![Picture](/uploads/1/3/4/2/13426987/1389986143.jpg)
Rather than just learning to write, you are writing to learn! The more you write about a topic, the more you actually discover about that topic. Take, for instance, your conflict assignment. Before this year, you probably associated the word "conflict" with an argument. Then, in my class, you learned that a conflict is also a problem between opposing forces in a novel. This caused you to reflect upon the fact that there was not just one conflict in your book. In fact, some conflicts were internal and some were external. By writing about these conflicts, you developed a better understanding of your characters and their struggles. You picked specific quotes from the text to support your points. You were not just moving your pen/pencil across the page. (That's not what it means to write.) You were thinking on a deeper level and imprinting your ideas on the page. Every time a student sighs when asked to complete a writing task (for any class on any topic), I secretly sigh in response. I don't know why certain people have learned to associate "writing" with the word boring. Is it boring to be told that what you have to say matters? Shouldn't you be allowed and furthermore, encouraged, to express yourself through words? I would be doing all of you a large disservice if I didn't take the time to continuously give you opportunities to write, to grow, and to appreciate different ideas. Again, there are students like Malala Yousafzai who have to fight for this right! (Look her up if you don't know her story. We'll be discussing her in class next week!)
So, why did I ask you to read this "Weekly Update" tonight (rather than later on in the weekend)? I have an announcement which may be of interest to you. (No, I'm not really Beyoncé!) Although you've technically had since December 1st to work on your Independent Book Project, I know that some of you could benefit from some additional time. Therefore, instead of your projects being due on Tuesday, I am giving you until Thursday. Before you start doing the happy dance, keep in mind that I am urging you to use the additional time wisely! I hope this helps make your long weekend just a bit more pleasant!
-Ms. Sanford