Camp Evaluation

Please complete the evaluation. This is important in planning future Writing Camps so please give us your ideas.

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Many thanks!

Post-Camp Survey

Please visit the link below and complete the survey. Don't forget to click "Done" when you're finished.

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Thanks!

BEAT Writers' Block

1. Have another person make up a title, and you write a poem, story, play, etc. that goes with that title.

2. Open the dictionary, and use that word as an inspiration to the story.

3. Create word banks: have your writer friends write down 10 of their favorite words. Cut them up and put them in a box. Shake the box and pick a word or words. Use the word(s) in your writing.

4. the Best way to prepare for TAKS Testing: Write more often, use description, concentrate voice...

5. Brainstorm and always write down ideas even if you don't use it at that time, you can use it later.

6. Listen to music, and respond to what you hear.

7. Read a famous quotation and use it as a starting point.

8. Write about your favorite things or your least favorite things.

9. Read a story or book-----this can serve as a good starting point.

10. Study things that you are interested in and write about it!!

11. Think of anything or ask someone.

12. Use your imagination.

13. Look on the computer for ideas.

14. Make a continuation or prequel of a piece you have already written.

15. Look at the name on paint swatches for inspiring names and words.

Let's Get Crackin'!

Empty Sentences:
1. I was angry.
2. I had a great day.
3. She was mad at me.
4. The weather was bad.
5. She’s a nice person.
6. She’s beautiful.
7. It was fun.
8. The food was good.
9. I was sad.
10. The roller coaster was exciting.
11. My dog is cute.

Don't Forget these Very Important Blogging Rules

Here are some friendly reminders to getting the most out of your blog:

1) For security reasons, do not use your last name anywhere in your blog.

2) Remember that updating your blog may take a few minutes so be patient, and check back later.

3) Use netiquette.

4) When commenting on writing, please use the Group Response Guidelines we discussed.

5) Stay safe: only allow invited members to view your blog.

Authors' Chair and Response Guidelines

APPROPRIATE, CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS

• Be respectful and considerate of the writer's feelings.

• Use "I" statements.

• Offer suggestions, not commands.

• Raise questions from a reader's point of view, points that may not have occurred to the writer.

• Phrase comments clearly and carefully so that the writer can easily understand what needs to be improved.

• Make sure comments are constructive and specific (not "This paper is confusing. It keeps saying the same things over and over again" but rather "It sounds like paragraph five makes the same point as paragraphs 2 and 3.").

• Avoid turning the writer's paper into YOUR paper.

Final tip: Although it might not be on the feedback form, you can always ask the writer if there is something he or she wants you to comment specifically on in the paper.

Pre-Camp Survey

Please visit the link below and complete the survey. Don't forget to hit "done" when you are finished.

Click here to take survey

Thanks for your cooperation!

Camp Expectations

Here are some guidelines for all of us to follow to help us make the most of this week:

1. Be respectful of one another.

2. If you need a drink of water or need to use the bathroom, please raise your hand and ask Mrs. Sanders or Miss Q.

3. When an author is reading or an instructor is teaching, please pay full attention and do not type on your keyboard.

4. We are very lucky to be in this room. Please keep it clean. Treat the equipment as if it belonged to your own family. We want to be invited back, don't we?

5. Complete all homework. We want to be able to have an anthology at the end of this camp so we need to keep up with the writing and not get behind.

6. At the end of the session, put away all supplies. Give your name badges back to Mrs. Sanders or Miss Q. Wait to be escorted to the pick-up point.

7. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

8. Help out your fellow campers.

9. Have FUN!!

Welcome!

Mrs. Sanders and I welcome you to camp. We look forward to seeing you all grow as writers, and we hope you all enjoy this experience.

Here's to a wonderful week of learning together!

Mrs. Sanders and Miss Q