We took the summer reading tests today. After that we discussed strategies for writing college application essays.

HOMEWORK: First Draft of college application essay for Wednesday.

We talked more about college application essays and some tips on how to write good ones. We discussed possible topic ideas. I suggested that students check the websites of the colleges which interest them for essay topics. I also suggested www.commonap.org for essay topics.

HOMEWORK: First draft of a college essay for Wednesday, September 3.

We talked about the different types of writing (Types I-V) and used the idea of the American Dream to generate a Type I and II writing. Students worked on a Type II assignment about the American Dream. I also distributed the Our Family\’s American Dream project.

HOMEWORK: Work on the American Dream project.

We read an article from the Lowell Sun about the budget situation in Tyngsborough, focusing on the structure of journalistic writing and looking at how different it is from academic writing.

Next, we reviewed the questions students generated for our press conference with Supt. Lockwood.

HOMEWORK: Generate story ideas.

We took the summer reading tests and discussed classroom expectations and grading policy.

We then began discussing writing college application essays.

HOMEWORK: Research College Application essay topics.

We took the summer reading test today.

We took the summer reading test today and began talking about college application essays.

HOMEWORK: Research essay topics.

We finished discussing the syllabus and talked more about generating story ideas. Dr. Lockwood, our new Superintendent of Schools, dropped by and agreed to visit again for a press conference in the near future.

HOMEWORK: Continue generating story ideas.

We reviewed policies and procedures for the classroom.  We read Faulkner’s Nobel Speech and tried to determine what he was looking for in “great” literature.  Summer reading tests will be administered on Thursday.

HOMEWORK:  Prepare for summer reading tests.

We reviewed policies and procedures for the classroom.  Summer reading tests will be administered on Wednesday.

HOMEWORK:  Prepare for summer reading tests.