Directions: 1- Put your name at the top of your slip. Revise one sentence from last night’s writing to make it vivid and descriptive. Consider your word choices and your details. Write the revised version on your slip and turn it in to Ms. Baker. 2- Read each slide of this Powerpoint that Ms. Baker wrote. 3- When you finish reading, follow the directions on the last slide.

Ms. Baker’s Top Ten Tips on Being Successful (and Happy) in Literacy (and in Life)

#10 Remain calm. Try to avoid banging your head against the table (or the wall) (or the window) (or another kid) when something is difficult. Rather than succumbing to frustration, read the directions three more times, and then try to begin. If you are still stuck, ask questions. If you are going to use the phrases, “I can’t…” or “I don’t know how to…” or “I’m not good at…” then please add the word “yet” to your sentence. “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” -- Eleanor Roosevelt

#9 Just because a thought comes into your brain, does not mean that it needs to come out of your mouth. “This is the most boring class that I have ever taken in my life.” “This is sooooo stupid.” “Did you see those ugly shoes that Ms. Baker is wearing?” “Are we ever going to do anything fun in here?” Practice self-control. This is a really important life skill. There is enough conflict out in the world. Let’s try our hardest to make this classroom a place of peace.

#8 Work hard. Do not settle for being “good enough.” “Good Faith Effort” counts for a lot in this class. When I ask you to do something, I expect you to push yourself.

#7 Remember that the fastest person does not always win. This year, we will be working on reading slowly and carefully, on studying an author’s craft. We will also work on improving our own writing craft, revising our Stinky First Drafts. This all takes TIME. Avoid being the first one finished.

#6 Come prepared with what you need. Bring the spiral, the pen, the folder w/paper, the reading book (when we get there), the planner. Do not run to your locker as class is starting. Don’t print right before class. Late work goes in the classroom mailbox. However, late work will not be looked at unless you have attached a form which explains the real reason—“I was sick and missed class the day that you collected the poem.” “A wild turkey bit me and I spent the night in the ER.” “My brother was so angry that he cut the electrical wires in our neighborhood, so we had no power.” I will determine how much credit, if any, you will receive for a late assignment. The forms are next to the mailbox.

#6 Figure out what you need and advocate for yourself. Ask for help, but only after you have tried your hardest and used your resources. questions to me. Usually, I respond quickly. Come have lunch with me if you need help and/or just want a safe, quiet spot. I’m also a good listener if you want to talk.

#5 Keep your mind open to what others are saying. Learn from them. My expectation is that everyone works with everyone else in here. Being able to do so is an important life skill.

#3 Be a Helper Ex: OMG…the books in the classroom library are organized A to Z by title. Please help keep them that way! Ex: Notice when someone doesn’t have a partner or a group. Reach out.

#2 Realize that building strong Literacy skills matters in our world. They give you power. A few of you have said that you didn’t have great experiences in past Literacy classes. I hope that is different this year. I will work my hardest to make it so. I promise to give you choices, whenever possible. I promise to try my hardest to be fair. I promise that we will NOT be wasting time. Every assignment is purposeful. Every assignment builds skills.

#1 Remember that even though you may not feel like you have a lot of choice in your life, you do get to choose your attitude. “…Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms– to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” – Victor Frankl (Holocaust Survivor) Keep perspective -- a lot of students in our city, in our country, and in our world would love to be educated in a school like this… author of Man’s Search for Meaning “...Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” Viktor Frankl (Holocaust survivor) author of Man’s Search for Meaning

It’s Your Turn… Now, create a Top Ten List about yourself. This is due next class (Monday– A day) (Tuesday- B day) Write this in your planner. Here are your choices:

Type your list or, if you must, neatly handwrite on looseleaf paper (not torn out of a notebook!!). *****Each item on the list should be explained with at least a few sentences. **** Consider brainstorming ideas first. Final lists will be shared with classmates. --Top 10 Things that Annoy You --Top 10 Things that Make You Proud --Top 10 Reasons You Love Wydown! --Top 10 Important Facts About You --The Top 10 Most Important Beliefs that You Have --Top 10 Most Important Moments in Your Life --Top 10 Songs you Love (and Why) --Some Other Creative Topic About You– Free Choice On Writing Well: Strong writing is HONEST writing. Strong writing is SPECIFIC (detailed) writing. You are expected to proofread ALL work carefully.