Poetry Chapbook Collection (Poets A-G)

Last class we completed the following:

1. Select one collection of poetry from a poet whose last name begins with A-G.
2. Read this collection.
3. As you read, I am asking you to simply notice the poems you enjoy and the poems that don’t “thrill” you.
4. Make a list in your journal of poems you like and poems you don’t like. Put poems that don’t move you at all in the “not like” pile.
5. After you have read the collection, examine your “LIKE” list.
6. Consider what the poet is doing in poems you DO like. Is it a phrase or line that excites you, an image, a juxtaposition of words? Is it the topic or theme? Is it the setting or character or the voice of the character that pulls you into the “experience” of the poem? Or is it something else? Perhaps a shared experience or an insight that the poet recalls through his/her words.
7. Explain in a “Dear poet” letter what you liked about the poet’s work. Try to explain clearly. Use examples or make reference to the text to help you explain yourself.
8. Turn in this “Dear Poet” letter as your “exam” for this collection.

3rd period, please complete the "Dear Poet" letter and turn in. 4th period, be prepared to select one poem you enjoyed the most from your collection to share with the class. You will be expected to read the poem out loud to the class for participation credit.

Reminder: Your journal will be due next week. Make sure you are writing in it!

First Part Last Quiz

We are taking the quiz on our novel. At the end of the quiz, please use the time in lab to do one of the following:

--Write
--Read
--Look up poetry
--Finish late work

3rd period we will complete "Love That Dog" in room a240. When you hear the bell, please log off of your computers and move quickly to the other room so that you have no homework.

The First Part Last - Discussion

Get into the following groups:

Group 1: Addie, Monica, Alex, Brianna, Justice, Jerry, Marissa
Group 2: Zach, Nautica, Victoria, Alaina, Khari, Whitney, Wade
Group 3: Tashae, Shayla, Valerie, Aubrey, Lawrence, Jenee, Kennethea

Today, spend some time discussing the book. What parts did you like, not like? What would you have done differently if you were the author? What did you think about the characters, the theme, the plot, the setting? Would this story work in a different genre or style or point of view? Defend your answers.

Also, discuss the bildungsroman form and the self discovery archetype. How does Bobby become an adult through this book?

When you are finished discussing with your group, finish writing your Penfield Poetry poems. Turn in your poetry drafts by the end of class today.

4th period, we will meet to continue reading "Love that Dog" next door in room a240.

There will be a quiz on this novel next class. You should know the bildungsroman archetype as it applies to the plot; you should be familiar with major characters and events in the novel as well.

Poetry Continued

Again, check out the prompts from the previous class and create a new draft of a poem. Turn this poem in as well today.

Please read The First Part Last over the break. You should finish it by next week when we return to class. There will be a quiz on the book.

During 4th period, we will be taking a look at another text and discussing poetry. Log out at the end of 3rd period, move to room a240.

Poetry Exercises

Today, write a poem draft. The Penfield poetry contest is coming up. You may wish to use your new poem in this contest.

1. David Lehman wrote a poem called “The Difference Between Pepsi and Coke.” Pick a similarly everyday pair – butter and margarine, hotdogs and hamburgers, peanut butter & jelly, etc. Write a poem about the pair.

2. In the poem “Words”, Dana Gioia writes: “The world does not need words. It articulates itself/ in sunlight, leaves, and shadows.” Think of other things that don’t speak, and write a poem about how these things express themselves. How does an apple, or a spoon, or a house communicate, etc?

3. Write a poem where every line of the poem begins with the same word or the same letter.

4. Think of a time you tried to explain something but just couldn’t put what you wanted to say into words. Try to put your feelings into words, this time in a poem. You may wish to start the poem with the line: “What I wanted to say was…”

5. Write a poem about disliking a chore or job that you have to do. Imagine yourself as an older person still having to do this chore or job.

6. Write a poem in which you ask a question of an older person. The first part of the poem should focus on describing the question. Remember to use a few metaphors or figurative language. In the second part of the poem write about the answer the older person gives you.

7. Write an ode: a poem praising or celebrating an object, event, or person. Feel free to use hyperbole (exaggeration) and metaphors in your poem.

8. Take one of your older poems and rewrite it. Add a refrain, metaphor, simile, use alliteration, or other poetic devices.

Work Due - Really, this time!

Yes. Due. Today. Your bildungsroman draft. Those of you who do not finish at the end of 3rd period, must complete the work over the weekend on your own time. We're moving on.

Also, please turn in "The Lesson" homework. You were to read "The Lesson" by Toni Cade Bambara and identify the elements that make it a bildungsroman story.

4th period we will be completing "Effect of Gamma Rays...Marigolds" and possibly picking up another coming of age short novel: First Part Last by Angela Johnson. You may begin reading this book. Attempt to finish it by the end of next week. More information to follow.