The Harmonica

Make a copy of this file: Thinking and Talking about Reading E/F class make sure you have dropped this file in the RLA drop!

Wednesday H/W: 10minutes of Membean

• Don't forget to have your notes for your slam poem for tomorrow. I will be checking what you have done between classes
• Write 1-3 comments about your independent reading in today's chart: Due Friday
• Thursday night's H/W: Use quizlet to practice any of your tougher Membean words (optional - but recommended)

Fri: Membean 30 question assessment

Friday: First 'Learning Behaviors grade' will be given.

What will your first 'Digital Reading Response' be like?
The Music that gave the family so much 'hope'

Slam Poetry

H/W - All Classes
Slam Poetry: For Thursday, you must have a minimum of 20-30 details related to your topic for your slam poem. You will be given 30mins of classtime to work on this poem
Tips on Slam Poetry
If you are stuck, brainstorm around these topics:

• What are some of the strongest emotions you feel?
• What events/situations cause these emotions to grow?
• What  are you thinking when these events happen?
• What would you like to do (others should do) about these situations?

Due Monday
Create a video 'slam' of your poem. Jumpcut would be an excellent way to present this idea. Upload the video to youtube and insert the verb into your poetry portfolio.

Guidelines

• Approx. 20-30 lines
• Covers a topic or an emotion that you are passionate about
• Uses precise details not generalities
• Integrates some poetic devices
• Contains a poetic journey (we will discuss this more Thursday)
• Delivered in a powerful way that uses B.E.V.E.S.)

Mentor Examples
Touchscreen (Thanks Devon)
Love
What do teachers make...?


 Look at these mentor poems. Anybody can resubmit their work for an improved grade between now and CNY. In order to resubmit, you need to tell me three things that any of these students did that you didn't. Remember: Do not 'resolve comments' on your google slideshow. This should be used as a guide for future poems/interpretations.

Monday's H/W

H/W:  C/D and E/F classes only

• 15 minutes of Membean (by Wed)

No other official H/W

• Use tonight to catch up on your independent reading. Remember, by the end of next week, you will need to have your first digital reading response finished (optional)

Enjoy the lyrics from one of your poems from today.

Did you manage to spot any of the contradictory images?

The song is about his desire to avoid pain and brokenheartedness. He doesn't want to be hurt again, so he refuses to make friends, to fall in love, he'll be a hermit. It may sound determined, but by the end of the song it's obvious it's all a lie he tells himself to get through the days. He's alone and it hurts him, but he'll tell himself he likes it that way, hoping it won't hurt so badly. The last two lines explain it; he's not a rock, he's been hurt and has cried, but will pretend not to. The "island never cries" line is possibly the most meaningful part. As he says this, he may as well be crying.

But, he is only fooling himself into thinking he can because every symbol he uses is not permanent. Walls get knocked down. You wake up from sleep. You come out of your mother womb after 9 months. Your memory will always come back. Snow melts. December is only 31 days.

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.