Welcome to Understanding Writing 2013-2014

Since another school year is upon us, I'd like to take the time to welcome the familiar faces as well as extend a salutation to those of you who I don't yet know. I'm hoping this year will be one of creativity, community and collaborative conversation about life and literature.

Reading and writing are essential skills both in the academic and professional realms; those that are able to use the English language successfully generally excel at their chosen career. Understanding Writing is a course aimed at developing critical thinking and writing skills in students so that they can become strong writers in high school subjects across the curriculum. In this course, students will write for a wide range of purposes - ranging from persuasive essays to formal research papers. Each assignment will work on developing each writer's unique voice and perspective.

Writing well requires rewriting. Students will draft some pieces several times, with attention to audience, thoughtful content, and acceptable mechanics. A writing portfolio will be the best evidence of the student's progress as a writer.

Grammar instruction will be embedded within the writing process with a focus on developing fluency in new contexts and mastering conventions. The ultimate goal of this course is to prepare students for the writing components on the HSPA, SAT, and in upper level courses.

The purposes of this blog are multi-faceted. Often, assignments and prompts will be available for perusal on the blog and supplementary materials and creative inspiration posted by the teacher. The blog is also a venue to communicate with your classmates in reference to constructive criticism, to introduce assignments you would be interested in doing, as well as posit specific prompts of your own. As we move through the year, I would like to encourage you to post your reactions, thoughts and analysis assignments on the website – either in comment format or as a new post. Feel free to post any art, music (lyrics), poetry or pieces of pop culture in general that are reminiscent of the themes and topics of the material covered in class. Oftentimes, when I am connected to my work, I will find echoes of it in songs I listen to or movies I watch. Browsing the posts of the previous class and other students is encouraged, as long as you maintain originality in your own posts and use the work of others as a spring-board for your ideas and a medium to engage in academic discussion. Please, remain respectful and academic in your tone and intentions - use proper grammar, complete sentences and support in your responses.