I can't believe it's already over

It certainly was my pleasure to be your teacher this week. I was amazed and impressed by the writing talent I witnessed. You all must continue.

I hope that you all enjoyed the week as much as I have. I hope you now have new avenues where you can publish and new ideas of helping you get over a spell of writer's block. Most importantly, I hope your enthusiasm for writing has grown.

We've built a supportive community of writers, and through the magic of technology, I hope we can continue to share. Thank you for allowing me to learn from you.

See you on the blogs!

Miss Q

Camp Evaluation

Please complete the evaluation below. We would love to know how to better meet your needs.

Click here to take survey

Thanks for your help.

Post-Camp Survey

Please visit the link below and complete the survey.

Thanks!

Click here to take survey

Other cool things to do on your blog

Here are some other neat applications you can do on your blog:

Video Blogging:
http://videoblogging.info/

Publish novels on your blog:
http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=1064&topic=44
http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=1065&topic=44


Post pictures on your blog:
http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=324&topic=17

Enjoy, but be SAFE!!!

Rules to Blogging for Young Authors' Camp

Here are some friendly reminders to getting the most out of your blog:

1) For security reasons, do not use your last name anywhere in your blog.

2) Remember that updating your blog may take a few minutes so be patient, and check back later.

3) Use netiquette.

4) When commenting on writing, please use the Group Response Guidelines we discussed yesterday.

5) Stay safe: only allow invited members to view your blog.

Technology Research

"Turning into Digital Goldfish"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/1834682.stm

"Getting it Said: the 30-Second Attention Span"
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3830/is_200404/ai_n9346420

"Mobile Phones-Technology-Disadvantages"
http://wiki.media-culture.org.au/index.php/Mobile_Phones_-_Technology_-_Disadvantages

"Human cloning, Human genetics and Brave New World - plus entire text of genetics book"
http://www.globalchange.com/clone_index.htm

"Violence in the Media and Its Effect on Youth Violence"
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/youthviolence/chapter4/appendix4b.html

Writing Prompts and Ideas to Beat Writers' Block

1. Have another person make up a title, and you write a poem, story, play, etc. that goes with that title.

2. Open the dictionary, and use that word as an inspiration to the story.

3. Create word banks: have your writer friends write down 10 of their favorite words. Cut them up and put them in a box. Shake the box and pick a word or words. Use the word(s) in your writing.

4. TAKS Testing: Write more often, use description, concentrate voice...

5. Brainstorm and always write down ideas even if you don't use it at that time, you can use it later.

6. Listen to music, and respond to what you hear.

7. Read a famous quotation and use it as a starting point.

8. Write about your favorite things or your least favorite things.

9. Read a story or book-----this can serve as a good starting point.

10. Study things that you are interested in and write about it!!

11. Think of anything or ask someone.

12. Use your imagination.

13. Look on the computer for ideas.

14. Make a continuation of a piece you have already written.

15. Look at the name on paint swatches for inspiring names and words.

Group Response Guidelines

APPROPRIATE, CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS

• Be respectful and considerate of the writer's feelings.

• Use "I" statements.

• Offer suggestions, not commands.

• Raise questions from a reader's point of view, points that may not have occurred to the writer.

• Phrase comments clearly and carefully so that the writer can easily understand what needs to be improved.

• Make sure comments are constructive and specific (not "This paper is confusing. It keeps saying the same things over and over again" but rather "It sounds like paragraph five makes the same point as paragraphs 2 and 3.").

• Avoid turning the writer's paper into YOUR paper.

Final tip: Although it might not be on the feedback form, you can always ask the writer if there is something he or she wants you to comment specifically on in the paper.

I am... Poems

I Am Poem
An introduction in four lines!



I am Miss Q
A teacher am I
I love music, writing, and cooking
My motto is: try, try... try!



Now you try! 4 lines, ABCB rhyme scheme, your creativity!

Camp Expectations

Here are some guidelines for all of us to follow to help us make the most of this week:

1. Be respectful of one another.

2. If you need a drink of water or need to use the bathroom, please raise your hand and ask Mrs. Isbell or Miss Q.

3. When an author is reading or an instructor is teaching, please pay full attention and do not type on your keyboard.

4. We are very lucky to be in this room. Please keep it clean. Treat the equipment as if it belonged to your own family. We want to be invited back, don't we?

5. Complete all homework. We want to be able to have an anthology at the end of this camp so we need to keep up with the writing and not get behind.

6. At the end of the session, put away all supplies. Give your name badges back to Ms. Isbell or Miss Q. Wait to be escorted to the pick-up point.

7. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

8. Help out your fellow campers.

9. Have FUN!!

Pre-Camp Survey

Please visit the link below and complete the survey.

Click here to take survey

Thanks!

Miss Q

Welcome!

I am so excited about this experience! I welcome all my young campers, and I hope you learn so much about your own writing, about your peers writing, about your new friends, and about yourself.

Writing is such an important part of my life. It allows me to reflect, restate, and re-energize. It is my intention to help you find as much value in writing as I do. Many people feel like writing is a chore, but my vision for you is to see writing as a joy and a necessity.

Here's to a meanigful and learning-filled week!

Janelle Quintans aka Miss Q