Please complete your short story started on 9/30. This is due today. Please put the assignment in our drop box with your name on it and Sudden Fiction story.
After you write, if you are done early, please complete any assignment/reading/writing project you are working on with Ms. Gamzon. Alternatively, you can spend your time freewriting in your journal or typing up poetry/short stories, etc. that you have not had time to type.
As a last resort play "free rice" and learn some vocabularly.This option should only be used if you have completed all other work.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
9/30 Agenda
Together as a class let's read and discuss Raymond Carver's "Popular Mechanics"
To help understand this story, let's take a look on the internet for King Solomon and the Baby. Read that story. Then let's read Carver's version.
Afterward, please complete the short story exercise from last class. Directions are posted on the 9/28 entry.
When you have completed a draft of this new story, please read the following short stories in Sudden Fiction:
70-78.
A draft of your short story should be completed by the end of class 10/2.
To help understand this story, let's take a look on the internet for King Solomon and the Baby. Read that story. Then let's read Carver's version.
Afterward, please complete the short story exercise from last class. Directions are posted on the 9/28 entry.
When you have completed a draft of this new story, please read the following short stories in Sudden Fiction:
70-78.
A draft of your short story should be completed by the end of class 10/2.
Monday, September 28, 2009
9/28 Grade Report/Sudden Fiction/Stream of Consciousness
During 3rd period we will return to the ensemble theatre to perform and practice our performance skills. 4th period, we will return to the lab.
For class/homework, please read the next five stories in the Sudden Fiction collection.
"The Merry Chase" by Gordon Lish
"Yours" by Mary Robison
"A Walled Garden" by Peter Taylor
"Heart Attack" by Max Apple
"Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes
Stream of Consciousness: There is a type of writing that uses what is called stream of consciousness (also called interior monologue). In a nutshell this is trying to write the way the human brain works--without stopping, with digressions, and change of thought. It is characterized by a flow of thought. It can be very effective as illustrated in the short story "The Merry Chase."
After reading these stories, complete any of the following:
--Write about something stolen
--Write about sickness (or loss)
--Write a story that uses the technique of stream of consciousness
--Write a story that uses anaphora.
--Write a story about the interaction or relationship between a child and an older person (adult).
Today, you will be given grade reports. Please take these home and get them signed by your parents. Those of you missing work can turn in missing work up to Friday, Oct. 2. After that, you will receive no credit from these assignments.
For class/homework, please read the next five stories in the Sudden Fiction collection.
"The Merry Chase" by Gordon Lish
"Yours" by Mary Robison
"A Walled Garden" by Peter Taylor
"Heart Attack" by Max Apple
"Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes
Stream of Consciousness: There is a type of writing that uses what is called stream of consciousness (also called interior monologue). In a nutshell this is trying to write the way the human brain works--without stopping, with digressions, and change of thought. It is characterized by a flow of thought. It can be very effective as illustrated in the short story "The Merry Chase."
After reading these stories, complete any of the following:
--Write about something stolen
--Write about sickness (or loss)
--Write a story that uses the technique of stream of consciousness
--Write a story that uses anaphora.
--Write a story about the interaction or relationship between a child and an older person (adult).
Today, you will be given grade reports. Please take these home and get them signed by your parents. Those of you missing work can turn in missing work up to Friday, Oct. 2. After that, you will receive no credit from these assignments.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Performance Activity
Today we will be performing in the ensemble theatre. Please prepare some writing piece that you would like to work with. You can alternatively use your journal as your performance source.
Please bring your journals with you to the ensemble theatre anyway.
You will need a pen or pencil as well.
Please bring your journals with you to the ensemble theatre anyway.
You will need a pen or pencil as well.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
9/22 Agenda
Today, please begin class by writing in your journal. Complete the handout journal exercise in your...journal. You will have 10 minutes to complete this portion of the class.
Today, during 4th period, we will be moving to room a240 to continue hearing performances. Please bring a copy of your original interview story or your homework (the 200-400 word story). Alternatively, you may bring your newly written poem if you have it finished and would like to work with it.
When journaling is done, please look at the entry below regarding the poetry word collection exercise.
HOMEWORK:
Please read pgs. 36-49. Be prepared to discuss these stories next class (and any of the short stories we have already read pg. 5-49)).
Today, during 4th period, we will be moving to room a240 to continue hearing performances. Please bring a copy of your original interview story or your homework (the 200-400 word story). Alternatively, you may bring your newly written poem if you have it finished and would like to work with it.
When journaling is done, please look at the entry below regarding the poetry word collection exercise.
HOMEWORK:
Please read pgs. 36-49. Be prepared to discuss these stories next class (and any of the short stories we have already read pg. 5-49)).
Word Bank - Poetry Exercise
Creating a word bank for poetry
Go to the following website:
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180
Read poems #1-5. As you read, choose 3 words from EACH poem and make a list. (The best way to do this is either in your journal – where you will get credit; or you may keep a word document open and minimized on the bottom of your screen to collect the words).
Choose interesting or “powerful” words—words that draw YOUR attention; the best 3 single words in the poem. Avoid phrases.
Once you have a list with 15 words, use your word bank to create a poem of your own.
• You DO NOT have to use all 15 words in your poem.
• Your poem should make sense. Try to avoid sentence fragments. (Consider your character, setting, theme, conflict, etc. to help write a story...yes, even poetry has a story.)
• You may include as many OTHER words as you’d like.
Go to the following website:
http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180
Read poems #1-5. As you read, choose 3 words from EACH poem and make a list. (The best way to do this is either in your journal – where you will get credit; or you may keep a word document open and minimized on the bottom of your screen to collect the words).
Choose interesting or “powerful” words—words that draw YOUR attention; the best 3 single words in the poem. Avoid phrases.
Once you have a list with 15 words, use your word bank to create a poem of your own.
• You DO NOT have to use all 15 words in your poem.
• Your poem should make sense. Try to avoid sentence fragments. (Consider your character, setting, theme, conflict, etc. to help write a story...yes, even poetry has a story.)
• You may include as many OTHER words as you’d like.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Sudden Fiction Homework
Please read the following stories in Sudden Fiction:
"Sunday in the Park" by Bel Kaufman
"Five Ives" by Roy Blount, Jr.
"Song on the Royal Street" by Richard Blessing
"Pygmalion" by John Updike
From this group, choose one short story to base a 200 word to 400 (about a page or two) word short, short story on. You can select a similar theme, write about a similar character, use a similar style or setting, or include an event that happened in the story as an opening for your own story: ex. start a story with a child throwing sand on your main character (from: Sunday in the Park)
Type or write out your story by hand. Be prepared to share this story with the class on Tuesday, September 22.
"Sunday in the Park" by Bel Kaufman
"Five Ives" by Roy Blount, Jr.
"Song on the Royal Street" by Richard Blessing
"Pygmalion" by John Updike
From this group, choose one short story to base a 200 word to 400 (about a page or two) word short, short story on. You can select a similar theme, write about a similar character, use a similar style or setting, or include an event that happened in the story as an opening for your own story: ex. start a story with a child throwing sand on your main character (from: Sunday in the Park)
Type or write out your story by hand. Be prepared to share this story with the class on Tuesday, September 22.
Reading Groups - Exercise
Today, please prepare your short story (this is due). Join 1 other partner group (your original partner should be with you in your group.) This will mean you have 4 students (unless someone's absent) in your group.
Each student should take time to read their short story aloud to the group. This is practice reading your words out loud as well as fun to share your original writing with others.
For the second part of our class today we will be moving to room a240. A few volunteers will read their stories to the class as examples of performance.
In any case, please turn in your homework from Sudden Fiction and the short story by the end of class.
Each student should take time to read their short story aloud to the group. This is practice reading your words out loud as well as fun to share your original writing with others.
For the second part of our class today we will be moving to room a240. A few volunteers will read their stories to the class as examples of performance.
In any case, please turn in your homework from Sudden Fiction and the short story by the end of class.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Short Story History and a Few Examples
Students often ask: "How long should my story be?" instead of realizing that any story needs to have a beginning, middle, and end. This sort of open ended question really has no answer. How long should a story be? Well, traditionally, short stories are shorter than novels. That's a good place to begin.
Short stories are shorter than novels, and are usually not as complex or involved. Short stories were originally meant to be read in one sitting. As our culture has sped ahead, and we don't have much free time, short stories have become as short as a sentence or two and as long as the traditional short stories, fewer than 20,000 words. A short novel is about 50,000 words. Most publishers want novels that are anywhere from 75,000 to 100,000 words or more.
Usually a short story focuses on only one event or incident. It usually has a single plot, a single setting, a small number of characters, and covers a short period of time. Most writing students start off writing short stories because they are manageable. But the form is tricky and hard to perfect. Many authors spend their whole lives learning the craft of writing short fiction.
Longer short stories usually contain elements of dramatic structure: exposition (the introduction of setting, situation and main characters); complication (the event that introduces the conflict); rising action (development of the conflict), crisis (the decisive moment for the protagonist and her commitment to a course of action); climax (the point of highest tension and the point the protagonist faces her antagonist); resolution (the point when the conflict is resolved); and a sense of enlightenment, epiphany, or moral.
Short stories may or may not follow this pattern. Some do not follow patterns at all. Modern short stories only occasionally have an exposition. An abrupt beginning, with the story starting in the middle of the action (in media res) is more standard or typical.
Usually all short stories have a turning point and climax, but endings may be sudden or what is called "open"--leaving the story incomplete. As with all art forms, short stories will vary by author.
Read a few short short stories here. Discuss with your neighbor which stories are best and try to figure out why.
Short stories are shorter than novels, and are usually not as complex or involved. Short stories were originally meant to be read in one sitting. As our culture has sped ahead, and we don't have much free time, short stories have become as short as a sentence or two and as long as the traditional short stories, fewer than 20,000 words. A short novel is about 50,000 words. Most publishers want novels that are anywhere from 75,000 to 100,000 words or more.
Usually a short story focuses on only one event or incident. It usually has a single plot, a single setting, a small number of characters, and covers a short period of time. Most writing students start off writing short stories because they are manageable. But the form is tricky and hard to perfect. Many authors spend their whole lives learning the craft of writing short fiction.
Longer short stories usually contain elements of dramatic structure: exposition (the introduction of setting, situation and main characters); complication (the event that introduces the conflict); rising action (development of the conflict), crisis (the decisive moment for the protagonist and her commitment to a course of action); climax (the point of highest tension and the point the protagonist faces her antagonist); resolution (the point when the conflict is resolved); and a sense of enlightenment, epiphany, or moral.
Short stories may or may not follow this pattern. Some do not follow patterns at all. Modern short stories only occasionally have an exposition. An abrupt beginning, with the story starting in the middle of the action (in media res) is more standard or typical.
Usually all short stories have a turning point and climax, but endings may be sudden or what is called "open"--leaving the story incomplete. As with all art forms, short stories will vary by author.
Read a few short short stories here. Discuss with your neighbor which stories are best and try to figure out why.
Writing Your Short Story
Today, continue to write your short story started last class. As a reminder, use the notes you took on your "partner" for the interview exercise, come up with a fictionalized character based on your partner and write a short story of your own inclination.
After discussing the short story "Mother" by Grace Paley, please continue writing your story. Your first draft should be completed and ready to hand in at the end of today's class. It is okay if you need the extra time to hand in your story next class. Please take the story home, if you need more time, and finish it there, or send the work to yourself through an attachment on email. In any case, finish your story for next class. Due to problems printing, you may send an attachment of your FINISHED word document file to my address: bradley.craddock@rcsdk12.org when you have completed it. Please always remember to spellcheck and proofread your work before handing it in.
If you get done early, start working on your homework.
HOMEWORK: Due to the # of books available for our students, please complete last class's homework for next class. The instructions again, are as follows:
For homework, please read the following stories in the collection:
"Can-Can" by Arturo Vivante (pp. 5-6)
"Even Greenland" by Barry Hannah (pp. 7-9)
"The King of Jazz" by Donald Barthelme (pp. 10-13)
"Reunion" by John Cheever (pp. 14-16)
"Twirler" by Jane Martin (pp. 17-19)
For each of these short stories (to turn in as homework, Wednesday, Sept. 16) please write a very short synopsis of the story. Try to keep your synopsis/summary to 1 or 2 sentences. Then add one sentence as to how you reacted to the story as a reader. Did you like it, not like it, feel indifferent, etc. and why?
If you have already completed this homework, please turn it in for credit.
After discussing the short story "Mother" by Grace Paley, please continue writing your story. Your first draft should be completed and ready to hand in at the end of today's class. It is okay if you need the extra time to hand in your story next class. Please take the story home, if you need more time, and finish it there, or send the work to yourself through an attachment on email. In any case, finish your story for next class. Due to problems printing, you may send an attachment of your FINISHED word document file to my address: bradley.craddock@rcsdk12.org when you have completed it. Please always remember to spellcheck and proofread your work before handing it in.
If you get done early, start working on your homework.
HOMEWORK: Due to the # of books available for our students, please complete last class's homework for next class. The instructions again, are as follows:
For homework, please read the following stories in the collection:
"Can-Can" by Arturo Vivante (pp. 5-6)
"Even Greenland" by Barry Hannah (pp. 7-9)
"The King of Jazz" by Donald Barthelme (pp. 10-13)
"Reunion" by John Cheever (pp. 14-16)
"Twirler" by Jane Martin (pp. 17-19)
For each of these short stories (to turn in as homework, Wednesday, Sept. 16) please write a very short synopsis of the story. Try to keep your synopsis/summary to 1 or 2 sentences. Then add one sentence as to how you reacted to the story as a reader. Did you like it, not like it, feel indifferent, etc. and why?
If you have already completed this homework, please turn it in for credit.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Sudden Fiction
Today, after watching Obama's speech, we will be getting our first Creative Writing book from our library, SUDDEN FICTION.
When we return to the room we will be doing a little class reading. Please read silently the short, short story by Robert Coover "A Sudden Story" on the fourth page in. We will read "Mother" by Grace Paley together in class.
For homework, please read the following stories in the collection:
"Can-Can" by Arturo Vivante (pp. 5-6)
"Even Greenland" by Barry Hannah (pp. 7-9)
"The King of Jazz" by Donald Barthelme (pp. 10-13)
"Reunion" by John Cheever (pp. 14-16)
"Twirler" by Jane Martin (pp. 17-19)
For each of these short stories (to turn in as homework, Monday, Sept. 14) please write a very short synopsis of the story. Try to keep your synopsis/summary to 1 or 2 sentences. Then add one sentence as to how you reacted to the story as a reader. Did you like it, not like it, feel indifferent, etc. and why?
Finally, after reading "Mother", we will begin coming up with an idea for a story based on our previous interview exercise. More directions to come.
When we return to the room we will be doing a little class reading. Please read silently the short, short story by Robert Coover "A Sudden Story" on the fourth page in. We will read "Mother" by Grace Paley together in class.
For homework, please read the following stories in the collection:
"Can-Can" by Arturo Vivante (pp. 5-6)
"Even Greenland" by Barry Hannah (pp. 7-9)
"The King of Jazz" by Donald Barthelme (pp. 10-13)
"Reunion" by John Cheever (pp. 14-16)
"Twirler" by Jane Martin (pp. 17-19)
For each of these short stories (to turn in as homework, Monday, Sept. 14) please write a very short synopsis of the story. Try to keep your synopsis/summary to 1 or 2 sentences. Then add one sentence as to how you reacted to the story as a reader. Did you like it, not like it, feel indifferent, etc. and why?
Finally, after reading "Mother", we will begin coming up with an idea for a story based on our previous interview exercise. More directions to come.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)