Grateful for Great Educators, and Great Freebies!

Marybeth at Brain Waves Instruction and Literary Sherri have done it again! 


DONE WHAT, you say? 

Why, gathered together an entire "near battalion"  of amazing, passionate, gifted and enthusiastic educators for your benefit, just in time for the Thanksgiving Season. Do you look like this? 

Well, if you don't, maybe I'm not explaining myself clearly enough!    

Sherri and Marybeth compiled TWO "Thanks & Giving" eBooks designed especially for Middle School ELA teachers.  Each book consecutively features a one-page introduction on the teacher-author, for example, what the person is grateful for. As befits the season, each Author Page is then followed by a specially created sheet, for you and your students, to be used as soon as you download! Each book features 25 teacher-authors, and 50 pages in all.  

So what is this "sheet" that I am getting? 

What that sheet is may vary according to the teacher-author! It might be a student graphic organizer, a quiz, a game, a worksheet, a helpful skills reminder, or something useful for the teacher, etc.

You have the opportunity to learn about the teacher sellers, and receive a free gift from each one.  

In total, each book is filled with 52 'Thanks' and 'Giving' pages! Are you feeling grateful yet? By all means visit Literary Sherri 's store, and Marybeth over at Brain Waves Instruction. Please, say thank you! After all, it is a "Thanks and Giving" eBook, is it not?  They make the magic happen!

And you're in a for a real treat, too, since all authors name a person and resource at TpT, right now, that they find truly exceptional. 

So How Do I  Start Downloading this great free stuff? 

Do you teach Grade 6, 7, or 8? 

Click on me and visit now! 

Features so many wonderful activities for Grades 6 - 8. Inside you'll find a freebie by me (that's yours truly!)

Click on me and visit now! 

And remember, once you download....say a big thank you to Sherri and Marybeth! It is, after all, Thanksgiving. 

Writing Prompts Made Fun Again: Brown Paper PackagesTied Up With String!

I'm Gina, of PerfettoWritingRoom. I love writing, I love to teach writing, and there is nothing I love more that to see students' faces get that "aha!" moment when they're inspired with a unique idea that is all their own. And if you've ever felt the crushing agony of defeat that follows a failed writing prompt, you might just be tempted to read on a little further. Here's a picture of me:

Happy in a Bookstore, Of course!

Special thanks today to Minds In Bloom for co-hosting this article! One of the very best blogs on the block if I do say so myself. I am linking here - Please click to see all of their fascinating and educational guest posts and posts by Rachel Lynette. Here is her logo:

                                                                       

Visit The Ever-Popular Minds In Bloom Blog to See More!

Get Ready - Get Set - GO!

My most inspired writing project is a freebie I'm sharing with you today. Calling it a prompt isn't fair. Truly it is an EXPERIENCE that is mysterious, delightful, sometimes frightening and at last enlightening. For this reason, it challenges each student on their own personal level. Whether a student is in 5th grade or 50 years old, this can be a critical writing and also a creative writing experience for all. 

Materials:

Minimum of one item for each student
One Brown paper bag per item so that item are not visible. 
Instructions, step by step
Plenty of paper
One class period for this portion. 

TIPS: students can each bring in an item. Or you can bring in an item. The more these plane, shapes, weights, and dimensions these items have, the better. Small boxes with other items inside, natural elements, fascinating and differing textures open up a new level for writing.

EXAMPLES of great items used in the past: 

old plastic film cases (remember those?) with something else inside

beaded or charm bracelets

natural items - pine cones, rocks that have odd crevices or stripes, a knot of wood, a shell, etc.

magnifying glass 

calculator 

perfume vial or test tub with a cork

a fishing fly or lure

small camera (old, not a modern one)

wooden 3-dimensional puzzle from the dollar store

Embroidered or high-texture items (again, whenever you can place one item inside of another, that's the best).

Here's just a FEW ITEMS  I have in my MYSTERY BAGS RIGHT NOW!! Along with some Simple Directions: 

Are you ready to get started?

*WE All Like a Little Drama! *

When students enter, they must NOT sit. Rather, they will all walk around their desks, placing their hands inside each bag, quietly feeling the contents of each bag. No talking or peeking inside! Each student must choose the item they think would be the most interesting to write about. The mystery of the entire endeavor is what piques students' interest. Once each student has chosen, they will sit down with the bag and the item STILL safely inside. 

Step One

While the students have one hand inside the bag: "Write a tactile description using your hand and all of your faculties, oh, but not your eyes!" This means they can weigh it, feel for texture, knock it on the desk, roll it around, etc. It does in fact require a new way of thinking, especially NOW that they cannot use their eyes. This is descriptive writing and critical thinking. 

Step Two

NOW students may take the item out of the bag. Tell them: "REALLY Look at it. Skip a line on your paper for Step Two. For sentence one, please state what the item it. Now, use your language skills to describe this item. Consider, color, length, weight, height or more. Where might it have come from?"

Step Three

Now students will use figurative language. Tell them that they are allowed to begin with silly or obvious similes or metaphors, but as a few minutes tick by, they should try to stretch their abilities. "Really push yourself. You may use simile, metaphor, personification, more, to describe the items color, shape, texture, or other features."

Step Four

Here is the surprise. The item you are looking at - well, I HATE TO TELL you this -  isn't what you think it is AT ALL. It is... 

A. a KEY to unlock something of great potential/power 

B. an object with a secret history, held by someone who is only able to tell 

     its story to one person on his or her deathbed 

C. a super-spy device of use in an important mission 

D. an object that will bring peace to a planet 

E. essential for some civilization's utter survival . . .

Our FREEBIE has options that go up to the letter "N." Or come up with your own!

 The Student GOAL IS TO WRITE A STORY USING ONE OF THESE OPTIONS.  Have characters, a goal, plot, dialogue, etc.

Extension

Students will get at least to the beginning of Step Four by the End of the Period. For homework or Day Two, have students write a story, and share! I hope you enjoy this free resource. I know your students will. Feel free to stop by, pick it up, and like it or rate it!

LET the Fun Begin! Click and Pick me UP!

Yours in Teaching and Writing

Gina, 

PerfettoWritingRoom

                                                           

Poetry, High School, and TeachersPayTeachers . . . Teaching Ideas for ALL

So glad to have you all back at the PerfettoWritingRoom(c)

April is National Poetry Month! 

In NJ ninth graders learn genre, tenth graders American literature, and eleventh learn British literature. Good teachers are always freshening their material, looking for ways to incorporate new material or techniques into their arsenal.

So let's just go there and talk about TeachersPayTeachers and the wonderful poetry items available for secondary students and beyond. Despite the fact that TpT is wonderfully successful as a gathering place for teachers who want free and reasonably priced and completely fascinating items for pre-K, homeschool, and kindergarten through grades 8, more and more teachers are realizing the value of TpT as an electronic mall for secondary and yes, even higher ed materials.

                                             
    Characterization Master Course - No Upper Age Limit            The Sonnet: A History

These are only two of the amazing products offered by my store, though other stores, like Literary Sheri, Room 213, Dianne Mason, Donald's English Classroom, Ellen Weber, and so many others have wonderful products, waiting to be used, nearly prep-free.

Whether you want to study the Transcendentalists, the Beats, the Romantics, have students write their own, cut up cereal boxes and do a little FOUND poetry, do a little interdisciplinary poetry and make portfolios of their work and move towards publication...there is no time like RIGHT NOW, in the spring, when let's face it, we all know that spring is here. Summer is coming, and the students, the teachers, heck, even the principal is looking out the window, thinking, "Oh gosh, pretty soon, I'll have off."

Poetry is wonderful because it underscores the wonder and beauty of the season. Poetry is SNEAKY. Yes, call us dishonest, but teachers do anything to create learning opportunities, and poetry is one of those great deceivers. 

Poems seem small, compact....EASY. But really, there is:

meter

rhyme scheme 

theme - which sometimes can be heavy, man!

sound devices

structure

(unless you've got free verse!)

close reading opportunities

analytical writing opportunities

performance opportunities! (how fun....)

the chance to mix media (add sketches, photos, record your voice reading it, make a short movie that

                                           represents the poem, etc.).

So what SEEMS EASY ends up being the most productive unit yet!!!

Poetry is up everyone's alley up every dog's tree (pardon the cliches). 

Don't let April and Spring and Poetry slip by! Make the most of it. Come up with a great DIY lesson of your own. Or by all means, avail yourself of some small free lessons on TpT, or the paid products at my store, or the really great sellers mentioned above. 

Do You Want to Take Part?

Do you make wonderful lessons already?

Or, are you a writer or other professional who can contribute instructionals?

Do you enjoy sharing your ideas with others?

Would you like to make extra money off your wonderful ideas?

. . . help other teachers or writers?

. . . eventually work from home?

While I can't promise the last one, many teachers and people from other walks of life have had success creating engaging, helpful and beautiful lessons that other teachers, homeschoolers, or just folks in need use, want and love. I really feel I have been blessed by discovering TpT. Check out if it is for you.

Become a TpT seller - Let me refer you!

Why is Sonnet History AS IMPORTANT as The Sonnet Itself? - A Primer for Writers and Teachers Alike with Free Lesson Ideas and a FREEBIE!

Pin of my newest product - History of the Sonnet - a Common Core Presentation (Gr 8-12)

I am just going to TOWN with freebies now that a wonderful lovely superwoman teacher, blog tutor extraordinaire, and new friend has taught me to provide freebies (Kristy Bearfield, I salute you!).  You the reader of course benefit, and you can follow me on Bloglovin' so there's always that to get excited about.

WHY We Are Really Here - The Sonnet!

Today we are coming to the PerfettoWritingRoom(c)  to discuss the benefits of introductions in general, the history of form and the history of the sonnet in particular!

First of all, the benefits of introductions, history lessons, backgrounds, or fun Power Points: 

1. Interest - In the typical English classroom or language arts, the current lingo for creating interest about a topic, and, the first part of a lesson plan, is the anticipatory set. To start a unit on sonnets, or really ANY poetic form, it creates interest to talk about its origin.
2. Groundwork and Foundation - in order to teach rhyme, meter, form, and themes, eventually you may face a problem. You will end up having to go back. Back WHERE ask? Well, to the beginning. Perhaps not to Giacomo Da Lentini, but at least to Petrarch and his conventions. . . right? Why not save yourself and your students the trouble by doing a formal introduction, hmmm? 
3. Counter-intuitively, it may save you some time. Sure it will take a day or two to start from the 13th century. Once you are analyzing Shakespeare, and the students are finding the theme or the conventions and the rhyme scheme, it just might go faster, and you'll make up the time!
4. Retention and a deeper learning experience. There is nothing like understanding the background and history of a form to provide a sense of respect for the subject matter at hand. Students are more likely to retain information about the sonnet when that information is WHOLE. Its beginning and its story, its structure, and then, some examples. Teachers are always busy and have to make tough decisions about what is valuable. It doesn't take a lot of time to review the history of the sonnet, but it will make the iambic pentameter that follows a whole lot more enjoyable. 

And Now a FREEBIE FOR YOU!!!

The following is one page of the notes overview - a compilation from the Power Point - but I think it is fun and helpful. I have seen some of the wondrous K-8 freebies - my material is for high school all the way up to college (sometimes!), so it is never as cute. Sorry about that.
       This FREEBIE is the first page of the Sonnet history. 

The definition doesn't include the rhyme scheme, the volta or turn - I leave that for the SECOND part - the teaching of form, which I am currently working on. 

but it is complete in the Petrarchan Conventions, which is very cool, and a great bargain. YOU CAN'T beat FREE!

Grab the First Page of Sonnet History! 

I hope you enjoy it!!!

Keep learning, living, working and playing, 

PerfettoWritingRoom(c) 

- Gina

Fun with Characterization - Fiction Writing Only - at PerfettoWritingRoom(c) - and Free Ideas. . .

Hi everyone, as Nathan Lane said in The Bird Cage, one does need a hint of color! In honor of good writing (and heck, why not, great movies too!) Here is the pin from my latest characterization product...it is the "Characterization Glossary" a portion of "THE Characterization Master Course" - for those who need greater flexibility and don't really want all parts in the 82 page unit.

Now that the beautiful 82-behemoth is behind me resting on its virtual shelf at
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Characterization-Master-Course-CCSS-With-Analytical-Essay-Grades-9-12-1140265



I figured I could give all of you GRAND LIST OF IDEAS for characterization - So here they are to get you inspired.

These are ideas that I have employed in the large 82-page monster unit, followed by some I just couldn't fit in there. Please feel free to stop by and see what I've done, or, use one of these in your home as a writer or in your classroom as a teacher or professor. Characterization or setting really is the FIRST place to start when discussing story, and I'm happy I'm here with you at the start of our journey together.

Some ideas for you to ponder:

1. While I make sure, as you would that you or students understand the difference between direct and indirect characterization and showing versus telling. I also offer in my Characterization Master Unit definitions with guidelines on the eight ways to indirectly characterize....AFTER this is quite clear, I have four prompts deliberately given in frank "direct characterization" language.  The beauty is they can be revisited up to four times.

The goal is not merely to rewrite these as indirect sentences or even as paragraphs, but to create a character scene in which the direct telling statement is absolutely shown, and no words from the original statement are used. One example is "Lucinda was a daredevil who craved danger and excitement." As this is completely direct and telling, none of this except her name can be in the scene. All of it must be shown.

2. Stock characters are always debased and kicked around for their flat and stereotypical nature. Let students prove how many they can come up with and then, choose one, and break that mold by surprising the class with a nuanced and round UN-stock character.

3. Create a character scene by doing your own "visualization." YES. I know, it sounds very "a la artsy fartsy" but if you have a person do it for you, if you do it yourself like a guided meditation, OR, if you do it for students, the results are overwhelmingly positive. CHOOSE four or five places where people congregate and where you or students might like. "The talk" as we call it goes from vague to more specific, and really, there should be a lot of waiting, as the person imagines in their mind. Too much talking is distracting. First choose the place out of the four or five, then focus on the scene, the setting, the activity, then focus on the people, then find THE PERSON. Take it from there observing and taking it details using all five senses. Make your own script. This is the basis for a full character scene.

4. After you have done at least three of these (I have more of course) and you or students have a character that they like, use "Character Data Sheets" - these are unbelievably helpful because they can drive you nuts with inane and useless information - so hey, don't fill those parts out - and then, POW, it actually is the basis for an inspiration.  We included three pages in our Master Unit - so yes, it seems like a lot, but remember there are lines for writing in.

Lastly, I am now working to ONLY include the creative writing prompts for characterization with definitions, and am excising the quizzes and Analysis section. This means a unique fiction-writing only product and even more reasonably priced. And as always, feel free to use the ideas posted here, 'cause that's how we roll at the PerfettoWritingRoom (c)

The Characterization Master Course is DONE! And, "Name as Characterization" FREEBIE?

And yes, it is now available for purchase at teacherspayteachers.com


     http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Characterization-Master-Course-CCSS-With-Analytical-Essay-Grades-9-12-1140265


    Have you ever felt wrung out? Well, eighty pages later, that's how I feel. I think I MAY take a break for a few days!!


          but before I do, I want to leave you with a fun, easy to do and gosh, do I DARE do it again. . . FREE item for you that is inside my "Characterization Master Course."  It's fair to say it would be better if you could "grab it" as you go on other sites. Believe me I'm working on it! And if anyone has any ideas??? You are welcome to contact me at ThePerfettoWritingRoom@yahoo.com


This is my business email. You tell me how to post Freebies, and I'll start doing it! In the meantime, you can look below, or wait until it is posted on the store. I'll let you know when it's up for grabs.




The Sweet Spot in Names and Characterization

In the meantime. . . I was thinking about the agony and ecstasy of names, product marketing, and its relationship to characterization. Sadly, naming your character "Slim" because he's skinny is usually as unhelpful as calling him Dave.
    The key in my opinion is to do as Emily Dickinson suggestion. Tell the truth but tell it slant. Instead of naming someone ironically or literally. . .

Chose words that inspire the imagination but, as Dickinson suggested, are indeed slant.

     In the carefully organized "Characterization Master Course," every detail is considered, the methods or ways in which to indirectly characterize, for example. One of the lesser explored methods is through the naming of characters.
      I once wen tot a doctor named - don't we WISH we could make this - Dr. Lambert Woolley. I was not actually working on a character for a story, nor even working on a name worksheet at the time. And drats for that. But how rich, how silly, or fun, or interesting, to the extent that it gives the finder of such a name (in particular me) IDEAS for character!!! Now THAT's a great a day at the doctor's office.
      A FREE suggestion is complimentary for my readers. Please no reselling or sharing. This is for you along as a writer, or as a teacher for use in your classroom only! Very soon, I will figure out how to attach (Does blogger have this ability?) If any reader knows, let me know. Otherwise I'll come back and give you all the address for the free download!

Why the "Show Don't Tell" Mantra WORKS for Nonfiction and Essay Writing Too!

Ok, maybe I'm getting a little crazy with giving away all my good ideas. But karma is a great thing. In the spirit of forwarding creative writing, I've got something to say about "Show don't Tell." Many of these ideas are available in my upcoming product on teachers pay teachers, "Characterization Master Course: Fiction and Nonfiction Writing and Analysis with CCSS"


In this upcoming super master course, I separate Direct and Indirect Characterization from the "Show don't Tell" rule. They are different, in that the latter is really a guideline that teachers offer up as a reminder, or, that often attempts to describe the difference between indirect and direct characterization.




The fact is....and here is where you might want to take some notes, folks...


Show don't tell at its worst can be damaging to students who then go on to over explain and guild every sentence with one hundred adjectives, embracing the spirit though missing the goal entirely of what this guideline implies. At its best, "Show don't tell" ALSO offers up simple rules that CAN when used PROPERLY - this being the key word - help fiction writers and NONFICTION writers be stronger, more engaging writers.


Some General Rules People Attribute to "Show, Don't Tell"
One of the guidelines writers have offered up regarding "Show don't Tell" have to do with the use of verbs and adverbs. Many of the rules are tailored for fiction writing. The takeaway is that some of the rules in practice are useful in essay writing. For example:
    - active over passive
    - avoid "to be" verbs
    - use adverbs when necessary, otherwise, again, use a stronger verb
    - It is better to write in simple tenses (present or past) rather than the progressives (ing),
      or with the "As" construction ("As I knocked on the door, I readied my suitcase and calling
      card.")


There are more. The crux is the by applying these rules to writing, whether it be a story or an essay will yield a stronger product, and by doing this repeatedly over time will result in a stronger writer. As you se below, this is an example of the standard "overwriting" students do in an attempt to be scholarly. The first example is too long and uses unnecessary phrases. The second uses strong verbs.


Nonfiction essay writing example:
analysis of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein


First Attempt: In the novel, as Dr. Frankenstein views the creature for the first time, he's horrified
             by the monster he had created.
After: Victor refused the monster he had toiled to create.




Next time... more discussions and freebie ideas leading up to the major launch.


All the best, and until then,
Happy writing, reading and teaching,
Gina
PerfettoWritingRoom




  


                                     

A Freebie for my followers as promised

My Sale starts today!


        Please just go to this website and grab the following below. In true fashion, I am offering two posters that praise the value and merits of creative writing in the classroom, but also elevate the person who writes. I feel reading these posters makes you feel good, and makes you not only want to write, but makes you be a little kinder to others. Best of all, it's completely free.


                          http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Posters-2-FREEBIE-Welcome-to-My-Store-1064172





                          Here is a copy of one of the posters. If you like, go
to the store and download it now!!!

God Bless and enjoy yourself and your students.

Gina (PerfettoWritingRoom).

A thank YOU to Everyone, A 20% off sale, Plus Added Freebies....So what does THAT Mean???

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/PerfettoWritingRoom



Hi everyone. I wanted to invite you OFFICIALLY to my store with a 20% off SALE, kicking off the NEW YEAR.

      This means that you can buy, or not if you don't want to.

      It also means you can browse and get to know me, my products and what I do.

      Lastly, it's an opportunity for you to download at least one free item. WHY?


             Well, I know many people have "click here for the freebie." I don't have that yet, but rest assured, I am working on it. SO, in the meantime, take a virtual stroll down the Main Street of my town and take a look. I sincerely hope you find some fantastic bargains. Here is my flyer. . .

 

God Bless, and Happy New Year, Happy Writing and Creating to you all.

 

Gina (PerfettoWritingRoom)

 

In honor of Creative Writing and It's Importance a Freebie to My Followers!

I think Creative Writing simply needs to be taught more! And it needs to be seen as the important and useful writing tool that it is!! Anyone who is following this blog...if you are kind enough to give me a few days, I'll find a way to add a widget to my blog. This post will be a freebie poster you can open and download. The holiday break approaches. God Bless.

Gina
PerfettoWritingRoom