Final poem!!!

Today we did a poetry terms quizzzzzz, then students shared their found and shape poems.

We discussed what an ODE really is, and looked at a variety of examples:

• A Classical ode
• Ode as a veiled critique, but still embodying praise
• Ode as a modern celebration of simple/humble things - as they are great
• Tips for writing an ode

Today's poem is an Ode. As per the links above, there is no specific expectation around the poem, other than it use poetic devices, praise something (or a group of related things), and be 20+ lines long (Odes can be VERY long pieces, so this is a minimum, not a maximum requirement).  

Lesson 77

 

Students shared some remarkable poems today! Truly - It was really exciting to listen to what they created - fabulous.

A reminder to BRING A NOVEL to our Monday class:)

S students watched Shayne Koyczan's piece, "To This Day" 

They also listened to Barabara Adler's "In the Time Before."

We looked at a number of poetic devices, and discussed what made the poems flow, and what helped with impact. 

HMWRK: Create a 12+ line spoken word poem (no maximum). Give it a title. Use enjambment and rhyme for sure, and feel free to use any other devices that come to mind. 

Possible topic (only for those who feel stuck): Things which are both ordinary and extraordinary at once.

Lesson 75

 Today we got reacquainted, after my extended absence - students let me know how their writing week has gone (for many, they are right on track). Any folks who are not caught up should come in on Monday for tutorial to finish the work.

Students played around with parts of speech - trying on different kinds of words to make silly sentences in groups (and get their poetry noodles noodling).

We watched this TED Talk, featuring Sarah Kay - up to the 11:30 mark

 HMWRK: Write a list of 10 things you know to be true.

Lesson 66

HOMEWORK: - Finish the novel!

Lesson 65

 Students handed in their character notes a second time.

Read to the end of "Lost and Found and Lost," if you missed class today.

Lesson 64

We talked more about student questions, watched this interview with Jully Black and Cherie Dimaline about the novel  and talked about Indigenous humour on and off the page (via two tiktok videos). We also discussed the Oka Crisis/Resistance and connected some of the images/ideas to the text.

We read a chapter, and students are to read "The Circle" on their own for homework

Reading AND notes for tomorrow! 

 

Lesson 63

 We discussed yesterday's reading,  read "On the Road," and learned about the concepts of the unreliable narrator and flashback.

Students looked at images of jingle skirts - discussed syllabics - and talked about key quotations...what it means to sacrifice oneself  for the future of others...

We listened to an interview with Cherie Dimaline for Canada Reads and listened to an old Pearl Jam song to get a feel for the music of the chapter - and the importance of love, water, and the passion of youth.

HOMEWORK: - Read the chapter "Found," and stay on top of those notes!