Teen Writers Circle Class Summary 9/23/13

with Michelle Cameron

The Art of Critiquing

Today was the first opportunity we had to critique writing the students did at home. Quite a number of them chose to refine the stories they began in last week's class. We reviewed the rules of critiquing and the kids did a great job of not speaking while their work was being discussed.

Among the topics we touched upon as a result of their work:

• Point of View
• Giving a tense scene the room it needs and deserves
• Tightening language for greater impact
• The use of senses in description
  

In any given week, we will get through as many student pieces as we can. But it's a big group, and I don't want to sacrifice in-class writing time. I keep careful notes of who read, and took home work from the three students who didn't get critiqued this week. Not only will they be first next week, but they'll also get my comments on their current piece.

---

Creating Characters

Today's prompt involved creating a character. We used The Writers Circle personality and situation card decks, to give the writers a starting point from which to create their characters. The stories they started were inventive and there was a lot of laughter around the circle as they read these early drafts. 

But, as we discussed, we've just touched the tip of the iceberg regarding character development. I'd like them to focus on this during their homework. 

For homework this week, students have the following options: 

• Continue this week's piece. If they do, I want them to download and fill out this Character 20 Questions Sheet. They should bring the filled out sheet with them to class. Do tell them that if they can't answer a question, that's fine. 
  
• Continue last week's piece. A lot of the students ended on cliff hangers and we encouraged them to go on. Please have them fill out the Character 20 Questions Sheet as well - for their main character. And again, bring it to class. 
  
• Write an original piece. I still want the Character 20 Question Sheet filled in for their main character, though!

I'm really enjoying working with your young writers and look forward to next week!

---