3/12-3/16

        Spring Break is rapidly approaching.  This next week, we will be finishing our poetry unit.  The students are now working on creating their own poems for each different form.  During the last part of the unit, the students will be writing a ballads, an ode, a Shakespearean sonnet,  a haiku and a free verse poem.  We will also be working with song lyrics the students chose, to examine the different elements of poetry.  
        When we return from break, we will dive right into the novel, Hoot by Carl Hiaasen.  It is a wonderful story about a group of middle school students who set out on an adventure to save a population of endangered owls.  It will be a great opportunity for the classes to read something lighthearted and fun at the beginning of Spring, before we read Anne Frank. 
    Hope you have a wonderful break!

2/27-3/2

Monday:
Review for District Test
Types of Poems
Review of Elements

Tuesday:
Paragraph structure
Spelling checks
Continue Types of Poems

Wednesday
Paragraph structure
Continue Types of Poems
Self Poetry

Thursday
District Test

Friday 
District Test 

Elements of Poetry Words

Your Elements of Poetry list should contain these words:


1. Form
2. Speaker
3. Alliteration
4. Onomatopoeia
5. Rhyme
6. Rhythm
7.Figurative Language
8. Simile
9. Metaphor
10. Idiom
11. Personification

Poem Reflection

1.  How did this poem make you feel?  What does this poem remind you of?
 

2.  What words did you notice?  Why did you notice them?
 

3.  What do you think the poem means?

Valentine's Day Poems

Yesterday in class we began learning about the elements of poetry.  After reviewing form and speaker, today in class we will create Valentine's Day poetry in special forms.  I hope your student's share with you what they created!

Poetry Unit!

After a great week of working on writing traits, we are starting our Poetry Unit.  This unit will take place over the next 3 weeks.  


Monday 2/13:
Binder Reminders
Intro to Poetry
Form and Speaker
Various Poems
HW: Bring in a poem that shows form or speaker


Tuesday 2/14:
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!


Check homework
Share poems
Rhyme and Rhythm
Valentine's Day Activity


HW: Bring in a poem that shows rhyme or rhythm


Wednesday 2/15:

Check homework
Share poems
Alliteration
Onomatopoeia

HW: Bring in a poem that shows Alliteration or onomatopoeia

Thursday 2/16:

Check homework
Share poems
 Figurative Language
Elements of Poetry
Finish first 1/2 of vocabulary


HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY WEEKEND!

Progress Report Project

Progress Report Project

            The story, Flowers for Algernon, is delivered to us through a series of progress reports written by our protagonist, Charlie.  While we are reading the story, you will be asked to create your own progress reports to chart your learning and moods just like Charlie. 

Progress Reports (25 points)

1.     Each progress report will answer all of the questions in complete sentences.

2.     Only the first progress report needs to be MLA.

3.     Date must be given for the day you are writing about.

4.     Each progress report must be well thought through and give insight to your day. 

5.     There must be 5 all together (I will assign each of them)

 Cover (10 points)

1.     Needs to contain your name and the name of the story.

2.     Must have a picture(s) that represents the story or your individual progress reports.

3.     Should be well organized and colored.

4.     Attach your cover to the front of your progress reports.

Conclusion (15 points)

*Requirements for the conclusion will be given at the end of the month.

Questions for progress report:

•         1. What was the moment so far today where I felt the happiest?

•         2. What was the moment so far today where I was the most frustrated or unhappy?

•         3. What have I learned so far today in school? (Math? Science? English?)

•         4. What have I learned so far today in life? (Things about friends, family?)

•         5. Overall today, how would I rate my mood?  (10= AMAZING! 1=Terrible)

•         6.  Overall today, how would I rate my learning? (10=My brain is exploding with new information!  1=I learned nothing today!)