Building Brainpower Through Blogging

Memory maps; six word memoirs; acrostic poems ….  these are all prewriting activities to help students focus and generate ideas for their first piece of reflective writing — a memoir.

A memoir is a piece of writing that is generally focused on one event and the lessons or impact of that experience. 

Activity #1
Think of one event that is special in your life.  Where did it take place?  Who was part of this event?

Activity#2
With as much detail as possible, draw the setting of this occasion.  Include everything you can remember.

Activity #3
In exactly six words, summarize this event… paint a word picture … connect emotionally with your reader.

Activity #4
An adjective is  a word that modifies, or changes, a noun.  Adjectives help the reader know exactly what that house looked like, how scary (or friendly) the dog was.  A good writer uses the best vocabulary he (or she) can to paint a word picture.

Create an acrostic name poem using adjectives that describe your personality.

Example:
R esponsible
E nthusiastic
B old
E ffusive
C ontemplative
C courageous
A daptive

Take a moment and read “Who is Mrs. Mullan?”  (Click on the link in the left menu bar.)  Comment by writing a brief introduction telling the world about you.  How are you unique from everyone else in this class?  What makes you special?  What are your special interests and hobbies? What do we have in common? 

In particular, tell me about what you enjoy reading.  What book would you recommend to other students in our class?  Why?

The more we know about each other, the easier it is to share ideas and feel that we are valued members of this learning community. Go for it!

Do you know what businesses, scientists, reporters, researchers, doctors, and students have in common?

Using technology to share ideas and create solutions to problems.

This year we will also use technology to share and communicate. You are part of the 21st Century Learning Community! Your ideas will be open to the world.

Check out these websites on Internet safety:

www.cyber-safety.com

www.wiredkids.org

Be sure to save all work into YOUR folder on the “H:” drive.

To save into your folder: After keyboarding your document, go to File>Save

Change the Save in: drop down menu to your student number (click on the down arrow and choose it)

In the File Name field at the bottom of the box,  give the document an easily identifiable name. Click Save!

To make sure that the document is there, exit the the document and click on My Computer on the desktop.  Find the icon with your student number and (H:) and double click.  Your document should be visible.  Double click and open it up!