This week, we focus on Brainstorming Techniques.
Week 3, Lesson 1
In today’s lesson, we discussed the Brainstorming Process, which is an important part of the writing process.
Specifically, we talked about:
- Topic Choice
- Free Writing
- How to build Mind Maps
- Assessing What’s Interesting Here?
Lesson 1 Handouts
Recommended Mind Mapping Software
There are several options available:
- Scapple (My Mind Mapping Software): Scapple is the Mind Mapping software that I use, and the one I recommend most highly for students.
- Simplemind (Mind Mapping App): Simplemind is one of two free (trial) Mind Mapping applications I recommend trying for onscreen Mind Mapping.
- Xmind (Mind Mapping Software): XMind is the other free (trial) Mind Mapping software you might use.
All of these programs are either free or offer a free-to-use trial period that is long enough for you to use for the semester.
Week 3, Lesson 2
For Lesson 2, we’re having small group meetings to discuss the Brainstorming Process. You can bring samples to your meeting to discuss with me and verify that you fully understood the process.
Textbook Videos and Tasks
In Great Writing 1, please do the following:
- Read What is a Paragraph? (page 30)
- Complete Activity 1 (pages 30–32)
- Read Mechanics: The Title of the Paragraph (page 32)
- Complete Activity 2 (page 33)
- Read Parts of a Paragraph: The Topic Sentence (page 34)
- Complete Activities 4–5 (page 34–37)
In Great Writing 1, please do the following:
- Read Parts of a Paragraph: Supporting Sentences (page 37)
- Complete Activity 6 (pages 37–38).
- Read Parts of a Paragraph: The Concluding Sentence (page 48)
- Complete Activities 16–17 (pages 49–50)
In Great Writing 1, please do the following:
- Read Grammar: Adjective + Noun (page 39)
- Complete Activity 7 (page 40)
- Read Grammar: Linking Verb + Adjective (page 41)
- Complete Activity 8 (page 41)
Week 3 Practice Paragraph Homework
For Week 3, your Practice Paragraph Blogwill be on a topic of your own creation. Use the Brainstorming Process as we discussed it in class, going through the following steps.
- Free Writing,
- What’s Interesting Here?
- a Mind Map
- a Statement of Intent and Topic Sentence
Save all of this material, and then do your best with the Topic Sentence to create a good paragraph that suits.
When you’ve finished, save all your material on your computer.
Non-Textbook Videos
For those who missed our meeting for Lesson 1, please check out the following videos, which cover some of the same ground.