Fri. Dec. 18, 2015: Poetry Analysis Cont.

Today, you were to hand in your analysis (active reading) of the poem "Grandmother." I then gave you an exercise in which you identify the stylistic devices in sentences. There are many that can be found. This is to help you prepare for your exam on the Monday you return (January 4).  The exam will test your understanding of the figurative devices we have been using (MOSES sheet) as well as ability to comprehend poetry.
Our last unit will involve a Shakespearean play. Have a great break.

Thurs. Dec. 17, 2015: Poetry Analysis Continued

Today, we worked through the poem "Two Prisoners." I then gave students the short poem "Grandmother" to actively read for tomorrow's class.
The students will have a poetry exam on the first day back after the break. Be sure to study the figurative devices sheet in preparation (MOSES sheet).

Wed. Dec. 16, 2015: Poetry Analysis "Two Prisoners"

Today, you were given the poem "Two Prisoners" to analyze using your poetry reading steps and your figurative devices sheet. The goal is to ensure you are learning these devices.

Tues. Dec. 15, 2015: Poetrey Analysis Cont.

Today, you handed in the poem you analyzed yesterday: "My Parents Kept me from Children who were Rough," by Stephen Spender.
I then checked them and returned them. At this point, we analyzed them as a class to ensure the basic expectations are being met. We then examined some of the rebuttal poems that students wrote for "Have I Missed Anything?"
There is no formal homework tonight; however, students need to work on memorizing their stylistic devices sheets.

Tues. Dec. 14, 2015: Poetry Analysis

Today, you handed in your answers for the poem "Did I Miss Anything?" I then gave yo the poem "My Parents kept me from Children who were Rough" by Stephen Spender. You were instructed to analyze this poem using all the steps already presented. This is due at the end of class.

Fri. Dec. 11, 2015: Analysis of "Did I Miss Anything?"

Today, students worked on answering questions relating to the poem "Did I Miss Anything?" This could be done in pairs or individually, though most benefit from pairing up. The answers are due for Monday.

Thurs. Dec. 10. and Fri. Dec. 11, 2015. Poetry Analysis Continued

Today, we analyzed the poem assigned yesterday ("Did I Miss Anything?"). I did this with you on the board to ensure understanding. I then gave you the questions you will answer for this poem. They will be due on Monday.

Wed. Dec. 9, 2015: Poetry Introduction Continued

Today, we continued to review the steps to actively reading poetry. I added one item to your sheet on active reading: you must paraphrase the stanzas or lines in order to ensure you understand the meaning of each section.
We finished actively reading "Jamie." I then gave you the poem "Did I Miss Anything" by Tom Wayman to analyze. You should have completed the first few steps (up to figurative devices identification). We will continue with this piece tomorrow.

Tues. Dec. 8, 2015: Intro. to poetry unit

Today, we reviewed the purpose of poetry and I handed out the "How to Actively read Poetry" sheet. We then applied the rules to the poem "Jamie." We did not finish all the steps today,s o we will carry on tomorrow.

Mon. Dec. 7, 2015: Stylistic Devices Review

Today, some of you still needed to print/review your essays. Unfortunately, the cart was being updated. I ended up putting students who needed the time into computer labs around the school. The students who were finished worked on memorizing their stylistic devices sheet.
We will start a new unit tomorrow.

Tues. Dec. 1 to Fri. Dec. 4, 2015: Writing Class

For the rest of the week, students will work on entering their essays into their student folders (using correct computer usage steps) and editing/revising their papers. The DEADLINE for their essays is MOnday, December 7.