Parents' Page: Creative Writing Contests and Opportunities

Friday, 7 September 2012

Creative Writing Contests and Opportunities

Your children are so creative, and there's many opportunities for them to share their voice. To all of the aspiring authors, budding poets, check out the English Department display wall with student entry forms and information, or talk to me (Ms. Bertrand) for more information on the creative writing opportunities coming up quickly.

****The 7th Annual National Student Poetry and Short-Story Contest is underway with cash prizes and submission deadlines coming up in November****

Explore their site, the rules, the prizes, the opportunities: Polar Expressions Writing Contests

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Assessment of Student Learning

I structure assessment around two general principles: opportunity and responsibility. Students' learning is a collaborative process, one that involves students, their peers, class time and experiences, and their teacher. It is a process they must take an ACTIVE role in. I use a few summative evaluations where students demonstrate their learning and skill level, but throughout each course our time is devoted to opportunities for inquiry, practice and growth. Attendance and active participation and involvement in their own learning are critical, are required. Students' grades are based on skill sets: effective communication in all forms, critical reading and inquiry of our world, collaboration skills, and skill builders. Each student will create a portfolio demonstrating their development and learning, and it is required that they reflect and plan throughout the process. Assessment will be regular, ongoing and focused on improvement in learning. Student choice in modes of demonstrating their learning is offered, and student co-creation of evaluation criteria is utilized. Classes will integrate varieties of assessment practices including academic and creative writing, visual and multimedia creations, guided reads, role-plays, literature circles, quizzes, games, performances, blogs, debates, inquiry projects, independent and collaborative assignments, portfolios, etc. Standards of excellence will be high, challenging, but attainable. Students will have opportunities to redo work and demonstrate greater learning and attainment of skills throughout courses. Assessment standards and samples can be found at BC Performance Standards and the BC Ministry Prescribed Learning Outcome sites.

Top 10 Things Parents Can Do

TOP TEN THINGS parents can do to support their teenage child's learning (according to Mr.Thielmann's award-winning educator parent blog):

1. Provide a loving, peaceful, positive environment

2. Fulfill (& be attuned to) your child's real needs

3. Take an interest in what your child does

4. Be accountable & expect accountability back

5. Be responsible & expect responsibility back

6. Be a learner, show your passion for things you find interesting

7. Put a high value on education-graduating, and post-secondary

8. Help with time management- School as daily priority over social media

9. Read to your child

10. Talk, and listen, to your child