Poetry

We have started our poetry unit!

1.  Our introduction to poetry included the poem Introduction to Poetry  by Billy Collins.  We talked about enjoying poetry and not taking it all too seriously.  Some of us love poetry, and some of us just need to work through the process of reading and writing poetry.  Both are okay, just like some people love non fiction texts, and others do not.

2.  Diamante Poems - this is a flash website, so many not work with Apple products.

3.  Acrostic Poems - we have upped the content by creating a list of 15 nouns and 15 verbs to make acrostic poems with rich, detailed sentences that match the topic.  Gone are the days of just adjective based acrostic poems.  Students know that we need more meaningful sentences.

Novel Study Returned

Being a fly on the wall during your novel study discussions was a treat.  You all have such amazing insights into your stories and many of you are making rich, deep connections, and you all continue to learn from each other about characters, setting and structure.  I am happy to return your check list from this unit. 

I also have all the bonus marks complete.  Students that chose to take part in the bonus continue to blow me away with their insights and creativity. 

Thanks again everyone for a great unit!

Returning Letters/Journal Class

Your letters are done,  your letters are done,  your letters are done!!!

I am always amazed by the quality and passion students at John McCrae display.  Social justice is happening right here.  I encourage all of you to formally edit your letters and send them on to your respective audidence.  I would be happy to help with this.

Your letters will be returned to you this week during your journal class.  This class, the 50 mins is yours to complete your journal (Question 4 of the Novel Study unit).  If you have finished your journal, you are free to use this time for your bonus or if you're choosing not to complete the bonus, then it is an open work period (any class work).

Also during this period you will be completing your listening/speaking comments for the Novel Study unit.  Reminder, this is a reflection:  What do you do well as a speaker/listener and what do you need to work on.