For Monday, February 9^th:

1. Finish reading Angela’s Ashes. When finished, free-write or free-draw for 10 minutes.

2. Lots to do with the “freak” paper that you’ll be getting back today:

A.     Listen to the cassette that is all cued up for you. (Note: Let me know immediately if there is a technical problem so I can redo the tape.) The numbers on the paper will correspond with the comments on the tape. (Note #2: I like it when students respond back to me on the tape. If you do this, insert a note in the cassette case that lets me know your golden words await me.)

B.     To help fortify the ideas on the tape, please write a transcript of what I say. For the transcript, split your paper in half and write a summary of what I say on the left side and your response on the right. When finished, write a five-minute free response to the whole thing. I will provide a sample for you.

C.     Everyone has a few boo-boos. To work on them, I want you to…

1. Find the rule for the boo-boo in your grammar book. Write out the rule.

b.       Write a new sentence or two that drills the correct idea into your head.

c.       Do your best not to repeat the boo-boo. Make a running note of your boo-boos and then, when it comes time for your final editing, pay special attention to these errors.

D.     Rewrite your paper. Make sure you…

                                                               i.      …make all the corrections;

                                                             ii.      …add more sense details (maybe go into another room);

                                                            iii.      …add a title that grabs the reader;

                                                           iv.      …make your freak description a story;

                                                             v.      …include some dialogue (I’ll teach you the rules today);

                                                           vi.      …add a simile;

                                                          vii.      …add character  to your story. You need to have two distinct people, and you capture the distinctness of each one through what he says, what he looks like, what he owns, and what his gestures are.

5. When finished with the rewrite, write a note to me about the changes you made that you think make this a stronger story.

6. When I receive this next Monday, I need to have a two-pocket portfolio that will include…

                                                               i.      …your transcript;

                                                             ii.      …the marked-up freak draft from me;

                                                            iii.      …today’s rewritten freak paper;

                                                           iv.      …your boo-boo page;

                                                             v.      …your explanation of how you’ve improved your paper.

                                                           vi.      …your cassette tape—all cued up to fresh tape after my voice.