The Hughes News
Creative Writing Newsletter ~ Fall 2019
OUR ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Throughout Term 1, the work we did in Creative Writing I & II centered around two Essential Questions:1) How do we build a trustworthy writing community? and 2) Why do we write?
In Term 2, we'll be answering, How do authors craft meaningful stories?
Reading as Writers
Add to that the fact that the average college freshman is assigned 600 pages of reading per week. (It's 600 pages per class per week at the Ivies!) So, to help build stamina--while fostering lifelong reading and stronger writing, your student will select and enjoy one book each term this year. (NOTE: Students in my English classes are required to read one book a month.) If you're interested, I created THIS VIDEO to explain The Why behind my For the Love of Reading Program.
We began the year discussing how writers read differently than most readers. Are we enjoying our books? You bet! But are we also paying attention to the provocative techniques, rich word choice, and strategical storytelling these authors employ? Absolutely!
After finishing our choice books, the students published a book review for an audience of over 90 million readers.
Ask your student what books s/he has already devoured this year.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Writer
TB12 Says Hello
This is the sixth time I've presented at this particular conference--and the only time I get to legally hangout in a Gillette sky box.
One of the reasons I love teaching Creative Writing is because it creates a natural place for WMHS students to share their voices.
And one of the reasons I'm excited to be advising Reflections (WMHS' literary magazine) is because it is a way to amplify student voice!
The Reflections staff is comprised of the Creative Writing II students. We'll be launching our Fall issue between now and Thanksgiving! Keep a lookout, as your student writer may have their name in lights!
PASSION BLOGS: We Are Live, Folks!
WHEN: Thursday, November 21, 2019; 12-2 PM & 6-8 PM
WHERE: In Teachers' Classrooms
The fall parent/teacher conferences are on Thursday, November 21st, during two blocks of time: 12-2 PM and 6-8 PM. Rather than waiting in the "deli-style" lines in larger spaces, (e.g., cafeteria, library), this year's conferences will be happening in your student's classrooms. While there will still be a deli line outside of the rooms, it will hopefully be more like the lines on, say, a Tuesday night rather than a Sunday afternoon! To be able to conference with as many families as possible, teachers will continue to keep conferences to five minutes. If more time is needed, feel free to email me to schedule an individual conference.
Or skip the lines altogether and simply email me for an update of how your student is doing in Creative Writing.
And there is nothing significant about this particular day--other than our being a quarter of the way through the year. So, please feel free to reach out any time you have a question or concern.
WMHS' LITERARY MAGAZINE
In order to focus and propel our publishing work this year, the staff crafted a Mission Statement. Our vision is to:
- Establish an inviting avenue through which WMHS students can voice their inner creativity; and
- Illustrate the power of storytelling–to empower, enlighten, encourage, express.
FYE (For Your Entertainment)
How to Contact Me
Email: beth.hughes@wpsk12.org
Website: msbethhughes.org
Location: Wakefield Memorial High School, Farm Street, Wakefield, MA, United States
Phone: (781) 246-6440
Twitter: @msbethhughes