Check in
Open to a new page in your notebook and put "Notes for Reflection Letter" at the top.
Answer the following questions on that page:
What's working for you in this class?
What's not working?
How can you use your creator abilities to change what's not working?
What have you learned so far?
Discuss thesis statements on the board
Paragraphing
What does a paragraph do?
How do we mark the beginning and end of paragraphs?
Types of Paragraphs
lead/introduction
body
conclusion
Intro paragraphs
Discuss introductory paragraphs (20 minutes)
Look at sample intro paragraphs from previous essays
What did the writer do in the opening paragraph of the sample essay to get your attention?
What else could we do to get readers' attention in opening paragraphs?
This is called a hook, attention-getter, and many other names
Brainstorm some hook ideas for your own essay
Paragraphing
Discuss body paragraphing (20 min)
What is a topic sentence?
What is a closing sentence?
Paragraph unity
Paragraph coherence
Paragraph length
Use sentences in groups to create a unified and coherent paragraph
Discuss essay organization (20 min)
Revisit the sample essays
What are the body paragraphs doing that you could add to your discussions of the things that are making it hard for you to be successful?
Review outline ideas
Cool down and next steps (5 min)
For next class:
Craft an introduction paragraph and two body paragraphs
rough draft of full essay due by next Monday