This class will focus on preparation for the literature circle. There is a school of thought that states students should be prepared to complete these tasks for homework, and come to class ready to participate. And, while there is merit to that, it also fails to address the reality that a number of our students … Continue reading 3.04 – Lit Circles: Preparing for a Literature Circle (English Lesson)
When running a literature circle, one of the most important parts is the circle. The other important part, of course, is the literature. To fully engage with the literature students need the most valuable resource of all: time. Sure, you could expect your students to read a chapter or three at home, and you could … Continue reading 3.03 – Lit Circles: Sustained Reading & The Lines that Stand Out (English Lesson)
One of the most important parts of a literature circle is the text selection. Students will be engaged with the text for a number of weeks, and in order to feel a sense of ownership over their learning, their lessons, and their expressions, they need to feel as if they were active participants in selecting … Continue reading 3.02 – Literature Circle Book Choices (English Lesson)
Allowing students to self-select their text is at the very heart of literature circles. Lit circles encourage small groups students to read a text, working through its messages, meanings, and connections together. Whereas traditional class novels force students to engage with texts that might not be relevant to their experiences, literature circles offer choice and … Continue reading 3.01 – Introducing Literature Circles (English Lesson)
Honouring the creative process by leading students to create an artifact they can keep with them for years to come is a perfect way to bring the poetry unit to a close. By now, your students have engaged in writing poetry, and reading poetry, and making poetry that is meaningful to them and their experiences. … Continue reading 2.07 – Creating a Poetry Chapbook (English Lesson)
Writing poetry is a personal experience. Each author approaches a subject through their own lens. Even when trying to craft a narrative from an alternate perspective, the author's voice comes through as they craft each line, each stanza, each idea. Building from their knowledge of poetic devices, and different poem types students will step forward … Continue reading 2.06 – A Poem Only You can Write (English Lesson)
Focusing on self-selected poems, allow students the opportunity to search for a poem that speaks to them. More importantly, it provides them with multiple tools for finding poetry. Many people do not read, because they do not have access to things to read. Many people don't read poetry, because they don't know where to find … Continue reading 2.05 – Exploring a Poem you Enjoy (English Lesson)
This lesson moves students from writing poetry, to looking at - and analyzing - poetry. Some teachers start with reading poetry, and then shift to the creation process. I've found it's more helpful to create, and then shift to looking at the works of others. The rationale is that when students see "professional poetry" they … Continue reading 2.04 – Analyzing Poetry: Looking at Four Poems (English Lesson)
There are so many types of poetry. This slide deck, created by Katherine Pearce, introduces students to a number of different types: Free verse Spoken word Haiku Form poems Found poetry Limericks Sonnets Concrete poems Sound poems. By introducing students a number of different types of poetry, you provide them with additional tools in their … Continue reading 2.03 – Introducing Types of Poems: Slide Deck (English Lesson)
Where I'm From poetry is a type of poem that anyone can write, feel confident about, and present with authority. Where I'm from poetry are poems about students, by students, for students - that delve into their own personal experiences and narratives. The poem "Where I'm From" was written by George Ella Lyon, and sets … Continue reading 2.02 – Writing a Where I’m From Poem (English Lesson)
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