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Day 1: Introduction to Essay/Essay Contest & Examples
Materials: Freedom Writers YouTube trailer clip (found at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY-KYKyFXCM&feature=related); My own essay
for the essay contest (found at stageoflife.com. They change every month.); Student
Journals; Handout of the Essay Unit Rubric.
Connection-0
Good morning! Today we will be starting our unit about essays. You will find on your
desks a sample essay that I wrote for the online teen writing contest you will all be
entering your essays in. This month’s contest on the website is about what film has
impacted you in some way. I chose mine as The Freedom Writers. We will watch the
YouTube trailer first, and we will read my essay next. After we look at a few sample
essays, you will have class time to work on free writing for this essay contest.
Teaching Point-10
First, what is the essay? I’m sure you have all written one before. We will be looking at
the personal essay, the research essay, and a “This I Believe” essay. I am handing out the
rubric of what you can expect for the next few weeks. We will be looking at topics,
paragraphs, sentence structure, transitional phrases; we will be taking a field trip and we
will be learning how to create our own podcasts.
So, first, we start with the personal essay, since that is the one you will be entering in a
contest. While looking at my essay, underline what you think is the thesis statement, and
make sure the thesis sentences of each paragraph go along with that thesis. How have I
organized my essay? How did I respond to the essay question? There is no “right” way to
respond to the questions, but there are key elements that will greatly help your essay. To
begin working on your essays, you will need to brainstorm and free write about any film
or films that have impacted your life. Next, we will narrow down your topic and base
your essay off of that. Find a space in the room where you can get comfortable and free
write and/or brainstorm.
Active Engagement-20
Students find their own space and free write while the teacher walks around the room
guiding each student and helping them choose their topic.
Formative Assessment
Take note of each student and what space they pick. While talking with students, make
sure that they understand the assignment and where they want to go with it. Keep track of
the students that are actually writing and thinking.
Reinforcement-55
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Great job getting started on your essay topics! I am excited to see your topic expand and
progress. Keep your journals with you and jot down any ideas that you have through
tonight and tomorrow before class. Bring them back and we will continue to work on
your ideas tomorrow.
Sending-58
If you are having trouble remembering certain aspects of a film, go home and watch it
tonight. Look for those aspects that have influenced your life and how you think. How
could you incorporate this into your essay?