WRITING FOLDER

This is an opportunity for students to explore writing through their own experiences and challenges.  This writing is for the students, you, and not for me, the teacher.  It is the chance to be creative, analytical, critical and daring.

Donald Graves said, "We write to learn."  I believe this is true and you will only get to know yourself better through the written word.  Every day we meet new people, do new things or even see something that we have never seen before.  We often do not take the time to reflect on life and what it means to us.  Things happen every day that have an impact on our life, yet we often do not take the time to think about them or even respond to them.

There are many ways to respond to the world around us.  Many of us are familiar with particular patterns, habits, etc.  The idea behind the writing folder is to move away from what is familiar to us.  Within the folder, I would like you to try to respond in many new ways.  There should be an entry that has proven that you have been enlightened in some way and explain why.  There should be at least one creative entry and you must record the topics weekly.  You must complete one entry every week.  Here are a variety of ways in which to respond to topics:

• Write or present a scene before, during or after an event

• Write a letter.

• Create a script for stage, radio, or video.

• Describe a similar experience to the one discussed.

• Create a series of sketches.

• Write an original song, drama, or story.

• Turn the story into a soap opera, police report, doctor's report, etc.

• Debate the issue.

• Write an alternative ending.

• Write your gut reaction.

• Analyze or evaluate the situation.

The writing folder must be separate from your binder.  It will be checked each week.  This is an opportunity for you to explore your own thoughts/ideas to help you learn and it is also a chance to share a part of yourself with me.  I hope you will find it an experience that you will continue, in the future, on your own. 

EXAMPLES OF TOPICS

• Should school uniforms be enforced?  Prove your view point.

• Should juvenile delinquents be tried as adults?

• What are your views on human nature?  Are you born good or are humans inherently evil?

• Should exam exemptions be applicable?

• What are your views on being "Sackvillian"?

• Do an "I Believe..." poem.

• Should marijuana be legalized?

• Is it better to have innate intelligence or is it better to have a lot of common sense?

• What are your views on Sackville High School?

• What have you recently learned about yourself?

• What are your views on violence in society?

• Write a fictitious story about abuse.

• What advice would you have to offer others?

• Are women different than men?

• For what do you have to be thankful and why?

• What motivates you?

• What are your views on prejudice?

• What are your prejudices?

• What is the best prank you have pulled?

• What are your views on love and love between couples of varying ages?

• Write about your superstitions.

• What careers are you exploring?

• Respect is very important.  Who has gained yours and why?

• Guilt is a very heavy emotion.  Over what have you felt guilt?

• Write an analysis of a character and explain why there is a connection.

• From where does your personality come?

• Describe your responsibilities.

• Describe your pet.

• Write rules for dating in today's society.

• Discuss the value of time.

• What stereotypes are present today?

• What are your views on alcoholism?

• Do you believe in corporal punishment?

• What are your views on paying parents for the debt that they have incurred to raise you?

• Describe the most frightened you have ever been and why.

• If you received a great deal of money, what would you do?

• Write a story about a child who runs away.

• What are your views on evaluation and testing?

• Explain how a person achieves high self-esteem.

• Explain your views on parenting.

• What is average in today's society?

• What would your ideal mate be like?

• Can an individual change society?

• What does Remembrance Day mean to you?

• How far would you go to get what you want?

• What are your views on television programming today?

• What do you think society will look like in the future?

• Write about your family.

• Write about diversity and your views on it.

• Write about an incredible true story you have heard.

• Write about interesting trivia you have gleamed over the years.

• Write a simile poem.

• What are your views on tipping?

• Do you believe students should receive credit for extra-curricular effort?

• What are your religious views?

• What are your views on the current fashion trends?

• How do your parents view you?

• What problems would you work on in society?

• "To the world you may be one person; but to one person, you may be the world."  Who is that person for you?  Are you that person for someone else?

• How are you at taking directions?

• What are your dreams for the future?

• Write a parody.

• What are your views on being politically correct?

• There are many great life lessons.  What are the ones you have learned?

• Create a satirical cartoon.