Learning Log: Tuesday, November 22, 2011

What did we do?

We were assigned to create a web or list some ideas about what was important to us, such as memorable moments, specific people, specific items, etc.

We were also given a booklet which introduced three different types of paragraphs and other information to help us write paragraphs. The three main types of paragraphs were narrative, descriptive, and persuasive. We only went over the narrative paragraphs because of time limitation. We read two examples and figured out the introduction, the topic sentence, and the conclusion. At last, we wrote a narrative paragraph that includes an introduction, a topic sentence, and a conclusion. The topic of the narrative paragraph may be chosen from our "Heart Mapping", the web or list we did in the beginning of class.

Why?

We listed the important ideas that were important to us because later on when we need to write paragraphs, we could choose one idea from our "Heart Mapping" and use it as the topic. That way we don't have to think of a new idea every time we are assigned to write paragraphs.

We learned about narrative paragraphs because it is important to learn how to write paragraphs since we have to do many writings and essays later on. We were assigned to write a narrative paragraph because we should practice writing them and correct some errors and misunderstandings now so we don't make more in the future.

My Reflections/Connections:

I understand the purpose of the "Heart Mapping". I wish I could have realized earlier that how useful it is, because that way you won't have to waste your time on thinking of a topic. I could use this skill, thinking and planning ahead on different subjects.

I understand that good paragraphs should include five to nine sentences. They should have an introduction, topic sentence, and a conclusion. It should also be on one idea; paragraphs with two or more ideas should be separated into more paragraphs. Narrative paragraphs are paragraphs that tells a story or an incident. The ability to write good paragraphs could help me throughout my life, whenever I need to write something.

Homework:

1. "Heart Mapping", due Wednesday, November 23. Minimum 10 ideas.

2. Narrative paragraph, due Wednesday, November 23. You should chose a memorable moment from your "Heart Mapping", because it is likely to be a story or an incident.

John W will be doing the next learning log.