HIPPOS and Rubrics and DBQ's... oh my!

Speak the truth Brick Tamland!

Wooo Mama! Is your head spinning now? Especially you 9th graders... I imagine you're feeling a little overwhelmed. As I told the classes I worked with today; IT'S GONNA BE OKAY. 

Sophomores, you've worked on these essays for over a year now; you know this better than you realize. 

Freshmen, we have until May of 2017 to make sure you feel good about your abilities on this essay. That's a long time! 

Some points to remember no which of the DBQ formats you're working with:

1. Writing is about THINKING; no matter the subject or style. It is a way for you to demonstrate to your reader your thoughts on a chosen topic. If you approach your essay this way, most of the heavy lifting is done before the pen even hits the paper. Ideas first; words later

2. Don't worry so much about format right now (especially 9th graders). Focus on insightful interpretations of documents, in depth angles to approach prompts, unique ways to express your ideas. We'll get all the right "stuff" in the right places in plenty of time. 

3. These essays are built from the bottom up. You get points when you do well. You DO NOT lose points if you mess up. 

4. 9th graders, given everything, this probably won't go too well your first time writing a DBQ. We keep this in mind as we grade and, most importantly, it gives us a good starting point to build your confidence and abilities with AP writing. Sophomores, this might be a bit of a stumble for you as well. Again, you're better at this than you realize, and you'll be ready to go by May. We assure you!

Tomorrow, we'll be apart again. (I know. Don't be too brokenhearted)
9th graders will continue our lesson on the DBQ; 10th graders are going to a computer lab to take an online survey. Don't forget your CE for tomorrow.

Here's your next ACL artist for our celebration week. A personal favorite to say the least...
Your musical soundtrack for a Wednesday: