November 1, 2010
Eric leaned back on his plastic cafeteria chair. He scanned his surroundings and sighed at all the familiar faces. "Same stuff, different day," he muttered to himself. It was always the same here at Monroe High School. Nothing interesting ever happened. He heard the crackle of the loud speaker as Sarah, the extra-perky office aide, read today's announcements. More sport practices after school. Play auditions in the auditorium...whatever....blah, blah, blah. Then, all at once the room grew eerily quiet. The usually exuberant voices died down and everyone turned their astonished eyes toward the school's large windows. Eric couldn't believe it. Choking a little on his Mt. Dew, Eric's chair slammed down on the floor. It was a magical moment. There, just outside the window on the brown grass was....( 13 lines)
November 2, 2010
When you confide in a friend, you hope he or she will keep your secrets. Do you think there are some secrets you should not keep for a friend? Or do you think that it's always better to keep your promise and tell no one about your friend's secret, even if someone else may be in danger? (13 lines)
November 3, 2010
" If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And...why are you waiting?"--Stephen Levine
Answer Levine's questions as openly and honestly as you can? If you could tell ONE person ONE thing, what would you tell them?
Why not tell them now?
(13 lines)
November 4, 2010
"Man in the Mirror"
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you like what you see? What, if anything, would you change?
If someone else were to describe you, what would they say?
(13 lines)
November 5, 2010
"Honestly!"
Do you believe you are generally an honest person? Do you find yourself telling people what they want to hear, rather than how you really feel? Are you willing to lie a little if you need to make an excuse? Or, are you really blunt? Do you tell the truth, even if it will annoy people?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Journal 10/25-10/29
The Rainy Day
The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the moldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.
My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the moldering Past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast
And the days are dark and dreary.
--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
What do you think Longfellow is saying about life? How is his life like the fall?
Write a six line poem about fall.
October 26, 2010
Creative writing prompt:
"It wasn't so much that she didn't want to be here...she shouldn't be here. Cold fear gripped her and slowly made its way from her feet to her heart. She could feel it thumping in her ears. She turned suddenly to see..." Finish the story (half page)
October 27, 2010
"Breaking up is hard to do"
These classic lyrics from an old song tell the story of a difficult break up. Write about a time you were either the dumper or the dumpee. Which do you think is harder?
(half page)
October 28, 2010
"I'm Grateful"
Even the dreariest, most awful weeks aren't bad twenty-four hours a day. Think of a few things that have happened this week that you're grateful for.
October 29, 2010
"For this is Halloween"
Gone are the days (for most of you) that you dressed up in a costume and knocked on doors asking for candy. Write about your favorite Halloween costume ever, your most memorable Halloween party, and the best treat you ever got from trick or treating.
(Half Page)
The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the moldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.
My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the moldering Past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast
And the days are dark and dreary.
--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
What do you think Longfellow is saying about life? How is his life like the fall?
Write a six line poem about fall.
October 26, 2010
Creative writing prompt:
"It wasn't so much that she didn't want to be here...she shouldn't be here. Cold fear gripped her and slowly made its way from her feet to her heart. She could feel it thumping in her ears. She turned suddenly to see..." Finish the story (half page)
October 27, 2010
"Breaking up is hard to do"
These classic lyrics from an old song tell the story of a difficult break up. Write about a time you were either the dumper or the dumpee. Which do you think is harder?
(half page)
October 28, 2010
"I'm Grateful"
Even the dreariest, most awful weeks aren't bad twenty-four hours a day. Think of a few things that have happened this week that you're grateful for.
October 29, 2010
"For this is Halloween"
Gone are the days (for most of you) that you dressed up in a costume and knocked on doors asking for candy. Write about your favorite Halloween costume ever, your most memorable Halloween party, and the best treat you ever got from trick or treating.
(Half Page)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Ocotber 18-22 Journal Prompts
October 18, 2010
Hit the Jackpot!
Suppose you win $10 million in the lottery, but there's a catch: You have to donate half the money to charity. What charity would you choose? What would you do with the money you got to keep?
October 19, 2010
Literature and film are full of characters who fall in love at first sight. Do you believe this kind of love is possible? Do you believe two people can look at each other and fall instantly in love, knowing they are meant to be together? Has this ever happened to you? Explain how you feel about this idealistic notion.
October 20, 2010
"I'm Sorry"
Apologizing is hard to do. Sometimes you can't bring yourself to do it, or sometimes your attempt to apologize just infuriates the other person even more. Write about an apology you wish you'd made or an apology that went awry when you tried to make it.
October 21, 2010
"Dare to date?"
Say you've met an amazing person you're dying to date. This person feels the same way about you. The problem is this person has a quality your family would flip out about, even though you don't think it's a big deal. Maybe it's this person's age, race, occupation, religion, or interests. What about your potential girlfriend/boyfriend would drive your parents insane? Do you think you'd back down and not date this person if your family made a huge fuss, or would you stick to your guns?
October 22, 2010
"Never Ever"
Think about all of the older people you know--teachers, parents, coaches, neighbors, friends, relatives, acquaintances. Probably one or several of the adults you know have provided you with an example of how not to live your life. Look ahead to your future and think about one thing you will not let happen. Begin by writing: The one thing I will never do is...
Hit the Jackpot!
Suppose you win $10 million in the lottery, but there's a catch: You have to donate half the money to charity. What charity would you choose? What would you do with the money you got to keep?
October 19, 2010
Literature and film are full of characters who fall in love at first sight. Do you believe this kind of love is possible? Do you believe two people can look at each other and fall instantly in love, knowing they are meant to be together? Has this ever happened to you? Explain how you feel about this idealistic notion.
October 20, 2010
"I'm Sorry"
Apologizing is hard to do. Sometimes you can't bring yourself to do it, or sometimes your attempt to apologize just infuriates the other person even more. Write about an apology you wish you'd made or an apology that went awry when you tried to make it.
October 21, 2010
"Dare to date?"
Say you've met an amazing person you're dying to date. This person feels the same way about you. The problem is this person has a quality your family would flip out about, even though you don't think it's a big deal. Maybe it's this person's age, race, occupation, religion, or interests. What about your potential girlfriend/boyfriend would drive your parents insane? Do you think you'd back down and not date this person if your family made a huge fuss, or would you stick to your guns?
October 22, 2010
"Never Ever"
Think about all of the older people you know--teachers, parents, coaches, neighbors, friends, relatives, acquaintances. Probably one or several of the adults you know have provided you with an example of how not to live your life. Look ahead to your future and think about one thing you will not let happen. Begin by writing: The one thing I will never do is...
Sunday, October 10, 2010
October 11-October 13 Journal Prompts (14th and 15th is UEA break)
October 11, 2010
Creative Writing Story Starter
Writing the opening paragraph to a story that begins with the line:
The prickles on his neck told him he was being watched.
What happens next?
October 12, 2010
If you could bring one inanimate object to life, what would it be? Your mother's prom dress, your teacher's mirror, your boyfriend's or girlfriend's bedroom wall? What questions would you ask this object? Write your response in a screenplay form. For example:
ME: So, prom dress. Tell me. When my mother was sixteen, what sort of trouble did she get into?
PROMDRESS: Well, let me tell you! You are going to be shocked when you hear this!
(Ten lines of conversation)
October 13, 2010
There's "fun scary" (walking through a haunted house, screaming through a horror movie, riding a roller coaster) and then there's "scary scary" (being in a car accident, getting caught in the ocean's riptide). Describe the scariest experience you've ever had. Was it fun scary, or was it really terrifying? (ten lines)
Creative Writing Story Starter
Writing the opening paragraph to a story that begins with the line:
The prickles on his neck told him he was being watched.
What happens next?
October 12, 2010
If you could bring one inanimate object to life, what would it be? Your mother's prom dress, your teacher's mirror, your boyfriend's or girlfriend's bedroom wall? What questions would you ask this object? Write your response in a screenplay form. For example:
ME: So, prom dress. Tell me. When my mother was sixteen, what sort of trouble did she get into?
PROMDRESS: Well, let me tell you! You are going to be shocked when you hear this!
(Ten lines of conversation)
October 13, 2010
There's "fun scary" (walking through a haunted house, screaming through a horror movie, riding a roller coaster) and then there's "scary scary" (being in a car accident, getting caught in the ocean's riptide). Describe the scariest experience you've ever had. Was it fun scary, or was it really terrifying? (ten lines)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
October 4-October 8 Journal Prompts
October 4, 2010
Super Powers
Superheroes have it pretty good. Sure, a lot of them are lonely and misunderstood, but, as compensation, they can create massive storms at will, or fly, or shoot swords out of their fingers. If you could have any power, what would you choose, and why? What would you do with your power (10 lines). In addition, draw your superhero costume.
10/5/2010
Deserted Island
Suppose you will be stranded on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean for ten years. You will be allowed to bring one of each of the following: book, movie, CD, food item, drink item, piece of clothing, and one miscellaneous item. List one item you would bring from each category, and explain why you chose it. (10 lines)
10/6/2010
"Fly on the Wall"
You know what you think about your friends, but what do they think about you? If you could eavesdrop on them talking about you, what do you think you would hear? Who would defend you? Who would criticize you most vigorously? (10 lines)
10/7/2010
Parents: Say what?
When you're young, it seems like parents have some kind of official handbook that tells them everything they need to know about the adult world. At some point, however, you realize they're winging it, just like everyone else; they don't really have all the answers. Write about a specific instance when you realized your parents were confused, irrational, scared, or lost. How did you feel at that moment? (10 lines)
10/08/2010
On My Headstone
An epitaph is a sometimes humorous saying or poem engraved on a headstone. For example:
Here lies the body of our Anna
Done to death by a banana;
It wasn't the fruit that laid her low
But the skin of the thing that made her go.
What epitaph would you want on your headstone? Would it be funny? Sweet? Serious? Write a draft of your epitaph (must be a least 4 lines).
Super Powers
Superheroes have it pretty good. Sure, a lot of them are lonely and misunderstood, but, as compensation, they can create massive storms at will, or fly, or shoot swords out of their fingers. If you could have any power, what would you choose, and why? What would you do with your power (10 lines). In addition, draw your superhero costume.
10/5/2010
Deserted Island
Suppose you will be stranded on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean for ten years. You will be allowed to bring one of each of the following: book, movie, CD, food item, drink item, piece of clothing, and one miscellaneous item. List one item you would bring from each category, and explain why you chose it. (10 lines)
10/6/2010
"Fly on the Wall"
You know what you think about your friends, but what do they think about you? If you could eavesdrop on them talking about you, what do you think you would hear? Who would defend you? Who would criticize you most vigorously? (10 lines)
10/7/2010
Parents: Say what?
When you're young, it seems like parents have some kind of official handbook that tells them everything they need to know about the adult world. At some point, however, you realize they're winging it, just like everyone else; they don't really have all the answers. Write about a specific instance when you realized your parents were confused, irrational, scared, or lost. How did you feel at that moment? (10 lines)
10/08/2010
On My Headstone
An epitaph is a sometimes humorous saying or poem engraved on a headstone. For example:
Here lies the body of our Anna
Done to death by a banana;
It wasn't the fruit that laid her low
But the skin of the thing that made her go.
What epitaph would you want on your headstone? Would it be funny? Sweet? Serious? Write a draft of your epitaph (must be a least 4 lines).
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