March 12/13
This is it, today (for each class) is the last day that you can submit any of your smaller poetry assignments for credit. We are at the end of the unit, so make sure to use your time wisely today.
You should be completing and turning in those smaller assignments. At the same time, make sure you have submitted your Poetry Book Project--remember, that one counts as 70% of your grade on the upcoming progress report.
You can see which assignments you need to complete by looking on StudentVUE. You can find the information for the assignments by scrolling down on this page.
March 11
Poetry Book Projects are due today. Use the time in class today to finish things up and get that project submitted (either as a hard copy or electronically through turnitin.com). If you need help submitting to turnitin, due to the update to the look of the website, let me know and I will help.
March 7/8
It is time for our last poet of the unit. This time we head to Scotland to introduce you to Robert Burns.
The remainder of today's class is yours to be working on your poetry assignments/project. Remember, the project is due by March 11. The last day you can turn in any of the smaller assignments for this unit will be March 12/13.
March 5/6
Today is all about music. We begin with a look at Joy Harjo. From there, you will be listening to one of her poems done as song. There is a Post-It activity connected to this. Here is a link to Joy's poem/song.
Up next, it will be a Music & Words Writing Activity. You will be listening to a couple of songs in order to complete this activity. If you are trying to complete this outside of class, you should be able to find the songs on Youtube or other audio platforms.
The remaining time is yours to work on your assignments/project. Remember, the project is due by March 11. The last day you can turn in any of the smaller assignments for this unit will be March 12/13.
March 4
Let's begin with a look at the Pacific Northwest poet Sherman Alexie. Once we look at a couple of his poems, we will hold a brief discussion on using heritage as inspiration for your writing.
The remaining time today is yours to be working on your poems (either for our smaller assignments or for your poetry book).
February 29/March 1
Today starts with a short discussion on free verse poetry. The main thing to remember is that all bets are off with free verse. You do not need to follow any rules and you poem can look any way you want it to.
We will be following that discussion with an activity that does adhere to some rules. You will need to take a few minutes to complete this rhyming activity in your notebook. We will go around the room and share some of our rhymes when finished.
Finally, you will be given time to locate the two poems for your poetry book project. Remember, you need two poems that you did not write for this. You will need to include those poems into your book, and each of those poems need a paragraph explaining why you like the poem.
If you finish the above before the end of class, use the remainder of your time working on any of the poetry assignments you are missing (personal experience poems, haiku/tanka, sonnet, stanza assignment).
February 27/28
First up today, let's get you enrolled in this class on turnitin.com. Here are instructions whether you are new to turnitin or already have an account.
Next up, let's take a look at Pablo Neruda's friend Federico Garcia Lorca. Lorca will come back to haunt us later in the semester.
Up next, these slides on stanzas also include your stanza assignment (last slide). This marks the second-to-last item you need for your unit project. The remainder of today's class is yours to work on your stanza assignment.
February 26
Today, you will get your "Tonight, I can write the saddest lines" pass-along poem back. I will have you look them over and answer a couple of questions after...
Let's take a look at the poet Pablo Neruda and a couple of his poems for a few minutes.
Finally, it is time to get introduced to your Poetry Book Unit Project.
February 22/23
Today will start with our second Pass-Along Poem. This one is entitled "Tonight, I can write the saddest lines." Once we have gone through the steps for this version of the pass-along poem, I will collect the poems before you have a chance to read your poem. You will get the poem back on Monday--when we use it for part of a discussion.
Up next, I want you to work on an Elements of Poetry: Review Worksheet. You are looking to complete this by the end of class. Pay attention to the directions, and if something does not make sense, make sure to ask foe help.
Finally, if you complete the Review Worksheet before the end of class, use the remaining time to work on any of your missing poem assignments (personal experience poems, haiku/tanka, sonnet).
February 20/21
Let's start the day with a look at the Art of Sonnets. This is one of the world's most famous poetry styles--and the one preferred by my good friend Bill (more from him later).
We will then move into a Sonnets in the Round Activity. This is an in-class activity.
Bringing Bill back, we will take a quick look at William Shakespeare.
Finally, you have a sonnet assignment to work on...look below:
Poetry Assignment: Sonnet
Due Date: Monday, February 26
Assignment: You need to write one sonnet. You can use any of the three styles that you were introduced to. You have to try to have the accurate line and syllable count, and include the proper rhyme scheme for your chosen style.
February 15/16
Today you are going to be introduced to two things that could bring you fame and glory. First up, it is time to learn about sijo poetry and a contest that could earn you some cash. The second is about how to go about placing a haiku submission for the Kingfisher Journal, which could make you an officially published writer.
Up next, we will tackle our first Pass-Along Poem. If you don't know what that is, you will before the day is over. This is not an activity that can be made up.
Finally, any remaining time is yours to either complete our first two assignments (Personal Experience Poems and the Haiku/Tanka assignment) or your could try your hand at a sijo poem to enter in the competition.
February 13/14
Let's start the day with finishing up the notes from last class (if your class needs to). From there we will look at our next two poets. We cross the ocean to look at the works of Basho and also those of Buson.
Now that we know something of the men, let's take a look at their preferred poetic style: haiku and tanka.
We will end the day by beginning to work on a haiku and tanka assignment. It is due by Thursday/Friday, but if you finish today go ahead and turn it in.
February 12
It is time to look at some of the terms you will need to know while we work our way through the poetry unit. These notes come in two parts. There is Elements of Poetry Part I and also Part II. You will need these notes as we work through the unit, so make sure they get written in your notebook.
Any remaining time today is yours to work on completing your Personal Experience Poems Assignment, which is due today.
February 8/9
Up first, we will finish our discussion over the video from last class.
Once finished with that, it will be time to get introduced to our next poet: Lawson Fusao Inada.
We will then watch our second, and last, video connected to one of our poets. This one is called What It Means to Be Free. Once again, there will be a worksheet you need to fill out while watching the video. We will talk about the video once it is over.
Finally, it is time for your first poetry assignment.
Poetry Assignment: Personal Experience
Due Date: Monday, February 12
Assignment: You need to write two poems, a minimum of twelve (12) lines each, which relate some experience that you have had. Refer to Stafford and Inada examples for what has worked in the past.
February 6/7
Today begins with a question that will lead to a relevant class discussion.
Following that, we will take a look at our first poet during this unit. For that poem we still stay close to home with Oregon's own William Stafford.
Finally, we will be watching the documentary film William Stafford: The Life of the Poem. There is a worksheet you will need to fill out while watching the video. We will talk about the video and worksheet when the video ends.
February 5
It's all about getting things started today. No activities today, but you did get an introduction to the class so that you know what to expect over the course of the semester. Syllabus can be found here.
This is it, today (for each class) is the last day that you can submit any of your smaller poetry assignments for credit. We are at the end of the unit, so make sure to use your time wisely today.
You should be completing and turning in those smaller assignments. At the same time, make sure you have submitted your Poetry Book Project--remember, that one counts as 70% of your grade on the upcoming progress report.
You can see which assignments you need to complete by looking on StudentVUE. You can find the information for the assignments by scrolling down on this page.
March 11
Poetry Book Projects are due today. Use the time in class today to finish things up and get that project submitted (either as a hard copy or electronically through turnitin.com). If you need help submitting to turnitin, due to the update to the look of the website, let me know and I will help.
March 7/8
It is time for our last poet of the unit. This time we head to Scotland to introduce you to Robert Burns.
The remainder of today's class is yours to be working on your poetry assignments/project. Remember, the project is due by March 11. The last day you can turn in any of the smaller assignments for this unit will be March 12/13.
March 5/6
Today is all about music. We begin with a look at Joy Harjo. From there, you will be listening to one of her poems done as song. There is a Post-It activity connected to this. Here is a link to Joy's poem/song.
Up next, it will be a Music & Words Writing Activity. You will be listening to a couple of songs in order to complete this activity. If you are trying to complete this outside of class, you should be able to find the songs on Youtube or other audio platforms.
The remaining time is yours to work on your assignments/project. Remember, the project is due by March 11. The last day you can turn in any of the smaller assignments for this unit will be March 12/13.
March 4
Let's begin with a look at the Pacific Northwest poet Sherman Alexie. Once we look at a couple of his poems, we will hold a brief discussion on using heritage as inspiration for your writing.
The remaining time today is yours to be working on your poems (either for our smaller assignments or for your poetry book).
February 29/March 1
Today starts with a short discussion on free verse poetry. The main thing to remember is that all bets are off with free verse. You do not need to follow any rules and you poem can look any way you want it to.
We will be following that discussion with an activity that does adhere to some rules. You will need to take a few minutes to complete this rhyming activity in your notebook. We will go around the room and share some of our rhymes when finished.
Finally, you will be given time to locate the two poems for your poetry book project. Remember, you need two poems that you did not write for this. You will need to include those poems into your book, and each of those poems need a paragraph explaining why you like the poem.
If you finish the above before the end of class, use the remainder of your time working on any of the poetry assignments you are missing (personal experience poems, haiku/tanka, sonnet, stanza assignment).
February 27/28
First up today, let's get you enrolled in this class on turnitin.com. Here are instructions whether you are new to turnitin or already have an account.
Next up, let's take a look at Pablo Neruda's friend Federico Garcia Lorca. Lorca will come back to haunt us later in the semester.
Up next, these slides on stanzas also include your stanza assignment (last slide). This marks the second-to-last item you need for your unit project. The remainder of today's class is yours to work on your stanza assignment.
February 26
Today, you will get your "Tonight, I can write the saddest lines" pass-along poem back. I will have you look them over and answer a couple of questions after...
Let's take a look at the poet Pablo Neruda and a couple of his poems for a few minutes.
Finally, it is time to get introduced to your Poetry Book Unit Project.
February 22/23
Today will start with our second Pass-Along Poem. This one is entitled "Tonight, I can write the saddest lines." Once we have gone through the steps for this version of the pass-along poem, I will collect the poems before you have a chance to read your poem. You will get the poem back on Monday--when we use it for part of a discussion.
Up next, I want you to work on an Elements of Poetry: Review Worksheet. You are looking to complete this by the end of class. Pay attention to the directions, and if something does not make sense, make sure to ask foe help.
Finally, if you complete the Review Worksheet before the end of class, use the remaining time to work on any of your missing poem assignments (personal experience poems, haiku/tanka, sonnet).
February 20/21
Let's start the day with a look at the Art of Sonnets. This is one of the world's most famous poetry styles--and the one preferred by my good friend Bill (more from him later).
We will then move into a Sonnets in the Round Activity. This is an in-class activity.
Bringing Bill back, we will take a quick look at William Shakespeare.
Finally, you have a sonnet assignment to work on...look below:
Poetry Assignment: Sonnet
Due Date: Monday, February 26
Assignment: You need to write one sonnet. You can use any of the three styles that you were introduced to. You have to try to have the accurate line and syllable count, and include the proper rhyme scheme for your chosen style.
February 15/16
Today you are going to be introduced to two things that could bring you fame and glory. First up, it is time to learn about sijo poetry and a contest that could earn you some cash. The second is about how to go about placing a haiku submission for the Kingfisher Journal, which could make you an officially published writer.
Up next, we will tackle our first Pass-Along Poem. If you don't know what that is, you will before the day is over. This is not an activity that can be made up.
Finally, any remaining time is yours to either complete our first two assignments (Personal Experience Poems and the Haiku/Tanka assignment) or your could try your hand at a sijo poem to enter in the competition.
February 13/14
Let's start the day with finishing up the notes from last class (if your class needs to). From there we will look at our next two poets. We cross the ocean to look at the works of Basho and also those of Buson.
Now that we know something of the men, let's take a look at their preferred poetic style: haiku and tanka.
We will end the day by beginning to work on a haiku and tanka assignment. It is due by Thursday/Friday, but if you finish today go ahead and turn it in.
February 12
It is time to look at some of the terms you will need to know while we work our way through the poetry unit. These notes come in two parts. There is Elements of Poetry Part I and also Part II. You will need these notes as we work through the unit, so make sure they get written in your notebook.
Any remaining time today is yours to work on completing your Personal Experience Poems Assignment, which is due today.
February 8/9
Up first, we will finish our discussion over the video from last class.
Once finished with that, it will be time to get introduced to our next poet: Lawson Fusao Inada.
We will then watch our second, and last, video connected to one of our poets. This one is called What It Means to Be Free. Once again, there will be a worksheet you need to fill out while watching the video. We will talk about the video once it is over.
Finally, it is time for your first poetry assignment.
Poetry Assignment: Personal Experience
Due Date: Monday, February 12
Assignment: You need to write two poems, a minimum of twelve (12) lines each, which relate some experience that you have had. Refer to Stafford and Inada examples for what has worked in the past.
February 6/7
Today begins with a question that will lead to a relevant class discussion.
Following that, we will take a look at our first poet during this unit. For that poem we still stay close to home with Oregon's own William Stafford.
Finally, we will be watching the documentary film William Stafford: The Life of the Poem. There is a worksheet you will need to fill out while watching the video. We will talk about the video and worksheet when the video ends.
February 5
It's all about getting things started today. No activities today, but you did get an introduction to the class so that you know what to expect over the course of the semester. Syllabus can be found here.