Self-Editing Checklist: Making Our Writing More Powerful

Our class has been working on using self-editing strategies in order to make our writing more powerful, formal, and clear! Ms. Lee helped us learn about the difference between formal and informal writing. We might use formal writing when submitting an essay, sending an e-mail to an employer, or writing a letter to a government official. Informal writing is what we use when we text a friend, when we write in a journal, or if we are writing a quick write.

Based on these conversations, we created a checklist that will help us with our editing! Find our checklist below:

Self-Editing Checklist: 

Using the checklist below, read through your paper fully. You can make any corrections using a pen. Check off the list as you go. 

Formatting: 

  •  Is there a title? Is it bolded? Centered?
  • Is your name underneath (By: Your Name)? 
  • Is your paragraph indented using the TAB? 
  • Is the font easy to read (ex: Arial, Times New Roman)? 
  • Did you use size 12-14 font? 
  • Is your work double-spaced? 

Content:

  •  Did you use a catchy or interesting opening sentence?
  • Did you clearly introduce your topic/thesis? 
  • Did you use at least 3 reasons or pieces of evidence? 
  • Did you use a conclusion sentence and have a strong ending? 
  • Were you persuasive? 

Grammar and Formality:

  •  Is the beginning of each sentence capitalized? 
  • Are names of people and places capitalized (ex: Wirt, Pottsfield)? 
  • Is there a period, question mark, or exclamation mark at the end of each sentence? 
  • Did you check for slang (ex: cool, yeah) and remove it? 
  • Did you remove contractions (ex: don’t, won’t)? 
  • Did you remove short forms (ex, ur, irl)? 
  • Did you rephrase your sentences to remove “I” and “we”?

 

Important Reminders: Young People’s Concert

Hello Grade 7s (and parents/guardians),

This is an important reminder that our YPC (Young People’s Concert) is scheduled for tomorrow morning! Please ensure that you arrive to school on time or even a few minutes early tomorrow (Tuesday)!

Our bus leaves at 9:00AM sharp. Any students who arrive late (or do not have permission) will be given an alternative assignment and be placed in another class for the morning.

Thanks kindly,

Ms. Ward

Bystanders vs. Allies: A Historical Example

Today, our class discussed what it means to be a bystander to injustice. We discussed how, sometimes, people may not feel empowered to speak out if they witness something wrong. Sometimes, people might not speak up to help others if they are worried about their own safety. We learned that being an ally means that you use your voice to advocate for others. In history, we examine the friendship between Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald by reading the book Making Their Voices Heard.

During the 1950s, both Ella and Marilyn faced oppression because of their gender. However, Ella also faced discrimination because of her race; many music venues would not hire her to sing there because of segregation and racism. After hearing this, Marilyn stood up as an ally and used her power and privilege to demand that Ella be hired. She had always admired Ella for her talent and her perseverance. We brainstormed ways that we can use our voices in powerful ways when we witness injustice, bullying, etc.

Check out one of Ella Fitzgerald’s most famous songs below:

 

Grade 7 Parent/Guardian Volunteer Meeting Tonight @6:30PM

Hello to our parents, guardians, and families!

A reminder that we will be hosting another virtual meeting tonight (6:30 PM) for any and all Grade 7 parents that are interested in lending a hand with our Grade 7 fundraising and events! During this meeting, our Grade 7 Committee will be sharing their ideas and asking for help with specific tasks. We will also be going through the results of our Grade 7 student survey with their ideas about events + celebrations.

Looking forward to connecting with some of you (over the computer) tonight!

-Ms. Ward

Reminders for this Weekend:

Hi Grade 7s! Please don’t forget:

-bring in your Emergency Comfort Kits as soon as possible! Your parent/guardian has received an e-mail with more details

-please get your yellow permission form from Ms. Ramen signed and returned. We will be starting our sculptures on November 9th!

-Math comic strips are now extremely overdue!

Enjoy your weekend!

-Ms. Ward