Snow Day

    Well, we had to cancel class on Friday because of the insane amount of snow and the city of Albany's completely lack of concern for removing it. The only thing that can make me miss Syracuse is at least in the 315 they know how to clear the roads. I'm not too concerned. We still have six months together, which is plenty of time to talk essays. And I'm revamping my syllabus to make sure I'm providing them with enough examples.
    When we resume in a couple of weeks--they also have next week off--it's back to the personal essay, but taking a look at how to get started. With a creatively inclined assignment it might be more difficult to begin writing because there's no question to answer or claim to argue. They just have to tell me a story. And sometimes picking the right story is half the challenge. So we'll be looking at the first paragraphs of some essays that show various narrative leads and different attitudes they can take once they discover what their message is. After that we will examine a story by David Sedaris and one by E.B. White to look at plot structure and descriptions. Hopefully, they'll start to get an idea of how to approach their own narrative.
    As we move into the definition essay, and eventually the persuasive essay, I'm thinking of introducing the "On" approach to writing. I need to do a little more research to determine if it will be productive. As always, suggestions are always welcome!