Weekly Agenda: January 4-8, 2010

Monday, January 4
Volunteers share their nonfiction narratives
What was easiest about this project? Most challenging?
Writing about yourself: The Personal Essay
Read “What Really Scares Us” (handout)
Journal: Write a 2 page journal entry discussing one of your greatest fears – a phobia. Explain instances when it has reared its ugly head. Then, take a step back and consider, on paper, why it scares you so much. Be as introspective as possible.
HW: None, unless you need to finish your journal.

Wednesday, January 6
Trade journal with a partner. After reading, volunteers will read the work of their (anonymous) partner.
Read and discuss “The Stereotype Trap” (handout)
- What about the essay do you agree or disagree with?
- What do you find persuasive or unpersuasive?
- What, if anything, did you find educational or surprising?
Journal: This entry has two parts. First, write about the stereotypes that you feel other have applied to you, in the past or the present. Give specific examples of moments or events when these stereotypes have been to obvious to ignore, or when they affected you negatively or positively. Second, address each stereotype (if there is more than one) and explain how you fit it, how you don’t fit it, and what you’ve done to avoid it or encourage it. This should end up at 2 pages or so.
HW: None, unless you need to finish your journal

Friday, January 8
Trade journal with a partner. After reading, volunteers will read their work aloud
Writing a process piece
- Point: To explain or teach how
- Components:
o A beginning, middle and end
o Something the writer knows about/has expertise in
o Includes all essential information, details, or steps
o Focused, but (ideally) not boring
o Considers the audience
- Examples:
o “How to Become a Writer” (excerpt read aloud) - discuss
o “The American Way of Death” (handout) - discuss
HW Journal: Write a 1-2 page process essay on the topic of your choice.
Brainstorm first, then think of your audience and tone. Be specific and focused, serious or funny or whatever you feel like.