S+Lennon+Stephanie

** E-mail: ** stephanie.lennon@maine.edu
 * Teacher:** Ms. Lennon
 * Office:** Room 002
 * Office Phone:** 286-4759
 * Office Hours:** T,W,T: 2:00-4:00

=Summary of Unit= In this unit we will explore the basic components of narrative writing. These include, but are not limited to: plot, point-of-view, setting, conflict, and a handful of other terms. We will discuss the importance of being specific and concise, but also detailed and interesting. Through this you will also experience self and peer-evaluation. We will also cover how crucial it is to create characters that are consistent throughout the entire piece of writing. You will create a handful of different products along the way that will help you better understand these concepts.

=Establish Goals= Maine Learning Results: English Language Arts - Writing B2 Narrative Grades: 6-8 Students write narratives that convey complex ideas, observations, events or reflections. a. Establish a plot or other narrative structure, point of view, setting, and conflict.

= = =Students will understand that= • there are multiple parts to every piece of narrative writing and all parts require a certain amount of attention. • it is important to be able to criticize their own work, and also the work of others. • it is crucial to have consistent characters with unique traits throughout the piece of writing.

= = =Essential Questions= • Why do multiple parts of narrative writing require a certain amount of attention? How much time should be dedicated to each part? • Why is it important to be able to criticize your own work, along with the work of others? • How will you keep your characters in character throughout your entire piece of writing?

= = =Students will know= • Vocabulary: plot, point of view, setting, conflict • Definitions: character types, literary devices, narrative • Critical Details: the importance of plot, point of view, setting, conflict and what they do for a piece of narrative writing

= = =Students will be able to= • express their ideas using clear, effective language. • represent a character's thoughts and feelings through his or her actions. • (a) establish a plot or other narrative structure, point of view, setting and conflict. • criticize their own work and the work of others in a helpful way. • assume the role of a completely different individual and write a piece of narrative from their perspective. • reflect on their own experiences through narrative writing.

**Performance Task Overview** You are a music reviewer who works for the popular magazine "Entertainment Weekly". You have been asked to complete a very unique assignment. You and a few of your co-workers will work together to try and beat out the rest of your co-workers for a very special promotion. You will pick one CD (from a list of CDs that your boss has compiled ahead of time) and will write a number of short stories based on the lyrics for a handful of the songs (or one-two for each member in your group). You will compile all of your short stories into a handmade book at the end. As a group, you will also present your favorite short story to your boss using iMovie or GarageBand.

=Expectations= It is important that you show up to class **on time and prepared**. This may include having your laptop, a writing utensil, paper, any assignments, and having read anything assigned. Be ready to contribute something to the class, no matter how small. It is just important that you stay involved.

Of course, I understand that sometimes life does get in the way of school and you might not be able to attend class or complete your homework. If that is the case, **please come see me immediately**. If you are absent there will be In and Out folders on my desk. The Out folders will contain any work that you missed during a particular class. The In folders will be a place for you to pass in any homework that was due when you were absent.

All assignments are expected to be turned in on time and completed. All work (with some exceptions) must be typed using **Times Font, 12 points, double spaced, and free of typographic, spelling, and grammatical errors.**

As with all of your classes, **plagiarism is unacceptable.** You are expected to think your own thoughts and write your own ideas. If for some reason you would like to use someone else's idea in a paper or project, you must cite it properly.

All business aside, I feel like the most important expectation is that you have fun with this unit. **Get creative, think outside the box!** Don't limit yourself. Writing is all about reaching into the unknown and seeing what happens when you let yourself go. Don't be afraid to take risks. Just go out there and write like there is no tomorrow!

=Benchmarks= Below is the point value for each assessment and your grade will be based on the percent of points earned from the **total points of 1000.

__Inspiration Concept Map (75 points)__:** Using Inspiration, you will individually create your own concept map about plot and setting. You can design it in a way that makes the most sense to you, just make sure there are enough helpful examples of each element. You will have the power to categorize it and add pictures. You will be graded on organization of information, accuracy, creativity, and effective use of class time.

You will have an opportunity to participate in a number of reflection activities during one of our classes. These include determining your best learning style and "The Line Game". This is an easy way to have fun and earn 50 points!
 * __Reflection Activities (50 points):__**

You are basically creating an imaginary friend. You will fill out a character profile that includes various information about your character (birthplace, age, interests, occupation, etc.) and using that information you will become that character. Using Museum Box, you will create artifacts that you would include in a museum box if you were the character you are creating. By becoming this character, you will be responsible for representing their thoughts, feelings, dreams, etc. through the artifacts you choose to put in the box.
 * __Character Profile (75 points):__**

You and your classmates will be broken down into four groups. Each group will be assigned a different type of conflict. You and your teammates will work together in class to research your assigned conflict. You will then come up with a creative way of teaching your class about this conflict. Your classmates will evaluate you on your presentation.
 * __Conflict Presentation (75 points):__**

In this project, you will be assuming the role of a Japanese child. You will research six different aspects of Japanese culture and create a blog entry for each aspect. In each entry, you can include words, pictures, and stories that answer the question. When finished, you will also answer a number of reflective questions in a separate blog entry. As an added step, you will also comment on the blogs of your peers and make a note of things you may have in common and what might be different.
 * __Journey to Japan (75 points):__**

Instead of focusing on one part of narrative writing, this project will bring the pieces all together. You will write a short story on a topic of your choice that contains all parts of narrative writing that we have learned about: plot, setting, character development, conflict, and point-of-view. Once you have written it, peer-edited it, and finalized it, you will create an e-book so your classmates will be able to read it and comment on it.
 * __E-book short story (100 points):__**

At the beginning of each class you will take 5-10 minutes to write in your journal. Some days I will give you a writing prompt, while other days it will be completely free-write. This is just a good way of getting you ready for class and a good way to keep you writing on a regular basis!
 * __Daily Writing Prompts (150 points):__**

__**Daily**__ **__Blogger Entries (150 points):__** In class, you will all create your own Blogger account. This will allow you to post as many blogs as you would like online. Blogger will be used as a reflection tool. After each class and after each project you complete, you will be asked to create a blog entry reflecting on how you did and what you might have done better. For the daily class reflection I expect you to answer the following questions: 1). What was your favorite part of class today and why? 2). What was your least favorite part and why? 3). What did you do well? 4). What could you improve on? 5). Is there anything you still have questions about? These questions are just a way for me to make sure that you are on track with the material.

You are a music reviewer who works for the popular magazine "Entertainment Weekly". You have been asked to complete a very unique assignment. You and a few of your co-workers will work together to try and beat out the rest of your co-workers for a very special promotion. You will pick one CD (from a list of CDs that your boss has compiled ahead of time) and will write a number of short stories based on the lyrics for a handful of the songs (or one-two for each member in your group). You will compile all of your short stories into a handmade book at the end. As a group, you will also present your favorite short story to your boss using iMovie or GarageBand.
 * __Performance Task (250 points):__**

=Grading Scale= A (93 -100), A- (90 - 92), B+ (87 - 89), B (83 - 86), B- (80 - 82), C+(77 - 79), C (73-76), C- (70 - 72), D+(67 - 69), D (63 - 66), D- (60 - 62), F (0 - 59).