Poetry Study Projects

Today we had a short day due to the snow. We spend it in the computer lab, getting poems for our Poetry Study Projects. The directions for the project can be found on the shelf near the closet, but for the time being, try to find five poems you enjoy to analyze for the project. The poems must be at least 14 lines long.

Slam Poetry

Today we completed the slam poetry bellwork, a copy of which can be found on the shelf near the closet. We also read a poem to the class from one of the poetry collections on the cart. We discussed William Carlos Williams thoughts on concrete imagery in poetry (a copy can be found on the shelf near the closet). Finally, we had freereading time for the last few minutes of class.

Oscar Brown, Jr.

In class today we looked at a few poems by Oscar Brown, Jr. in groups. We watched his performance of these poems as well, which can be found on YouTube.

Finally, from a bookcart from the library, we looked at some poetry collections and chose a poem to read/perform to the class. We'll perform the poem on Thursday.

Grandma Grace

For bellwork, we put together part of the sestina poem, Grandma Grace. This work cannot be made up, but a copy of the poem can be found on the shelf by the closet.

We went over the unit's learning objectives and terms. A copy of the objectives and terms can be found on the shelf by the closet as well. The terms will be due at the end of the unit.

Object Essay Final Drafts

Today we gave and received feedback on our object essay drafts with peer responses. (This cannot really be made up.) Then we went to the lab to type our object essay drafts.

Object Essay Drafts

Today we went over the expectations for our Object Essay. We will write an essay on the three objects they presented to the class this week. I'd like to focus on organization in this essay and I think a five-paragraph essay would be most appropriate. Don't feel like it has to be very long. I'm looking more for good thesis and topic statements to organize the paragraphs.

We spent some time working on drafts for the essay and reading from our free reading books.

I handed out reading logs (which can be found on the shelf near the closet) and some ideas for a book report over your free reading book (which can be found here).

Due Monday is a draft for the Object Essay. It does not need to be typed. We will type it in class on Monday.

Bookmatching

Today we went to the library and completed bookmatching activities. The first bookmatch sheet is to be completed before going the library and explores potential reading preferences. The second bookmatch sheet is to be completed after visiting the library and is used to analyze specific two books.

Extra bookmatch sheets are available on the counter next to the closet in our classroom.

Three Objects Presentation

For our bellwork, we listed our three objects for our presentations and provided an explanation for why these objects were significant to us.

Then we presented our three objects and took notes on eachother's presentations.

Syllabus

Here's a copy of the class syllabus:
Syllabus

For bellwork today we listed five expectations for this class and three questions we had about this class. Remember to write these in complete sentences please.

Remember to bring in a one page letter introducing yourself to me and three objects to introduce yourself to the class for tomorrow. Thanks!