Computer Lab Worksheet
The purpose for today’s visit to the computer lab is to work on your first essay and catch up with the novel.
- Class Work: Free Write. You will do this in class on a separate sheet of paper.
In the article Gerlach defines abandonment and describes its causes and the effects it has on children and adults. Free-write about each of the following questions for five minutes for each question on a separate piece of paper.
- Do you think Sal’s mother has abandoned her according to Gerlach’s definition? Explain your answer.
- Do any of the causes Gerlach mentions explain why Sal’s mother may have abandoned her? Which one and why?
- Gerlach lists several possible effects of abandonment on a child. Is Sal affected in any of these ways? Explain.
- Look at the simile practice on page 6 of Reading Packet # 2. Follow the instructions. If you prefer, you can make a simile for your essay that fits the topic of your description.
- Listen to the videos I will play for you. YoHou can listen again at home, but be sure to consider the sentence structure carefully as you work on your essay today.
- Access your essay. If it is handwritten, take it out and begin typing it on your computer. If it is already typed, be sure to upload it to the computer either through your email or a flash drive. If you need help, raise your hand.
Look at your draft of your essay.
Your narrative must include:
- colorful language, verbs and adjectives to make your narrative (story) come alive: show some examples-you can show me
- use at least one simile as we have practiced in class.
- be told from a particular point of view;
- make and support a point;
- be filled with precise detail;
- use vivid verbs and modifiers; Choose one chapter in the novel to look at again. Notice the descriptive language that Sharon Creech uses. Can you use any of this language in your essay? This does not mean copy but choose some adjectives and adverbs that you think would fit the topic of your essay.
- use clear time sequence so we can follow events in your story;
Vocabulary Practice: Use words from the article on abandonment; I would like you to buy a $.50 green notebook from the bookstore. Or you can keep a list online by making charts like the one below:
| New Word | Translation |
| Synonym or Antonym | Example with Correct Usage |
HOMEWORK: Write a summary of the article we read on abandonment. Use the vocabulary words you chose. Also, be ready to discuss Chapters 9-12 and 13-16.
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