Dear Administrators,
Your professional development money continues to shrink as the demands of No Child Left Behind and your own passionate commitment to student achievement increases. For the past eight years I have taught at one of the finest high schools in the country, Evanston Township High School. Before Evanston I taught at Senn High School, prior to that I spent eleven years as a college writing instructor. I understand what teachers and students need to be successful.
The prompts in standardized tests are frequently difficult for students to address because they are not aware of their own stories or how their unique experience affects the world around them. Every essay written by a student should be persuasive and should have a personal connection. We want our students to pay attention to their own ideas and beliefs. The technical demands of good writing are a matter of practice, revising and rewriting. Since my experience with both adult learners and students is extensive, I am qualified to work with both. I have been teaching creative writing and Honors English for a long time. To create an effective writing culture in your classroom requires an arsenal of techniques and strategies. Over the years I have grown to believe that writing, like reading, can save children’s lives. English and History teachers are uniquely positioned to develop the hearts as well as the minds of their students. I would like to help with that process.
Sincerely.
Molly Moynahan
Professional Development for the ISAT/PRAIRIE STATE/SAT/ACT ESSAYS
A culture of writing will bring a sense of security and positive challenge to the classroom. When students write frequently and understand how to use peer editing, revision techniques, brainstorming and thesis creation to provide structure and focus to their own ideas, they will welcome the opportunity to express themselves. The impromptu essays required for standardized tests are a challenge for all students. By integrating creative writing techniques into assignments, developing a repertoire of writing prompts, providing students with challenging and relevant quotations and reading models, teachers can prepare their students to write with focus and power on nearly any topic. A two-hour writing workshop will give teachers a new set of tools for their classrooms. I can also create a full-day or half-day writing retreat.
The College Essay: A Student Workshop for Schools
I am Somebody: Writing Winning College Application Essays A Workshop-Molly Moynahan
The first formal writing assignment in Senior Year is the College Application essay. Most students find writing the essay a Sisyphean task. Many at-risk students reject college because they feel unprepared for the rigor of the application process. This workshop will present a number of strategies for tapping into every student’s strengths including life mapping, focused brainstorming, using poetry, story telling and memoir to reveal each student’s unique journey towards writing their truth. The second week will focus on clarifying, focusing and editing these essays. This workshop will accommodate every level of student and can be adapted to fit your school's needs.
Week One: Writing into the Void-Memory, identity issues, finding the thread that connects. Considering conflict & resolution-why tension improves your writing.
- Day One-
I Remember/the Dada poem/Essences
Homework: Write a narrative essay that focuses on something that surprised you, something that could be the subject for your essay. Review sample essays. - Day Two-Life Maps-people, events, emotional landmarks. Locating patterns. POV exercise-you described by your biggest fan/worst critic.
Homework: Use your rough narrative to help structure an essay. Use the maps to provide detail. Write your essay – get the party started! MUST BE TYPED. - Day Three-Discovering patterns-metaphors-I am what I am, discovering voice. Opening Paragraph tips, eliminating abstractions. Students will exchange essays for take-home editing.
Homework: Edit your partner’s essay. - Day Four-Editing brilliance-how to “kill your darlings” (Oscar Wilde)
Homework: Editing your College Essay-Cut to the chase-less is more. - Day Five-Read aloud-We will share all the essays aloud. Writers will receive written feedback from classmates.
Week Two: Polishing the Jewel: Revision and rewriting.
- Day One-Answering the prompt, details & concrete support. Revision strategies.
- Day Two-Varying words, appropriate tone, crisis-conflict-resolution.
Homework: Revise your essay. - Day Three-Meet with Ms. Moynahan
Homework: Take the 3 Suggestions and revise. - Day Four-Meet with Ms. Moynahan
Homework: Final revision and final draft. - Day Five-Read aloud-Writers will receive written feedback from Ms. Moynahan. Celebrate excellence.