Journal #2 Writing Prompt

Prior to class on Weds. Sept. 5, please complete the following:

Read “Memories and Hopes:  The Top Essays,” from the New York Times. 

In class: We will be discussing how place is important to identity, so have this in mind as you read the essays.  Print the essays (or copy them into a google or word doc where you can highlight, annotate, or write comments). Write in the margins, annotate, make connections, and circle words and phrases that create vivid images in your mind as you read.  I will check your essays for annotations on Weds.  Bring this reading with you to class and ready to discuss on Weds.

Write Journal #2 in your blog responding to this reading.  You can title this blog:  Journal #2.  Follow the prompt below:

Write about your home or about a place that is meaningful to you.  What does it look like, smell like, sound like, taste like (try to focus on all of the senses when you describe your place). Use descriptive language that helps your readers "see" and experience this place as if they were right there with you.  In your journal also answer the question, "What does where you're from say about who you are?" You can add pictures of the places that are important to you (or that you call "home").  This is not a requirement.

We will discuss this blog and your articles in class on Weds.

Journal #1 Writing Prompt

Journal #1:  Personal Introduction, Your Writing Experiences, and Your Class Goals 

After creating your blog (see the notes for SETTING UP YOUR BLOG here) you must create your first post.  Title this post:  Journal #1

In ONE blog post (not multiple) include all of the following:

Please write a brief introduction of yourself.  Add links, music, pics, and/or video to help us "see" who you are!  Adding a picture of yourself to your blog helps me to learn your names much more quickly as well.  In addition, your first journal should contain your writing experiences AND the new goals that you wrote in our first two class meetings.  You can also write about the importance of critical thinking and discuss the example that you brought with you to class for discussion on Weds.

 Don't forget to add your Blog Address to the Google Doc so that I can add your blog to the class blog.

**NOTE**  If you are having trouble getting your blog to work, please write your first post in a Word Doc.  You can conference with me on Fri. to discuss how to set up your blog. I'm happy to field any questions then.  At that time, I will help you to copy and paste your Word doc into your blog.  You are always responsible for doing the writing, even if you are having trouble posting your blog.

Setting Up and Recording Your Blog Account

According to the schedule, I will be giving a walkthrough in class on Friday on how to create your blog and make your first blog post. However, if you can manage this task on your own, you may be excused from attending class on Friday.

Interested?  Here's the criteria for being excused.  
1) You must set up your own blog account.  You can use these step-by-step instructions to get started.
2) You must publish your first blog post: Journal #1 (See the class blog for the prompts for Journal #1)
3) You must record your blog address in this Google Doc. (Find your class time and add your name and the link to your blog account.
 4) You must post your information before Thursday at 5 PM.

To find out if you're eligible to be excused from class on Friday (if you've met all of the criteria), please revisit the Google Doc.  Next to your name I will write YES or NO.

If you simply want to come to class for the tutorial, that's great!  I'll see you on Friday.