Creative Writing Instructor: Mrs. Briette Peterson B.S., M.A.

River Springs Charter School DaVinci Middle School Academy Temecula Center
Course Overview and Objectives: Creative Writing Introductory (Fictional Writing) Students enrolled in this class will be introduced to fictional creative writing and will love it! This class is all about discovering imaginary stories and is an introduction to various forms of writing, such as short stories, poetry, and collaborative fiction. Students also experiment with writing these genres and will have the opportunity to write individually and in group settings. Students are introduced to the concept of a writing workshop, wherein they share pieces with peers in order to give and receive feedback. Creative Writing Introductory (Non-fictional Writing) Students enrolled in this class will be introduced to non-fictional creative writing and will love it! This class is all about writing truth and fact creatively. Students will be introduction to various forms of writing, such as biographies, memoirs, journalism, and editorials. Students also experiment with writing these genres and will have the opportunity to write individually and in group settings. Students are introduced to the concept of a writing workshop, wherein they share pieces with peers in order to give and receive feedback. Creative Writing Introductory (Screenwriting and Lyric Writing) Students enrolled in this class will be introduced to screen and lyric writing and will love it! Students will produce short screen-writes and will have the opportunity to record and direct their own short film. Students will also learn and experiment with writing their own song lyrics. Be Prepared: Come to class each and every day with creative writing journal (this is your composition book), pencil, pen, etc. I require one composition journal to be used almost every day in class. We will also use these journals to glue in handouts, assignments, rubrics, etc. You MUST be in your seats and quiet when the bell rings. We have a lot to do and very little time in which to accomplish it. The quicker we get moving, the more time we have to work on the days objective. If there was a piece due, have it out and be prepared to discuss your writing as well as that of your peers at the beginning of class. Be ready to learn. If you expect a good day, youll have a good day. Try your best to check your baggage at the door, or let me know if you are having a rough day before class begins so I can attempt to accommodate you. I need you to put your best foot forward and be fully present when you are in my classroom. Smile, it's contagious!! Be Respectful: We all know what it takes to have a positive classroom environment: respect of others ideas, opinions, and rights. We all have the right to learn and can do so in an environment that promotes mutual trust and respect. This is especially important in a class in which people may

share very personal writing. I expect you to act appropriately in interacting with each other and myself. A big part of being respectful is providing your full and undivided attention while someone is speaking. I will not tolerate anyone speaking, zoning out, packing up early, or sleeping, etc. while myself, or any other students, are speaking. IPODs and Cell phones are not allowed in the classroom. They are disruptive to your learning and that of your peers. I do not want to see them in the classroom so leave them in your backpack. Policies and Procedures: ABSENCES: If you are absent, please make up your work as soon as possible. It is very important that you complete make-up work in a timely fashion. Extended illnesses or absences should be worked out with me as to the dates your assignments will be due. It is your responsibility to get the days assignments and find out what you have missed. Some great ways to do this are: 1. Asking another student what we did the class before, 2. Emailing Mrs. Peterson before class, 3. Asking Mrs. Peterson before or after class, 4. Looking on the Class website (www.mrsawesomepeterson.com) I will not answer any questions about previous days after the bell. When the bell rings, the current class period begins, and we all need to focus on the task at hand. LATE WORK: I expect your writing to be done on time at all times. This class cannot function if people do not finish their writing. However, in the event that you do not have your work completed on the day it is due, you may hand it in one day late for a 25% deduction. You have up to one week to hand in any late work for up to 50% credit. Work turned in after one week from the original due date will not be given credit. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Cheating will result in an automatic zero and referral to the office. Plagiarism, the taking of anothers ideas or words and using them as your own, is not acceptable and will also result in a zero and a referral to the office. This class involves very personal writing. You should have no reason to copy the work of another person. You know what it is. Dont do it. Grading: You earn your grade by completing your writing in a timely and professional manner. Your projects will be graded on style and personal voice. At times you may be required to write in a certain style or utilizing a certain theme. In this case, your grade will also include applicability to the assignment. I expect all students to participate in small group and full class discussions. You will receive points based on not only your speaking in class, but your active listening as well. Active listening involves not only hearing what is being said, but also understand, interpret, and evaluate what is being said. It is very obvious when you are merely listening and when you are actively listening.

Teacher Contact Information: I will be available before school, after school, and through email to discuss issues regarding missed homework, extra help, etc. I expect students who were absent to use this time to catch up instead of using regular class time. Advocate for yourself!! If you are struggling or have a question, come talk to me. I dont bite. If you have any questions or just want to talk, stop in and chat. If you need to communicate with Mrs. Peterson outside of school, e-mail is the best way: Mrs. Awesome Peterson [email protected] Be Respectful, Work Hard, and Have Fun! Classroom Policies and Procedures 1. Students will not leave the room unless it is an emergency and permission has been granted by Mrs. Peterson. If you are given permission to leave the room, you must sign out and have a pass with you before you enter the hallway. 2. All students must be in their desks when the bell rings. If there is a bellringer on the board, students need to begin immediately. 3. BE RESPECTFUL!! I will not tolerate any student disrespecting other students by talking over them, sleeping, etc. You are expected to show respect to your peers at all times. 4. Raise your hands. A classroom cannot function if everyone is talking over one another. Everyone wants to be heard. Do not disrespect another student by talking over them. 5. The bell does not release you from my classroom. I do. Do not pack up early and do not line up at the door. This is a major pet-peeve of mine. 6. All homework will be handed in at the beginning of the hour by Pack em, Stack em, Hold em High. I will go over this procedure the beginning of the school year as well. Have your homework out and ready to pass forward at the beginning of class. If it is not handed in at the beginning of the hour, it is late. Most work can be done in class, if you use your time wisely. You receive Homework by NOT using your time wisely in class!! If you have incomplete work, do not finish it during class. We have a new lesson to begin, do not get farther behind because you did not complete the homework for the present day. 7. It is unacceptable to lay your head down or sleep in this class. It cheats you of your education and wastes valuable time in which you should be learning. 8. If we have notes, it is expected that you take them down and keep them somewhere so you can study them. Notes are taken to cement knowledge and for future reference, utilize them. 9. Do not leave garbage in the classroom. Food, candy, soda, etc. are prohibited from this classroom. 10. Do not bring anything that will distract you from your learning. This includes cell phones, IPODs, and any other device that will cause a distraction. Do not try to use your cell phone under your desk. It is very obvious and I will not tolerate it.

***I have set up an app where you, as a parent, can receive updates, important reminders, etc. You may receive these updates via text. If you are interested please do the following: Creative writing (fictional writing) class should follow these steps For text: Send a text message to :(385) 218-6781 Write the message: @mrsawesome

Creative writing (lyric and screen writing) class should follow these steps to receive your messages: For text: Send a text message to :(385) 218-6781 Write the message: @awesomer

Creative writing (Non-Fictional writing) class should follow these steps to receive your messages: For text: Send a text message to :(385) 218-6781 Write the message: @awesomeone

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