Student Resources

This page is going to be your saving grace in my class, as well as for your futures in writing!  I've provided you with links to everything from places to publish your own poetry (fun!) to websites instructing the proper MLA style (take advantage of this--it isn't going away).  I want you to learn and use these tools to cultivate your writing, reading, and even vocabulary.  Remember, there are more than one way of writing.  Think outside the box.  You may surprise yourself, and discover something amazing!

Essay Help 

I know the standard five-paragraph essays you turn into me for a grade are not your favorite thing to do, but if you have to do them, do them well!  The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is an amazing wealth of information that you can use to prepare your MLA papers.  What can be more fun than bringing home a better grade?

Publish, Publish, Publish!

Don't let your writing sit alone in a dark notebook collecting dust.  Share your words with the world.  These websites are designed to bring creative writers together to share with each other and learn from one another.  The best part?  It's free.  Imagine the rush you'll feel knowing that when you publish a poem or short story online, literally thousands of people from all around the world will be hanging on your every word.  Pretty awesome, huh?

• Poetry
• Short stories and novels
• Comics

 Expand Your Vocabulary  

You've all heard the expression, "You are what you eat."  Well, I believe the same is true for how you speak to people and the words you use.  I'm challenging you to learn a new word every day and deposit it in your vocabulary bank for use in the future.  Impress your friends!  Astonish your parents!  More than anything, though, be the kind of person you want others to view you as.

Slam Poetry

In 10B, you will be introduced to (or reacquainted with) slam poetry!  Slam poetry is a tremendously fun way to present and listen to poetry, and it opens up a new way for you as writers to convey a message to your audience.  Here is a great example of how poetry can become a performance when passion and timing are present.  Oh, and what a coincidence--it's about the value of great teachers!  [Bonus Full House (performed by Tom Hanks) and Boy Meets World (performed by Samuel L Jackson) slam poems to share my love of 90's sitcoms!]