April+1st+class


 * Vocabulary/Worksheets/ Activities for Writers craft.

"Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." ~Gene Fowler vocabulary: thoughts on vocabulary?** Fun website: **[][][] []

Maggie's Tree House...vocab game


 * Have the lists of words...then you had to look it up...matching and fill in the blank tests.
 * AP class, image of the words
 * difficult to memorize and wouldn't really use the words again. Should use them in everyday language.
 * gave word, dictionary def, own def, and then write in a sentence...forced to use them. Offered extra credit.**
 * Use all the words in a flowing story...then read to class

__Worksheets:__ meaningful worksheets...what is a good worksheet? bad? why?

Homework? Grade?
 * lack of creativity
 * should be used as practice and not for new concepts
 * parents shouldn't help with homework?
 * Should be done at home with the parents help.
 * pass vs no pass
 * unfair to give the zero...
 * do the work and then the teacher goes over it

__Good worksheets should (have)..__. apply the concepts How questions... examples might be good to have before they read..can use with more than one novel purpose!!!! something to practice... clear directions appealing.. be consistent with the tests space to write... meaningful questions

__ineffective worksheets...__ unclear and confusion shouldn't be overwhelming... no unnecessary information..


 * Activities: possible activities for TKM? what is the purpose? favorite activity that you remember? Why so good?

Writing: graphic organizers: [|http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/] Mind maps: []Organization: [][]** Different writing assignments...evaluate them and why? How to create a writing assignment? Papers kids cannot get off the internet?
 * creating writing assignments**

__Writing Assignments:__ Have a rubric... give them choices... take a way the obvious choices... lay it out shouldn't be intimidating... due dates! know all the pieces that need to be turned in realistic expectations reminders of MLA, workscited, etc.. purpose of the assignment

__Ineffective assignments:__ don't label (easy, medium, challenged) choices are good...but not too many don't have ridiculous point values


 * JOURNAL #6** What have you learned about creating effective writing assignments? What are a few things you had not thought of before? What do you see as possible difficulties when creating your own writing assignments?
 * JOURNAL #7** Same as the one in the syllabus "Create a worksheet or reading log (word processed) for your final project."