Second 4 Out-of-Class Hours Deadline:
Fri., May 17th
NO EXCEPTIONS
Hard copy only (no photos or emails). Don't wait until the last minute;
turn them in early if you can.
All Art Classes:
Creative Writing
Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see an easy,
effective, and fascinating way to improve your writing.
Class Requirements
As part of their grade, students must have the following in class every day:
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a pen (blue or black ink only)
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a separate 1-subject spiral notebook
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a planner
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a binder or keeper for work
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a reading book
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any assignments due
Note: We will be writing in class every day. EVERY. DAY.
The 6 Traits of Writing
Click on any purple button below
for a Powerpoint presentation containing information about each of the 6 traits (some may take time to load).
Important Documents
What is Good Writing?
You know it when you see it. It isn’t that hard to tell whether a piece of writing is good or bad. You just have to read it. But things get more challenging if you have to explain why it's good. Even harder than that is analyzing the good things a writer is doing so you can learn to use his or her techniques in your own work.
Having simple phrases to describe the good things writers do makes learning about those things easier.
Good writing has:
Ideas that are interesting and important. Ideas are the heart of the piece — what the writer is writing about and the information he or she chooses to write about it. A great idea is the first step to great writing.
Organization that is logical and effective. Organization refers to the order of ideas and the way the writer moves from one idea to the next. If your writing isn't organized well, you will confuse your readers, and potentially lose them.
Voice that is individual and appropriate. Voice is the expression of the writer's personality through words. It's how the writing feels to someone when they read it. Is it formal or casual? Is it friendly and inviting or reserved and stand-offish? Voice is also the personality of the characters within the story.
Word Choice that is specific and memorable. Good writing uses just the right words to say just the right things. Sometimes (often) a few carefully chosen words are better than a lengthy explanation.
Sentence Fluency that is smooth and expressive. Fluent sentences are easy to understand and fun to read with expression. It makes a story easier to read because the writing flow - it doesn't "stutter" or start-and-stop. The transitions between sentences should make reading effortless.
Conventions that bring clarity and understanding. Conventions are the ways we all agree to use punctuation, spelling, grammar, and other things that make writing consistent, and easy to read. They also provide clarity. Note that, in spite of its importance, Conventions is the last trait listed.
Missed an Assignment? Check Below.
NOTE: All assignments are NOT listed below. This is just a small sampling of some of the work we will be doing in class, and they are available for you to print off if you missed any of them in class.
Writing Aids
Each red button below contains important information that can help you be a better writer. Look through each one to find ways to give your writing that extra "oomph" that will keep the reader engaged and wanting more.
For Online Students:
Aside from writing,what is one of the BEST things you can do to improve your writing?
READ.
Then READ some more.
Find books that interest you.
Read anything you can get your hands on.
If you read good writing, you start to sense what makes writing good.
Try looking for examples of poor writing, too, just to compare. You'll be amazed at how much of it is out there.
Why the random penguin? I just like penguins.
Reading Days
We will have semi-regular Reading Days (usually Fridays).
Be sure you have a book with you EVERY DAY.
That means ALL OF THEM.
Every one (except for the ones that DON'T end in "y").
If it's a day, you should have a book.
Need I say more?
