Alpha Psi.org

THE LOS ANGELES WRITING PROJECT’S 2009/2010

Saturday Seminar Series

The Los Angeles Writing Project’s Saturday Seminar Series is offered as a free public service for teachers and educators at all grade levels. No registration is required.

February 27, 2010   9:30-12:00, King Hall, Cal State LA

From 9:30-10:00  Come to the second floor of King Hall C2094A  for coffee and room

assignments. The first seminar begins promptly at 10:00 in a nearby classroom.

From 10:00-12:00       Attend one of the following workshops:

MEMOIR WRITING TO MAKE SENSE OF YOUR LIFE

Ted DeVirgilis, John Muir Middle School, Burbank Unified School District

“When I began to write, I found this was the best way to make sense out of my life.” These words by John Cheever echo the reason memoir writing is the perfect genre for middle school students: they are just discovering who they are and what their place in the world is. Using Nancie Atwell-inspired writing techniques and memoir examples from Cynthia Rylant, President Barack Obama, and diverse middle school students, this engaging workshop will take you through the writing process as you continue to make sense out of your life. Originally developed to combat the often flat, safe autobiographical incident narratives that the state requires, memoirs will invite your students to create honest, engrossing literature.

POE IS NOT THE ONLY POET: MAKING POETRY ACCESSIBLE

Shahé Mankerian, St. Gregory’s Hovsepian School

Are your students intimidated by poetry? Many students are turned off by poetry because their instructors have failed to make poetry accessible and fun. Shahé and his middle-school students will demonstrate how to make poetry interesting and exciting.

THIS I BELIEVE: DISCOVERING CHARACTER BELIEFS

Justin Riner, John Muir Middle School

Mr. Riner will share with you his lesson plan which results in students writing an essay based on the “This I Believe” series.  Using multiple types of prompts, discussions, and media, Mr. Riner’s student’s examine the beliefs of others and eventually discover their own. While this activity is used in Riner’s class as a follow up to Anne Frank, it can be connected to virtually any other strong willed person/character.

Check the LAWP website for updated info: www.calstatela.edu/lawp

Or call the LAWP office at 323-343-5901 or send email to lawp@calstatela.edu

Note: For information on our Summer Institute & Young Writers’ Camp see our website