1. Information - Session #1
Writer’s Workshop
Information - Session #1
“When you study a topic as a writer, you learn with pen in hand, not only taking in information, but also putting out responses to the information – study, write, study write.”

2. When you want to learn about a topic…Start with what you already know
What does it mean to be an influential person?
What is an activist?

3. Mini Lesson – Getting a Sense of the Topic
What do influential people (activist) do?
They don’t sit on the sidelines
See problems in the world
Work to make the world a better place
Willing to stand up for what they believe

4. Choosing a Topic - Here are some examples…

5. Barrack Obama Traits: Example #1:
African American – crossed a racial barrier
Won a Nobel peace prize
Set the precedent that race does not matter in being able to be an effective leader.
Took down one of the greatest terrorists of all time
Claim: Barrack Obama has crossed racial barriers and will always be known as one of the greatest leaders of all time by opening up the world to the possibility than no matter your skin color you can achieve anything.

6. Example #2 Tim Tebow Traits: Claim:
Religion is clearly an important piece of his life and he is not afraid to be proud of his beliefs
Won the Heisman
Charitable work is a priority
Good role model (good core values, good choices, does good things with his fame)
Claim:
Tim Tebow uses his stature as a world renowned NFL quarterback to share his values and religious beliefs in a sport and world that is full of violence and isn’t always accepting. He has been a shining example of using ones fame for the betterment of society.

7. Example #3 The Beatles Traits: Claim:
Changed the landscape of American music
Their music transcends all generations
Had a large impact on pop culture and society with longer hair and modern dress
Used their celebrity to preach love and peace
Claim:
The Beatles moved beyond not only providing musical influence, but became a cultural force. The music is reflective of the time in which it was written, but also manages to transcend time and engage new generations of listeners.

8. Research / Taking Notes:
Watch the following video clip on Malala – teen activist
Pretend you are a journalist
You will have very little time to “scoop” up as much information as you can.
As you watch the video jot down all the important items they mention.

9. Note-Taking
• Write fast!
• Record important facts (exact names, places, numbers).
• Capture quotes and, if possible, the context in which they were
said.
• Record your ideas as well as information.
• Pause early to organize information (use boxes and bullets,
charts).
• Think, “What big things might I teach others about this topic?”
• Get specific examples or other evidence to support your claim
• Connect all your supporting details to the topic and claim
• Follow a trail of research by asking, “What about this topic is
important?”

10. Compare your notes to mine…
Malala
Pakistani 16 yr. old targeted by the Taliban
Shot but still alive
Shot on her way home from school (in an open air bus)
Shot in the head, bullet missed her brain
Her father is a teacher
She started a movement
When she was in the hospital she made the statement, “I want to serve the people. I want every girl, every child to be educated.”
Malala Fund – set up to help educate girls – over 32 million not in school

11. ( next class we will be heading to the library for research)
Active Writing Time
Start to think about your topic and make come up with a claim
Think, “What big things might I teach others about this person or topic?”
Start to gather evidence or specific examples to support the big ideas
( next class we will be heading to the library for research)

12. Writer’s Workshop Homework
Come to next writer’s workshop with a finalized topic and claim statement