Writing Narratives

This week, we looked at how to write narrative openings that both capture your reader's attention, and reveal the information that beginnings are designed to reveal. We read beginnings from novels, and evaluated them based on criteria we generated as a class. Then, students were asked to try writing an opening, using the following prompt: The mistakes we make can help shape who we are. I gave out a handout with some suggestions for how to begin your stories. Finally, students submitted a narrative opening at the end of class. Then, we looked at how writers use dialogue to develop characters and advance plot. I gave students information on how to properly structure and punctuate dialogue, and students then practiced writing a dialogue using proper mechanics, but also revealing plot, conflict and character. If you were away either Tuesday or Thursday this week, you can find the handouts from class here on the blog.

Mrs Fricke and the Bullies

Today, we read a narrative written by Richard Wagamese, called "Mrs Fricke and the Bullies." Come and pick up a copy from me tomorrow if you were on the field trip today or download a copy off the blog. We read the narrative and discussed the features that make it a successful story. We talked about how quickly Wagamese is able to establish character, even just one paragraph in. He shows the character's traits through just a couple of details, which is what you will need to attempt to do when you write your own stories, as you won't have much time to develop characters further. We also considered how his piece follows a typical narrative arc, with the introduction of a conflict, rising action, a climax (when he puts the eraser on Jim's desk), and resolution. The narrative offers a theme, as well, which is nicely summarized in the final paragraph. Our one criticism is that the narrative's first paragraph didn't grab our attention immediately. Then, students wrote a beginning to a narrative, with a person who inspired or caused a positive change in you as the topic. I collected writing from people who wanted feedback, and some students chose to keep their writing to work on in a subsequent class. If you would like to write something at home and give it to me tomorrow, or email it to me over the weekend, I would be happy to read and give feedback. All of the writing we do before Winter Break is for practice, though... so you don't have to hand in anything at this point, if you don't want to.

Novel Summative Assessments Now Due!

Yesterday, I collected novel projects from most students. If you have not spoken with me regarding an extension, then your project should be submitted to me tomorrow. I am looking forward to reading about your books! Yesterday, we began a unit on narrative writing. We considered some of our favourite stories of all time, and talked about what made them so good. We agreed that many great stories are based upon themes and issues that are reoccurring in literature. We made a list of "problems often encountered in fiction," to remind us of ideas for when it comes time to write. Then, we made heart maps, as a means to gathering some of the ideas for narratives that already live within us. Your hearts should stay with you, wherever you go.

Synthesis Assignment

On Wednesday, students will be asked to complete a synthesis assignment: an opportunity to demonstrate that they are able to make connections between and among the texts we have been reading in this unit. Yesterday, I distributed notes on synthesis, detailing what it is, and how to do it. Then, we used a chart to practice synthesizing two things, using an everyday example from Ms. Barsky's past. The key to quality synthesis is to ensure that your points of comparison are varied, and relevant, given the question or topic. Think carefully about the texts you select and try to choose the ones which best illustrate the question/topic. Finally, remember to use your filled in chart to guide you in your creation of a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should emerge from your findings. Once you are able to look over all of what you have "discovered" in the texts, you will be able to accurately and specifically state how those texts connect. Just a reminder that you will have the entire block to complete the assignment, and you are permitted to use your notes/texts for the assignment.

Analyzing Relationships in Literature

Okay... now that your hearts are beating back at a normal pace, here is what I promised to do today. I have taken "Returning to Harmony" and created a chart (and you can make a chart, or a web, or a list, or a paragraph...) and I have analyzed the main relationships in the piece. I took quotations from the piece to use as support. Notice that I am considering the nature of the narrator's relationship with each of the people/things, and I have tried to comment on who holds the power, or how they communicate, or how his sense of self might affect his relationships. Most important for you will be to include text evidence to support what you are saying about your character's relationships. If you would like any further explanation or clarification, send me an email: Jenifer.Barsky@sd41.bc.ca.

Returning to Harmony

Because so many students were absent today, I will hand back the quiz and go over correct answers on Tuesday. Today, students were given an opportunity to finish their Healthy Living Plan, vote for this year's Cariboo Reads books, and/or read "Returning to Harmony" by Richard Wagamese, an Ojibway author. The article depicts a man and the relationships he has with many people and things. We will use this article as a means to exploring how to talk about relationships in a meaningful and thoughtful manner. There are a set of questions to guide you in your reading, found on this blog. One question refers to some of the literary devices and techniques used by Wagamese: we will discuss these on Tuesday, as well. I had said I would collect your relationships log for your novel on Tuesday; however, if you would like to wait until we have talked about relationships in the context of this article, and then put together your log, you are welcome to submit your relationships analysis on Monday the following week.

Poetry Review and Quiz on Wednesday

We spent the majority of Friday's class completing a review of poetic devices. Your poetry quiz is on Wednesday, and will involve a set of multiple choice questions, as well as a set of short answer questions. The questions focus on poetic devices used in the poem, and comprehension. You will have as much time as you need to complete the quiz, so you should bring your novel, in case you complete the quiz before others. I handed out the novel project description on Friday as well. We have chosen December 9th as the due date, but of course you are welcome to submit your project prior to this date, if it is complete.