I don't know how you feel about your high schoolers attending (still hybrid) classes for the full week (Wednesdays included), starting in December, but I imagine you're pleased. More classes, more time for instruction and feedback, questions and answers. Never a bad thing! I haven't polled the students, but I bet they're feeling kind of 'meh' about it. I wouldn't fret...they'll warm up to the idea.
Freshmen started a new unit this week: Creative Writing (and more reading, too!)...my favorite unit, but shhhh! Don't tell anyone. We're using images to kickstart our words on the page and fire up our imaginations. Eventually we'll talk about creating characters, authentic dialogue, engaging plots, captivating settings, and spicy conflict. I'm currently taking part in NaNoWriMo 2020, which is an internet novel-writing project that you undertake at your own risk. The endeavor: write 50,000 words in the month of November. The risk: lose your wits, a consistent sleep regimen, and some writing cred. Actually, just taking part is a win-win and introduces you to nurturing writing communities (far and near). They also have a NaNoWriMo young writers challenge for the creative souls under your roof. It's never too late to start. Ever. I'm currently working on a piece of young adult, historical fiction called Adrift, about a young man who must restore his father's reputation and uncover the truth about his death. It takes place in the 1870s and will whisk you from Massachusetts to England, from France to Gibraltar. So when my freshmen are writing creatively this month, so am I!
The juniors in Rhetoric are capping off their learning about logical fallacies. And you know if juniors take Rhetoric, they're going to learn about logical fallacies, and if they learn about logical fallacies, they're going to see 'slippery slopes,' and if they traverse the slippery slopes, they're going to want a cookie to go with them. Sorry...mixing my literary references there (apologies to Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond). Onto more civil online reasoning after Thanksgiving. We want an informed citizenry!
And the seniors in Lyric class have begun the songwriting unit. We're learning about adding in the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, HOW, and WHY into our lyrics. And we've been listening to lots of great songs from the likes of Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Weezer, Cat Stevens, Janis Joplin singing Kris Kristofferson, and more. Most of these students have been writing lyrics for a while on their own, so right now it's a chance to uncover and try on new technique. We understand that you can't wait for inspiration, that art takes perspiration. Onward!