In this unit, I am trying to get students to look at the books they read not only as readers, but as writers as well. I will be including some creative writing assignments spinkled into this novel unit. As a part of understanding the elements of the novel, we have begun with setting. The purpose of the setting is to "activate the imagination of the reader." (as quoted by Cate from Eng. 84) There are many components of setting that we discussed in class such as time period, location, geography, surroundings, weather, and culture just to name a few.
Students were given novel sheet#1 which asks them to discuss why they chose the book. They were also to include at least a six sentence description of the setting of their book.
In class lesson on setting: The focus of writing a setting is to be descriptive and bring the setting to life for the reader. Writers use words to paint a picture for the readers. We discussed the idea of "show not tell" and utilizing the senses in their writing.( sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) As they continue their reading, they should be looking for examples as to how their authour is incorporating these ideas in their work.
Example: Tell: "It was very cold outside. I noticed the mountains were covered in snow."
Show: " Frosty bits clung to the man's beard as he gazed toward the magestic towers beyond. Snow capped and gleaming in the sunlight, the mountains silently sung their magic."
Assignment: Students are to complete a one paragraph piece which focuses on a favourite place. Basic criteria includes: use of the senses, show not tell, and the avoidance of too many overdone adjectives. The goal is to paint a picture using words. (10 marks) Due date: early next week.
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