School Sucking the Life out of You?

Blood Drive Day

Today we had the blood drive and many of you missed part, or all, of class.

Here is a run down of what we did:

• Review MLA format
• Look at different introductions to similar type essays as our prompt.
• Begin writing the introduction
• Receiving a stamp toward the end of class for completing your introduction.

The Essay

I want to take this opportunity to remind you that this is not supposed to be your typical high school essay. I don't want to see formulaic writing that you learned in previous classes. Those formulas fit a certain purpose at the time you learned them, but I want you to move more toward authentic writing.

Also, please keep in mind that this is your first draft, and as a rule, your first draft is supposed to be bad. And I mean terrible. Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

My Example from Class

     When it comes to teacher, everyone's an expert. The reason? Everybody's had one. Former students just know who's good, bad, OK, and any other adjective you can think of (and some you probably shouldn't). Everybody has been a student; therefore, everyone is an expert. Maybe that's why politicians think they can just make up any old law for education and think it will work.

     But I digress. The point is, everyone thinks they know everything there is to know about teachers. And I use to be one of those self-proclaimed experts--prejudiced, bias, and totally ignorant. Maybe that's a bit harsh, but it's true. It wasn't until I became a teacher that the veil was lifted and I saw clearly what teachers really are. Actually, even eight years in, I'm still surprised by what I learn about fellow colleagues. It turns out that not even I'm an expert, but I have learned some interesting things.

The Prompt

Language, Gender, and Culture Essay

Writing Assignment -- In a well-organized essay of approximately three to four pages, respond to the following prompts:

Tannen, Kingston, and Ehrlich describe communities or groups with which you may be somewhat unfamiliar. These writers invite you to see the “inside story” with fresh eyes. They complete stories that may be only partially understood. Is there a community or group that you would argue also needs to be better understood?

Identify and define a group or community that you believe needs to be better understood. In defining the community or group, address the following questions:

·         How is this group typically understood?
·         What are the hidden realities that need to be made known?
·         What is the distinctive language style of the group?
·         What are specific “culturally” valued objects or ideas (ideals)?
·          Do they dress in particular ways to communicate their feelings about one another or beliefs about the social world?

Use specific details and examples drawn from your own experience or your observations of others.