Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Voice...


Today, while typing your class syllabus (well, modifying it), I realized I need to update the blog and give a little more information on what you will be doing here. One of the major points of emphasis this year is developing original voice. We will be using excerpts from Discovering Voice: Voice Lessons for Middle and High School and Voice Lessons by Nancy Dean to understand and develop our individual voice in writing. This being said, one of your first assignments will be to respond to a topic from Discovering Voice. Please bear in mind I am looking for QUALITY not QUANTITY. I want you to be thoughtful in answering the question and to write carefully. I will embed Discovering Voice and Voice Lessons in daily classroom work and here on the blog. They will be a vital component in helping you develop a clear, consistent voice (this, of course, is important for any English course, especially AP Language and Composition).

I realize, also, that these posts are mostly introductory. As we begin the year together I will post clear direction for your writing. This blog is in its infancy, so we will see where it will take us. I am excited to journey with you through English this year; I hope you are equally as excited (and ready for the challenge)!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Guidelines for Blog Posts


Hi Everyone!


Welcome to the 2009-2010 GT English 10 blog. This is where you will be able to share your thoughts and observations about the readings we will be doing in class. Before you start blogging, please read the following guidelines for posts. You will be required to contribute to the blog as a part of your participation grade. It will be up to you to keep up with posts, so be sure to check the blog a few times per week!


Guidelines


1. You must make 2 posts per week. One post must be an original post about something we are reading in class or an extension of a class discussion. The other must be a response to a classmates' post.


2. Posts must be at least 250 words in length, but no more than 500 words in length.


3. Posts must be appropriate; that is, they must be written as if you were submitting them as papers in class. If you are responding to a classmates' post please remember to be respectful of their opinions and thoughts.


4. Grammar and spelling will only be taken into account if they interfere with meaning.


5. Each post will count as a particpation grade. They will be each be worth 15 points, so they will equate to three good discussion points in class.