Friday, November 25, 2011

Poetry Booklet -- Extra Credit Only

For the extra credit poetry booklet, you will need to write the following:




  1. An original acrostic poem for "I Believe."



  2. An original sonnet (either form). A fourteen-line poem with a very specific rhyme scheme and twist (a.k.a. as a volta, or turn).



  3. A narrative poem. As "narrative" suggests, this poem tells a story.



  4. A lyrical poem. Remember, this relies on sound devices as we've seen with Poe's "The Bells."



  5. A two-voice poem. This poem allows the writer to present two perspectives of the same situation or issue. Look online for examples or see me for more information.



  6. A list poem. (Think of Julie Andrews' "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things.")



  7. An analysis of one song's lyrics. The lyrics must be school appropriate in language and theme. The lyrics must be included with the analysis.



  8. A free-verse poem.



  9. A monorhyme poem. A monorhyme is a poem in which all the lines have the same end rhyme.



  10. A Rondeau. This is a French form of poetry consisting of fifteen lines in three stanzas. Each stanza follows a specific pattern: stanza 1 is a quintet (rhyme scheme aabba), stanza 2 a quatrain (rhyme scheme aabR--where R = a refrain), and stanza 3 a sestet (rhyme scheme aabbaR). Lines 9 and 15 are short and contain a refrain (R) consisting of a phrase taken from line one. The other lines are longer (but all of the same metrical length).
*Due date: Monday, Dec. 5th at the beginning of your class period.


**Unless otherwise noted, all poems must be at least ten lines in length. All poems must be of your original creation, and they must be thoughtful, not thrown together at the last minute. The teacher reserves the right not to accept/give credit based on the poem's depth and presentation.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I hope you all share a peaceful, joyful day with your family and friends. I'm grateful for each of you and to see your faces each school day. You all make my heart smile!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Poem for Monday, 11/21

Don't forget you must write your own poem before Monday. Requirements: no less than 12 lines, must use one form of figurative language and two sound devices, and must relay some clear idea. Remember, this is a lyrical poem based on Poe's style. Use "The Bells" as an example of these devices. Be artistic so you can create Poe's version of the poetic experience!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Poetry Contests and Opportunities Abound!

Poetry is everywhere!!!! Check out the haiku competition hosted by Scholastic by going to http://www.scholastic.com/dellhaiku/?eml=SMP/e/20111007//img/DellHaiku/0/header/SL1//////&ym_MID=1370524&ym_rid=2453303. The deadline is November 18th, so don't dawdle!

Also, remember, you may earn extra credit this term by entering and presenting an original poem in the Poetry Cafe for November. Poems must be submitted to Mrs. T no later than November 14th. Poems must be at least 10-12 lines in length and focus on a school-appropriate topic. Type and submit poems as soon as possible! This can replace a formative grade (if all work has been submitted; remember this is EXTRA credit, not INSTEAD OF credit). I can't wait to read your poems!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Voice of Democracy Essay --Due 10/14

Remember your MLA formatting guidelines:


  • Print must be 12-point Times New Roman font (no italics, no bolding).

  • The text must be double-spaced .

  • Margins are set at 1 inch (most computers set the default margins at 1.25; you must change that to 1 inch).

  • Include the proper heading on the first page only.

  • There should be no extra spacing between paragraphs (including the extra spacing on the before or after lines in page layout).

  • Type on the fronts of pages only.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Dead Words Assignment Due

Don't forget: Your Dead Words Projects are due on Tuesday when you enter the library (for orientation). Remember the rubric:


  • 30% for 5 vivid synonyms that show the varying uses of your assigned word

  • 20% for words that are large/bold enough to see from across the room

  • 20% for the cemetary theme

  • 30% for visual appeal and creativity

Make sure you write your name and class period so it is easily visible on the back side of your project.


I'm looking forward to seeing some high-quality projects!!!!