YOUR FIRST POST!

• Post requirements:

• Introduce yourself and a description of you blog...that includes an explanation of your title and reasoning for your overall design.
• Second and third paragraph (this is where you will focus on idea development and voice).

• Start it with "The world I come from"
• Describe who you are, interest, hobbies, dislikes, favorites, etc. Anything you want. Be creative. But make sure it all makes sense and it flows.
• Do not just put a bunch of random things together that have no flow or make no sense.

Example:

The world I come from has no boundaries. Literally, there are no walls surrounding my house, and I'd like to think that is mindset my parents have instilled in me. They have always taught me to be myself, always do what I enjoy, and if people judge me it is because they have nothing going for them in their own lives. Because of this I have lived in a world where I view everything handed to me as an opportunity to learn and grow as a person. Whether it was building model cars, playing volleyball for 15-years including collegiately, or growing my own food, I've always wanted to try things whether or not it was the "cool" thing to do. And I still have a strong desire to become a cowboy and work on a ranch for some odd reason. But of course I am not by any means someone that will do or try everything. I still hate avocado and olives, I have no interest in attending the opera, and still find watching music videos painfully boring.

Practicing Critique Comments

Just about all of the major writing assignments you will do in this class will go through the critique process on your blog. Your classmates and your teacher will comment on your posted draft to help your finished essay attain the standards of effective writing. This is your chance to practice critiquing to prepare for the Words from the Heart Essay. 

Sample Paragraphs from a Words from the Heart Essay: 
     Since we moved to Hawaii, it was always difficult to see relatives because they were so far away. Texas was the usual summer vacation spot for us because my dad's entire side lived there. I loved going there every summer because being Mexican, I was able to really be surrounded by people that were of my culture and background. 
    A part of me often wished that I lived there only because I was missing out on the culture, the language and of course the delicious food. One thing that I loved and even though we were in Hawaii, barely knew any Mexicans, and never spoke spanish, was ever since I could remember my parents always called me "mijo." A simple word that meant son in Spanish. But to me it was something I heard more than my actual name in my household. "Your grandparents in Texas would always call you that, so it just stuck," my mom told me when trying to explain how I got mijo, all while my sister still remained Jennifer. I loved that it was always mijo and loved it even more that it was just used between me and my parents. 
   It is a constant reminder that I am Mexican, a constant reminder that I have family far way, a constant reminder that no matter where family is they never actually leave. Yes, I do wish that I could speak Spanish and wish that my culture wasn't lost because of living in Hawaii, but thats why I love being called mijo because it is a constant reminder of everything I am.

Commentary Process 
You will discuss and post as a team. Be sure to include each member's name so that all can get credit. 

1. Start by reviewing the rubric, so that you know what is expected in this essay. 
2. Begin your commentary with the positive elements of the piece, but be specific!There is nothing worse, or more insincere than a comment like "I loved your essay!" Instead, you can comment on
   
   • Specific details that helped you visualize what was happening, good sensory detail, for example. 
   • Details that brought out the writer's voice, that gave authenticity to the experience. For example, IF I had shared actual details about stories of memories in Texas during the summer, THAT would have been strong voice. 
   • Good organization: you could see the time sequence or spatial sequence clearly. 
3. Then, get into ideas for improvement. Here, it is most helpful if you can express your comments as questions. Thus, instead of saying, "You need more specific detail" you can ask the question, "Can you describe what you exactly feel when you are called by the special word?" 
4. Again, go back to the rubric for your comments. DO NOT JUST REPEAT STUFF FROM THE RUBRIC. Instead, ask questions that will help guide the writer to attain those standards. 

Good luck :) I will assess all of your team critiques so that you will have a better idea of how to do this on your own.

Aloha and Welcome

ALOHA

Welcome to our newest MeneMAC class of 2019!
We will be using this class blog and your individual blogs to share ideas and work on our writing skills for the next two years.
Okay, here is the homework assignment. Email me if you have any questions (zavala.menemac@gmail.com):

First Part: Due before class ends TODAY! 

• Browse the "exemplars" list in the resources tab on this class website
• Find 2-3 you'd like to use as models when thinking about creating your own. 
• Go to the blog tab and leave a comment and include the following:
• You and your partners name
• Which blogs you picked and WHY

Second Part: Design your own blog

• Design and create your own blog on www.blogger.com
• Be sure to have a catchy title that relates to writing
• Send Mr. Zavala the link to your blog (zavala.menemac@gmail.com)
• Subscribe to this class blog by clicking subscribe at bottom of blog. 
• DEADLINE: Wednesday, 8/19/2015