What makes good ... ?

I returned students' in-class writes from last Thursday and we brainstormed to answer the question, "What makes good writing?" Interestingly, all classes had great responses--they know the features of good writing. I am encouraging them to demonstrate good writing at this level. Here's a link to a solid student in-class write. It's not perfect, by any means, but the writer addresses the prompt articulately, with good insight (link). 

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Yesterday, students were to have previewed the presentation rubric in the computer lab. I went over each category on the rubric today and explained various terms as well. I posted three videos on Moodle to help students as they prepare. Today in class we watched "How to engage your audience" (link). I'll assign the other two videos for homework in the next few days. The videos are short (about 2 minutes) and highlight some great points. 

We also looked at a few passages that are significant to students' understanding of Lord of the Flies: Ralph's reverie, the ceremonial dance and chant, and Simon's murder. I try to be sure kids follow along as we read and discuss--check with them for the insight they have gained. 

Tomorrow I'll be in a meeting for most of the day, so students will have a sub. I have a study strategy copied for them to work through in small groups--if they're on task, they should be ready for the in-class write on Thursday.