Assignment:  Perform a compilation of This I Believe Essays.

Activity 1:  Set-up a Google Doc Account.  Go to "more," scroll down to document, and create an account.  You will need an email.  If you don't have one, I'll set you up with one.  (Be sure to write down login and password for your account).  Create a document and share it with me and the members of your group. 

Activity 2:  Read a number of This I Believe Essays.  In your assigned groups, choose an essay that you would like to analyze as a group.  If you would like a shorter list of essays from which to choose, here are some that I picked out. 

The Choice to Be Stronger (alcoholism)

Love is Trust and Faith (eating disorder)

My Angel Has a Name (Do you believe in angels?)

The Present is Where I live (surviving a serious car accident)

The Need to Share Our Stories (why sharing and telling stories is important)

I Believe in You (high school drop-out)

My Father Told Me I Was Fat (overcoming negative influences)

I am a Superhero (how ordinary people can be heros)

Teaching a Bad Dog New Tricks (why owning a dog can be good)

I Believe College is the Best Time of Your Life

When the Human Spirit and Everyday Meet (Vietnam veteran talks about war)

The Right to Be Fully American (Pakistani American talks about how he has has to defend his faith as a muslim)

I Believe in the Church of the Holy Chicken

My Best Friend was Murdered 3 Years Ago

Then in Google Docs, write a response to that essay in the following format.

"The essay I read was titled X.  It was about . . . (1-2 sentence summary).  I agree (or disagree) with it because. . .  I believe this essay was well written because it. . ."   Share this document with scott.voss@district196.org and everyone in the group.  Work together. 

Activity 3:  Analyze the essay, by identifying its main idea, supporting details, and memorable or well-written lines.

Activity 4:  As a class, using