Writers began with a free write focused on a time they are something.
After sharing, writers made a list of things that they had eaten. At the end of the time provided, writers marked unusual things with an *. We then shared the items without *s, and added to our lists.
Writers then wrote about what they had learned from sharing these lists. We discussed the observations and learnings. The activity was repeated for the unusual items marked with an *.
Mr. Zartler then talked about the unit. Writer's will be writing and giving a toast in class on the 17th or 18th of November. Writers will also write a restaurant review; this writing does not require going to an expensive restaurant, or even to a restaurant, but that is one fun way to approach the assignment. Mr. Zartler pointed out that people think about food often, but not necessarily with any depth or analysis. Food is an important part of our social and religious lives (as well as being necessary for survival). Many jobs are in some way related to food or to eating. Mr. Zartler encouraged writers to A) eat something that they have never eaten before during this unit B) cook something that they have never cooked before C) to think about food, eating, and the role of food in our culture analytically.
Writers created a chart of what they know about food; what they wonder about food; and what they would like to learn about food.
The class read an article from the March 4th, 2008 Asian Reporter newspaper, "Insect eating promoted for everyone, from famine victims to astronauts." A similar news story can be found
here Students discussed the article and Mr. Zartler gave a brief lecture on "Trophic Levels."
HOMEWORK: Writers were reminded to continue to write in their spirals at least five nights a week. They were encouraged to use food as a way to prompt their writing.
