Connected Educator Month kicked off today, September 12th with request to share your #teachingmoment at 11:00 am local time. I participated twice with my grade seven and eight classrooms. At 11:00 am, we were creating poems “about anything” using sensory imagery.
Standards
Reading Literature Grades 6-8 #4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
Writing Standards Grades 6-8 #3d
Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
Speaking and Listening Grades 6-8 #6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
Goal
Create and present a poem “about anything” to demonstrate concise, descriptive word choice and fluid grammar.
Tasks
Share a poem about a unique topic (example “You Can’t Write a Poem about McDonalds” by Ronald Wallace). Discuss its sensory writing and message of poem.
Model:
Brainstorm ideas about a mundane topic. (Pens)
Draft a poem.
Revise the word choice for sensory imagery and message.
Edit for fluid flow through grammar.
Present both written and oral renditions.
oPen_Minds (recording)
Guide:
Student topic choices — write five ideas about “anything” — book, statue, basketball, bunny. Circle one.
Students brainstorm for ideas, sensory details, message.
Confer during drafting to recognize student strengths and suggest improvements.
Peer review and confer.
Revise.
Share and practice.
Revise. Be sure to include a “message.”
Finalize and present — Publish oral and textual poems.
Apps:
Quicktime Player / Audioboo / GarageBand / SoundCloud: record poem Blog: Display textual / audio poem