improve our writing abilities.
We then reviewed the parts of speech and discussed adjectives and adverbs. If you haven't, READ CHAPTER 8 from your text book! There are practice exercises and samples that will review and perhaps clarify what we covered in class.
Remember that adjectives describe nouns and adverbs describe verbs. You should still read chapter 8 THOROUGHLY!
On Wednesday, in COM 319, there is a creative writing reading event at 11:00. Students and faculty are invited to read their writing. You are welcome to join in the reading, or you may also attend to observe and enjoy the creativity. As an extra credit opportunity, you can earn up to 25 points for attending and typing up a half-page reaction. In order to receive the points, this must be turned in by this Friday, April 1.
I hope your week is off to a good start, despite the silly snow. Browse through the site here for things you may have missed and to review important information. More extra credit will be available soon.
I'll see you all on Wednesday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)