Creative Writing Class Parent Letter

8/10/2019 Creative Writing Class Parent Letter

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Welcome to Creative WritingIf you have a spiral you can dedicate to this class, getit out and write Creative Writing and your name onthe cover. If not, take out 2-3 blank sheets of paper.

Ms. Guarascio

[email protected]


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Course Description:

Writing is a way to externalize ideas and feelings.

The ability to write well creates a well roundedindividual who can organize and express to others

his or her thoughts and ideas. This classs goal is

to introduce you on how to write creatively within

different structures, to learn to enjoy the processof writing, and to find your own voice and writing

style.


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Philosophy:

In order to be a good writer,

you must also be a good

reader.

Not only will you be creating

creative pieces, but you will

also be absorbing the works of

others, including your peers

and professionals.


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Philosophy:

Practice makes perfect.

Okay, there is no such thing as perfect, BUT the

more you practice something the better you

become. If you practice the piano everyday, you willbecome a better player. The same is true for

writing. The more you write (and read), the better

you will become. You will not only become a better

creative writer, but these skills will transfer to your

English class, your Research papers, and your love

letters.


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A Writer Writes

I assume because you have registered for a

Creative Writing class you consider yourself a

writer or would like to become a writer.

I also assume (regardless of ability), you like

to write, want to become better at it, and

want to write more often.

We will write everyday. You will have

freedom in your writing. You will be

encouraged to share your creations.


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If you took this class expecting an easy A, think again.

There is a lot of writing required in this class, along withediting/revision, critiquing, reading and finalizing of

drafts. If you are already a dedicated writer, you may

already be used to spending hours pouring over a page

and refining your writing. If not, you will have some

adjusting to do.


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Grading

How does one grade creative work? With a rubric which focuses on craft, proper mechanics,

attention to detail, and fulfillment of assignment, not

content.

What does that mean? It means your grade will reflect your writing competency as

oppose to whether I like your story/poem.

So Ill get a better grade if you like my writing? No. You may write a wonderful story/poem which I enjoy but

has so many typos or inconsistencies it will score poorly. Or

you may write a story I abhor but since you fulfilled the

requirements, you will score well.


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Supplies:

A Spiral NotebookThink of what kind of writer you are to get theappropriate size

Spirals are used for daily warm ups, notes, andwriting activities and will be periodically left in classto be checked

A File Folder to be left in class

A good USB to save your work (SAVEEVERYTHING)

Loose leaf paper and writing utensils


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Schedule

Each day has a repeating structure.

The lesson starts with a free-write exercise, then

we will begin the project/lesson of the day.

Each unit has a similar structure.

We begin with various writing activities which will

lead to group workshops and final drafts. Each

unit is concluded with a Creative WritingSharing/Party day, and a mini break before the

next unit begins.


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Free Writes

A free write is when a person writes in response to a prompt

continuously. It is important to write for the whole time. It isnot important to continue to stay on the prompt or worry

about grammar or spelling.

Along with each daily free write you will be given a daily

vocabulary word which you must use in your free write. The whole idea is to move the pen and see where you end

up. Free writes will be completed in your spiral.

Every class will begin with ten minutes of free writing. The

top of each page should have the date of the Free Write.Your goal is to write for the entire time, filling at least one

page.


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Classroom Rules:

Students are expected to participate in dailyassignments and activities, to be productive

and task oriented, and to behave

responsibly, respectively, and maturely.Be impeccable with your word

Dont take anything personally

Dont make assumptions

Always do your best


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Food and Drink Students are allowed to have drinks with a twist

cap.

Unless there are special circumstances, foodwill not be allowed in the classroom

If you make a mess, clean it up!

Fire drill In case of a fire drill, students will meet at the

fourth light pole down the main aisle. Check in oryou will be given a referral for ditching.

Students who do not return promptly to the roomwill also be referred as ditching.


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Disclaimer


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DISCLAIMER

In an attempt to expose students to a widevariety of writing styles and materials, there

will be some material that may be deemed

edgy and contain words or images that are

not generally used in an educational setting.

If at any time you feel uncomfortable with

the information, please come and talk to me

about it or leave the room.

My intention is never to offend a student but

to merely show different types of writing.


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DISCLAIMER cont.

With that being said, also know that I do not

censor any creativity.

If your main character really needs to use

profanity to get his point across, he may. Just

attempt to make it necessary and not

gratuitous.

Feel free to write on themes that are edgy

or different that the academic norm.


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Additional Information

Ms. Guarascio sponsors The Cleveland PoetryCommunity on Fridays from 2:40 -3:30. Firstmeeting is September 6th.

I use School Fusion. You should too.

Please go over this information with yourparent/guardian and have them sign the paperin your spiral.

These notes should be the first pages of yourspiral notebook. If you do not have a spiraltoday, please staple them to the inside cover

when a spiral is acquired.


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And now, a little activity:

Power Animals: A power animal is an animal which representa person's connection to life, their qualities of character, and

their power.

On the bottom of your sheet of paper, please write your name

(or the name you would like to be called) and beside it writedown your power animal. Beside your power animal, write

why this animal is your power animal (in a complete

sentence).

Example: Ben Kangaroo

My power animal is a kangaroo because I am unusual and

energetic; I also have really big feet.


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Lets get writing!

To correspond with our first writing assignment, you will begina free write to introduce yourself. Your free write will center

around your name. Title your page: Free Write Todays Date

Think about what your name means (literary or figuratively).

What does your name remind you of? If you were named something else, what would it be?

Think of the names of other people you know- what do their

names remind you of? Would you rather have their names?

If you could change your name what would it be and why?

Aim for a full page of writing. The more you write now, the

more material you will have for your first assignment. Finish

later if we run out of time.

Documents

Creative Writing Class Parent Letter