Six Word Summaries

Disclaimer: We had such success with this assignment last year, that I'm bringing it back for this year's creative writing classes. Enjoy!

After reading a recent Reader's Digest article entitled, "Six-Word Memoirs on Love and Heartbreak," I decided this concept would make an excellent word choice activity for my creative writing class. Indeed, we have been focusing on using a small amount of precise words to make a large impact. How perfect!

Of course, I adapted our assignment so that the students were able to choose any theme: love, heartbreak, faith, friendship, success, etc. They created some truly moving tributes using only six words. Please check out the comments section below to see their impressive work!

Here's the link to the Reader's Digest article, if anyone's interested in the inspiration for this assignment, along with some additional entertaining six word summaries: http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/sixword-memoirs-on-love-and-relationships/article116695.html.Feeling inspired?? Feel free to add your own six word summaries in the comments section below!!

Welcome, New Bloggers!

I know I've been slow to jumpstart my blog this year, but I am so excited to announce that my two creative writing classes have officially joined the Pike Central blogging community! Please take some time to browse the new blogs from periods 5 and 7. We're just beginning to use them, but I have some very talented writers and cannot wait to share their work with everyone! Be sure and come back to read a variety of posts in the coming weeks.

Welcome

I'd like to welcome everyone back to school! I'm so excited to meet my new students and dig into the wonderful world of English! I will also have some of my classes blogging again this year, utilizing all the knowledge we gained last year. I hope everyone gets off to a good start. Once again, WELCOME BACK!

Welcome, Summer!

It's official! Summer has arrived, and this blog is currently on vacation! See you all next year! Enjoy your summer.

Blogger Send-Off

As the end of the school year comes to a close, I can't help but reflect upon my positive blogging experiences. Many of my students were first-time bloggers, and I couldn't have been more pleased at how quickly they transformed our new digital classroom. Indeed, I feel like I have learned as much from the students about current technology as they have learned from me. It's been a successful partnership, merging ideas, content, and communication among my classes.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this experience. I hope it has been as rewarding for all of you as it has been for me. I look forward to continuing blogging next year, hopefully with some repeat bloggers!

As a final goodbye, I need to remind students and parents that I have now removed all student blog links from my own blog. This means I no longer have administrative control; students are encouraged to continue to utilize their blogs on their own time, but they will no longer be affiliated with my class. I trust my students will nevertheless continue the blogging excellence that they have demonstrated with me.

Thanks again and enjoy your summer.
Happy Blogging!

Blurb Contest Winners

As my Creative Writing and English 9 Honors classes have wrapped up their unit on children's literature, they've posted blurbs on their unique, hand-crafted books. We read these aloud in class, discussing the various features of children's literature. Then students voted on their favorite blurbs. Which books sounded most interesting? Which would appeal to children?

Congratulations to our winners!

Sarah (Pd 1) for Reggie the Squirrel-Coon

Kenna (Pd 5) for My Little Bunny

Please visit all of the student blogs for Pds 1 & 5 to view additional blurbs about a variety of exciting children's books. You won't be disappointed!