Week #15 - Writing and Writing and Writing and Writing.....

Hello Sophomores,

Make the most of your week.  Write and be inspired in class.  Collaborate with your Slam Team (WRG).  Write, edit, revise, reflect, experiment, with your writing on your own time as well.  Bring in ideas and questions - work with all the devices/tools/strategies that you know and that you are leaning about. See what other writers do - copy and try their styles in your own unique way.  Write about stuff that MATTERS TO YOU!

Due Dates:
Independent Reading - Critique/Mind Map due Friday.  Please do not turn in a book summary.
Poetry Portfolio - due 6/3
Slam Tournament - Begins Tues 5/28

Tutoring/Office Hours - Tuesday after school

Monday
* Villanelle - "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Goodnight" - Dylan Thomas
* Learn this awesome format - try it for yourself!
*Annotate/Sift/Respond - Thomas' amazing and famous poem!
*Work Check continued from last week.  Make sure you have all components to receive FULL credit - see previous post.
HOMEWORK - Bring in a photograph or picture of your choice.  An image that you really love.  This could be an album cover, piece of artwork, postcard, etc... (we will use this later on in the week!)

Tuesday
* Take notes - stratgies and tips!
*Guest singer/songwriter - Mason James - will visit our classroom to discuss strategies to writing about what matters most, how to be inspired by what is around you, and how to tap into your own story through song!  Mason will perform some of his orginal songs - be ready for a fun and inspirational class session!
* Please Note - this year's Slam Tournament will allow songwriters to perform an original piece.  If you play an instrument - please know that this is an option and a possible strategy that you and your group may want to discuss.

Wednesday
*Slam Team WRG
*Sestina and Villanelle - drafts are due - please bring typed copies for your group to offer feedback and to note your best lines and efforts
*Use your time to write, edit, revise, ask questions, strategize, work on your group piece, etc..

Thursday
* Due to the AP World History Test we will have some alternative plans
* If you are in attendance - please have with you your photo/picture/postcard and your news article.  * If you are absent you will need to do these assignments on your own and/or get assistance on what is expected from a classmate.  We will speak about them briefly during Friday's class session.

Friday
* Acrostic poems, concrete poems, and Sonnets
* Learn these forms - try them out.  Write, edit, revise for your best work to submit for your portfolio
* News Story Poems - Continued
* Photograph/Picture poems - Continued

As you can see - you will be exposed to quite a lot this week.  Take on each new format as it comes - and apply yourself.  Try numerous drafts....write badly!  Then fix it...so it is better.  All of this is a process and you have your Slam Team members to assist you!  Make sure to be a good team member - offer authentic advice and help each other to improve!  Explore content that is meaningful and personal to YOU.

If you have any concerns - speak with me at the appropriate times.  Any issues with grades - come and talk with me.  Your last minute concerns will not be mine.

Write On!

Samakosky