Reading Log #2

This isn't really a reading log--yet. I'm still in the "getting to know you" phase. All the activities we've done so far have had three goals: To get you comfortable with me and each other, to get your writing juices flowing, and tell me some things about you personally and your writing strengths and experiences. This one is no different and it is the third and final installment in that endeavor; I promise.

So, here ya go:

Reading Log #2
What do you hope to gain from this class? What “hang-ups” do you have about writing

Next week, we're going to be getting into our first "real" writing assignment as we begin discussing descriptive writing techniques. Shhhh. Don't tell anyone, but what we're really doing is creative writing. And yes, expository writing can be creative too. If you incorporate a few well placed cretive writing techniques, your writing will come to life and increase your reader's interest in it.

In case you missed it, the writing assignment that you need to get done is found on your schedule, but, because I'm the nice person I am, I'm including it here too. Be sure to read the following pages in your textbook: pp 3-29, 307-323, 587-592

As always, if you have a question or need help call me, email me or send me a text message.

Happy writing.

Mrs. M

Welcome to Mrs. McGuire's English Classes

So, by now, you've met me and met your classmates. And you know a little bit more about them than you did when you walked into class. That's all good. But I'm sure that you are still a little nervous about what's going to happen in the class and how you're going to get all the work done. So for your first posting to the blog, I want you to do two things. First, read the article at this website: http://genealogy.about.com/b/a/112029.htm and then follow the links to find out about the meaning of your name. Then, tell us about your name and whether you agree with the claims that the article makes.

Because I will never ask you to do what I am unwilling to do myself, I'll begin the discussion. Here's what I've discovered about my name, Chaun Louise Came:

Confident in yourself with a strong mind and creative flair you have the ability to apply your ideas to practical purposes. Your wisdom and balance means that others seek you out for counsel and guidance. You set high objectives for yourself based on your idealism and then achieve them with boundless energy and determination. You are loved for your understanding and positive attitude to life.

As I read through this, a couple key words jump out at me--"strong mind," "ability to apply your ideas to practical purposes," "others seek you out for counsel and guidance." If "strong mind" means stubborn, that I am. I have been accused of being stubborn all my life. My father's favorite saying was that I was as stubborn as a bull moose. Having never met one personally, I can only imagine just how stubborn one is if he is anything like me. In addition, I am very practical. I think that shows in my teaching style. I look for ways to take the abstract information I have to teach and present it in a hannds-on, practical way. In my opinion, if it's not useful then it's not worth spending time with. Finally, I am one of those people who could be visiting a city, sitting on a park bench, and a total stranger will begin telling me their life's story, and they ususally begin the same "I don't know why I'm telling you all of this. . . ." People generally feel comfortable talking to me--not that I can or try to solve all problems--but I listen.

While this is much like a horoscope in that it is very general, there are some kernels of truth concerning my personality in there. And while it doesn't change who I am, it underscores how I perceive myself and lends credence to some of the things that I have heard all my life about my personality.

Now it's your turn. Have fun and be sure to tell me whether this assignment is a keeper or a loser.