October 6

My goodness!  Because of events out of my control, I could not give back your draft of the “process analysis” essay from September 22, and now I also must read your “comparison/contrast” essay drafts!  Whew.

So, this week we’ll focus on Shakespeare’s language, and next week we’ll come back to those essays.

Homework due October 13

1. Memorize the last part of Oberon’s speech about Titania. See the link below for a copy of those lines.
2. Using Shakespearean language, write a paragraph of “flattery” to someone or something – your grandma, your best friend, your stuffed animal, your hamster, your old hiking boots. Use the two handouts, and my flattery example, which are linked below. Write at least 10 sentences in your paragraph! Have fun, be silly.

Why does everyone talk so funny – Copy

Shakespearean Flattery Assignment

Flattery Words from Shakespeare

 

September 22

You turned in your paragraph draft for the “Process Analysis” essay today, and I will get that back to you on October 6.

1. Your next essay is a “Comparison Contrast” paper. Choose two things, such as two pets, two siblings, two friends, two cars, two whatevers!
2. Write a rough draft of comparisons and contrasts –
   1. First, make a list of similarities.
   2. Then, make a list of differences.
   3. Finally, write. Just go for it and don’t worry about formatting yet!  Write at least four paragraphs.
   4. If you were absent, print my example called “Eggplants with Feet”, below:

Eggplants with feet

3. Memorize the next lines from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” Here they are all put together:

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,

Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,

Quite overcanopied by luscious woodbine,

With sweet muskroses, and with eglantine.

If you need to print it, use this link:

Lines 1-4

September 15

Today we discussed the format of a Process Analysis Paper (also called a “How to” paper):

1. Introduction paragraph
2. Materials needed paragraph
3. Steps paragraphs – one paragraph for each step!
4. Conclusion paragraph

If you look again at “Building a Cardboard House”, you will see that it follows the format:

1. Introduction – a big box! Build a cardboard house
2. Materials needed
3. Step 1: the door
4. Step 2: the door lock
5. Step 3: the windows
6. Step 4: decorating the outside
7. Step 5: decorating the inside
8. Conclusion – fun, surprise!

Your job is to choose from your list of topics, make a very short, quick list of steps, and then write your steps into rough draft paragraphs. “Rough” means don’t worry about spelling, punctuating correctly, or anything!  Just put your thoughts on paper!

Then, we learned a teeny bit about the most famous author of the English language – William Shakespeare!  And I taught you one line from his famous play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This week, memorize that line.  Here it is:

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,

It’s short and sweet!  Remember that “thyme” is pronounced “time”, and that “blows” means to burst into bloom. Next week we’ll continue with this quote.

September 8

Thank you for coming to writing class this morning!

Today we wrote a Freewrite for 3 minutes, and we made a sandwich!  What a great way to begin the year, right?

Your homework:

1. Make a list of at least 10 topics you could use for your upcoming “process analysis” essay. This type of writing explains how to do something. Think of things you know how to do and make a list of them (wash the dog, make chocolate chip cookies, sweep the porch, etc.)
2. JUST MAKE A LIST.  Don’t write paragraphs yet!
3. Read “Constructing Your New Cardboard Home” again. Answer these questions on notebook paper.
   1. What do you think of this essay? Why was it fun to read?
   2. Did the writer explain her topic well? Could you build a cardboard house like this one after reading her essay?
   3. What sentences are fun and surprising to read? Copy two of them onto your paper.

This homework is due next Tuesday, September 15.

August, 2026

Dear Middle School Writing students and parents,

Welcome to Middle School Writing class!  I am happy to have you all – those from last year, those moving up from elementary class, and those who are new to Writing Home!

This year we will focus on essay writing, report writing, and reading a classic work of literature.  As we go, I will incorporate practice on the standard English conventions of punctuation, grammar, and style.  You do not need to purchase a grammar/punctuation workbook this year; however, I will ask you to purchase a novel soon for our literature unit.

Along with writing and reading, your student will participate in a Readers Theater performance in the spring.  (Readers Theater is always a hit!)

Supplies

• A spiral notebook which we will call our “Freewrite Journal.” If your student was with me last year, he/she may use the same one without removing last year’s pages. Otherwise, please purchase a new one by the first day of class.
• A small 3-ring binder. We’ve found that the 1.5 – 2.0 inch binders work just fine, but please don’t use the same binder for writing class and science class!
• Notebook paper, and a pencil pouch with pencils/pens should be clipped into the binder.

Assignments and Homework

• Your student will complete one “major” paper each month.
• He/she will always have homework. Check this page to see the assignment, which will be posted by 8 a.m. on Wednesday mornings.
• I’m available to answer any homework questions via email; please don’t text me with homework questions, though!

Deadlines and Grade Reports

Deadlines are real and important. Assignments are due one week after they are assigned.  I do extend a one-week “grace period” however; so your student may hand me an assignment one week late.  After that, he/she will received a “0” in the grade report.

I’ll aim to send grade reports to you via email about every two weeks.

Okie dokie, that’s all for now!  Do let me know if you have any questions, and I look forward to seeing your student in just a few weeks.

In Christ,

Mrs. B