Weekly Reflection

Emotions database

Dinner Conversation
In the second semester, it is hoped that you begin to have academic conversations with your parents about your learning over each weekend. The way this works is simple. I give you a list of topics that we have covered in the week, and you  encourage your parents to ask you questions about these topics:

List of topics we have covered this week:

• Ways to improve word choice in writing
• What is good diction
• The difference between connotation and denotation
• Meanings hidden in the poem, "Do not go gentle into that good night"
• Protocols for interpreting poetry
• Video Reading Responses
• Membean words that you are learning
• Turning prose (your article) into poetry (your poem) - Your poetic moves

A conversation might go like this:
Mum ask me about to talk about the themes in the book I am reading at the moment
or
Dad, ask me about the difference between connotation and denotation with an example
or
Dad, did you know that there are six ways that a writer can improve word choice: There are...
or
Mum, ask me a question about any of these topics we've covered (show them the list)

This is optional but encouraged - When you can talk about what you are learning, you are really learning! - Plus points (plural) for students who share a sample of their conversations with their parents on the blog.


Next Week
Monday:  (E/F & C/D classes only) Poetry Interpretation - You will be given about 45mins of class time to write your interpretation of ONE of these three pieces of poetry below. Any notes you prepare on one of the poems, you can use in class.

I know Why the Caged Bird Sings
I am A Rock
Where the Sidewalk Ends

You will be expected to follow your 'poetry reading protocol' and write an analysis/interpretation of one of these poems. Look at the categories in your protocol to decide the things that you might want to write about.

Tuesday
Grammar: Purposeful 'detailed' writing
Writing: Slam Poetry

Wednesday
Membean: Share your learning day+Quizlet
Reading: Figurative Language

Thursday
Grammar: Writing Details in color
Poetry Writing: See Think Wonder

Friday
Membean Assessment Day
Reading: Symbolism in poetry


Ready to 'slam' some poetry next week?

Choose a poem from this list
Due Fri:
Look at Wednesday's post to make sure you have all the requirements ready as expected for your first grade of this new semester.

C/D -E/F Classes.
I will be checking you Membean practice tonight to make sure you have completed  between 50-60mins in total for the week.

What makes you... (state your emotion)

Recap: We learned in a Word Choice Grammar unit today about diction and how words often have either a positive or negative connotation.

Ready to write an 'unforgettable' piece of poetry?   :-)

H/W
Finish your first poem: DUE: FRI
Step 1 - Identify the strong ideas

Step 2 - Turn those ideas into poetry

Suggestions

• Think about whose perspective you want to write the poem from
• Think about the story you want to tell. Is it before, during, or after the event?
• How will you show your emotions about the topic?

Grading Criteria
1) Your poem in someway tells the story of your article. (literately and/or figuratively)
2) Your poem in someway communicates your feelings about the topic behind your article (literately and/or figuratively)
3) Your poem uses a variety of poetic devices
4) Approx. length 12-20 lines in poetry format
5) You have an effective title that powerfully relates to your poem
6)  Strong diction is used throughout the poem (Words like 'IS, ARE, WAS, & Pronouns are mostly avoided)

In class in Friday, you will write a brief explanation about the 'poetic choices' you made when writing your poem. e.g. I used this title because...

Make sure you have the first three slides of your poetry portfolio created like the example

H/W

• Monday's H/W - Check Monday's blog post
• 15 minutes of Membean
• Independent Reading 30 mins (Get back into your routines

Reading logs DO NOT need completing anymore - see right side of blog -sidebar- to see what we will do instead. I will go over this in Thursday's class

Rise and Shine

What will  you do to excel this semester?


H/W
For Tuesday (C/D & E/F classes only)

• Poetry Reading Unit: How to Eat a Poem (Make sure you have a copy of this file)
• You need to bring to Tuesday's class the lyrics of a song you really like. (Choose 'age appropriate' song)

For Wednesday
Bring a printed version of an article that you have found on the internet about a topic that makes you angry e.g. $70,000 Missing from Newton Town Donations
You will be writing on this paper, so make sure you have a printed copy

2) Finish your brainstorm about all possible topics for your poems. Just write bullet point ideas

• What has really affected your heart?

• What people have been important to you?

• What are some experiences or central events you'll never forget?

• What happy or sad memories do you have?

• What secrets have you kept in your heart?

• What small things or objects are important to you?