What Is Our Goal?
How can we create a class community that makes every student feel valued, included, and inspired? What do you bring to our class that will make our community stronger? What has made you the person you have become today? During our first class unit, we will explore these questions as we read the novel, The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros, and engage in creative writing. By the end of our first unit, each student will publish a series of short stories, called vignettes, and several art projects dedicated to our community.
What Will We Be Doing?
During this unit, students will read The House on Mango Street, along with several poems and stories that explore diverse perspectives about community. As we read chapters from Cisneros’ novel, The House on Mango Street, our reading will also serve as inspiration for creative writing about our community that will be shared in small groups. In addition to ole’ fashioned printed paper and our reliable #2 pencils, students will use technology, including Chromebooks and our class website, to watch videos, listen to audio recordings of the writers reading their work, and to publish artwork and writing on our digital portfolios and class website
How Will I Be Graded?
Every day in class, we will be practicing reading, writing, and speaking. Students will receive constructive feedback and daily in-class assignments. Student completion of this daily practice will be recorded online as “prep” assignments and should be completed in their unit packet (with some exceptions; see the packet link below or our online calendar for more info). Students will receive three grades for the drafts of their creative writing, which will be counted as “proofs,” and will require students to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency of the skills we’ve practiced. All proofs will be on a 6 point scale using the ODE writing rubrics, with 6 signifying “mastery,” or an “A+,” and a 4 signifying “proficient” (B). There will be time in class to complete each proof; however, students will regularly need additional time to refine and complete their work at home. Below, I’ve included several examples of the assignments students will be completing during this unit.
To introduce ourselves, we will create identity silhouettes with the names of people we’re grateful for and interests in our lives.
During this 8 week unit, students will write six rough drafts of poems and short stories about their community.
Students will revise and receive initial teacher feedback on three graded 2nd drafts. Their final grade will be based off their edits.
Towards the end of our unit, students will publish their writing online and share it with their families and friends using their digital portfolios.
During a class party, students will read each other’s work, then mail their writing and a customized card to an adult in their lives.
At the end of our unit, students will reflect on their personal growth by writing PIEIES paragraphs on their digital portfolios.
Grade Distribution
Prep:
Reading and Writing Assignments: (20%) Complete thoughtful answers for all of our warm up prompts, drafts for each creative writing piece, in-class notes about creative writing techniques, and answers to our reading response questions.
Proofs
Creative Writing Assignments: (10%) Due Wednesday, September 13th and the 20th, this guided practice will include the skills listed under “Creative Writing Techniques” from the Final Creative Writing Rubric on page 86 of students’ packets. These assignments will be posted on Google Classroom and may be revised for further credit.
Final Creative Writing Draft: (50%) All students will receive an initial grade and feedback on their second drafts, the first of which is due Friday, September 22nd. After revising their writing, student’s final drafts will be due the following week (the first final draft will be due September 29th).
Reading Quizzes: (20%) Throughout our unit, students will use writing, discussion, and in class quizzes to examine our novel.
Classroom Resources
1. Unit Materials: Students will primarily use a color-printed and spiral bound packet, which is included below. Given the need to reference materials throughout the year, it is imperative that all students keep their packet work in good condition. Below, I’ve included a PDF copy of our packet and our study guide.
2. Weekly PowerPoints: Weekly PowerPoint slides will be posted on Google Classroom. However, if you’d like to learn more about our class -or preview the work students will engage in, then please feel free to click the links below. Aside from the first two weeks of lessons, this page will not include the later half of our unit. Contact Mr. E. directly for more info.
