TODAY’S GOALS Introduce Major Essay 1: Write to Reflect Review sample reflective writings Brainstorm possible topics for Major Essay 1 Continue discussion of quality writing

CLASS DISCUSSION REFLECTIVE WRITING STRATEGIES Watch: -“Reflective Writing: A Very Brief Guide” -“Otis Teaching Tips: Reflective Writing” Questions for class discussion: What is reflective writing in your own words? What should we avoid in reflective writing? How might reflective writing be useful for your major?

GROUP ACTIVITY: INTRO TO MAJOR ESSAY 1 WRITE TO REFLECT Read through WTR assignment sheet as a class In your unit 1 groups: Select and read through one of the sample WTR essays on the class website. When you are finished, answer the following questions: 1.What space has the student decided to focus on? Why do you think this space is so meaningful to the student? (This may be considered the theme of the essay) 2.What emotional responses does the writer show in their essay? Use specific examples here 3.What characters and settings does the writer give detailed descriptions for? How do each of these related to the chosen space? 4.Based off of these examples, what is one space that each student in your group might choose to reflect on? (Note: you are not in any way required to keep this space as a topic)

BLOG ENTRY 3 Focus: WTR topic brainstorm Take a few minutes to begin brainstorming possible topics for your WTR essay. Rather than thinking solely of places you have been, try reflecting on your own identity and then try to identify places that have been important in shaping it. You may wish to consider: Who am I? What makes me special or unique and sets me apart from my peers? What spaces might have contributed to these differences? Are there any places back home that I miss? Why might I feel that way? What spaces showcase my family, community, or cultural identity? What events in my history helped shape who I am? Where did these events take place? If you already have a topic or space in mind for your essay, instead begin thinking of why that place is important and what you will write about it. You may wish to consider: What are my emotions or reactions when I think back about this place? When I visit it? How many times have I been to this space in my life? What are the features that stand out the most about this place? What does it look like, sound like, or smell like? What part of my identity did this space help to shape?

GROUP ACTIVITY: DEFINING QUALITY WRITING In your unit 1 groups Answer the following questions below (adapted from activities on pg. 16 of I&A) 1.What is quality writing? Come up with a definition in your own words. 2.Pick one type of writing your group has discussed earlier this week. Identify at least 3 ways you can make that type of writing as high quality as possible. 3.What, in your opinion, are the criteria for earning an F, D, C, B, or A in a college course? 4.Should a student who received high grades in high school expect similarly high grades in college? Why or why not?

HOMEWORK Upload Blog Entry 3 Ready I&A and