Sources & Material
http://canpoetry.library.utoronto.ca/index_poet.htm: Canadian website with tons of resources for contemporary Canadian writing
thepoetryarchive.org: a British-based educational website aimed at fostering a love of all forms of poetry. It has a wide variety of sources, from contemporary to historical.
thepoetryarchive.org: a British-based educational website aimed at fostering a love of all forms of poetry. It has a wide variety of sources, from contemporary to historical.
Wednesday, May 25th:
1. Vocab Quiz/WOTD/Silent Reading
2. Book Sign Out: time to get Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.
3. Poetry Project Sharing: students will share new understandings, discoveries and learning in regards to the poetry project we just completed. It is time to appreciate and honour each other's work.
Friday, May 20th:
Last day for project work. These are due today. I am very much looking forward to seeing the evidence of your learning, research skills and growth. Please ensure your project is in the following order:
1. Cover Page (Title of Project, Name, Date, Block)
2. Author Biography: double spaced, 12 point font, carefully edited, uses at least one in-text citation clearly connected to your research, as shown in your Reference Page.
3. Author Choice: double spaced, 12 point font, carefully edited.
4. Poem 1 by author with annotations: ensure title of poem, author, date (if found) is listed on this page.
5: Poem 2 by author with annotations: as above
6. Poem 3 by author: annotations not required, but fine if present.
7. Formal Poem Explication: double spaced, 12 point font, carefully edited.
8. 1 original poem by you
9. Paragraph explaining your poem: double spaced, 12 point font
10. Reference Page: from easybib - this lists all resources used for reference that influenced your thinking and learning for this project.
11. Copy of one page of an article you used (the best one would be the one your quote(s) are from, with notes/highlights
12. Criteria: leave a comment as requested at the bottom of the page.
You may put sticky notes on parts of your project that you want me to especially notices (such as to demonstrate that the work is in the fully meeting or exceeding categories).
Thursday, May 19th:
1. Library: working on poetry projects.
These are due tomorrow. This is intentional. I want you to feel proud of yourselves for accomplishing a major learning task, and then have the reward of having absolutely NO English homework over the lovely loooooong weekend!
Some of you have excused absences happening. If you are away Friday, can you please ensure parents excuse your absence (or email me). Then I will know. You can bring your completed project on Wednesday next week. We will be sharing our projects (all are expected to participate in this), so ensure you have it ready to go.
Wednesday, May 18th:
1. WOTD: poignant
2. Work on your poetry project. Read over the expectations carefully. Remember to use a quote/paraphrase in your author bio, and cite your source. Work to synthesize the information you are learning; weave it all together and build your skills. Projects due Friday.
Tuesday, May 17th:
Meet in the library. Today's WOTD is idiosyncracy. Remember to find the definition!
1. Keep on working on your poetry assignment. By now you should have your author research done, notes taken, poems chosen and annotations well on their way. Today, focus on either completing your author information or your poetry annotations (start your explication if you can). You should be working on your original poem at home. That environment will likely be much more conducive to productive creativity than the library surrounded by your classmates right now.
It is a good idea to review the assignment as a whole and ensure you have a plan for completion. Some of you have made wonderful progress so far. At least 3 people have reached out to their poet-subjects - 2 have even had replies back! This is pretty great research. Remember to TRY to enjoy this process; this is your chance to explore writing that interests you.
Monday, May 16th:
1. Meet in the library.
2. Carry on with your poetry assignment. For today you should have been starting your annotations, researching your author and gathering material.
Friday, May 13th:
1. Meet in the library.
2. Complete "Poetry Unit Assessment" - the learning targets handout is in yesterday's lesson.
3. Poetry Assignment: explanation, then easybib/ebsco demo with Mrs. Zuyderduyn.
Vocab quiz on Monday; ensure you check the WOTD site.
Thursday, May 12th:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Activate Activity: complete part 1 of the task. Share ideas around table groups.
a. View this TED Talk about the need for poetry.
After viewing, take 1 minute of thinking time. Be quiet, eyes closed, reflecting on what you have heard. Then write down 3 words, 2 questions about it and 3 sentences/phrases that come to mind in response to this video.
b. Submit answer sheets and then randomly get another one.Read the questions on the new sheet and answer them. Share out some questions that you found interesting.
c. Complete final answer on original sheet.
3. Poetry Unit Assessment: students will be handing in their poetry unit work on Friday. They need to submit the following items:
a. Poetry Collection (annotated)
b. Connotation/Denotation Work
c. "When I Consider How My Light is Spent" worksheet
d. General Poetry Explication Practice
e. Today's Handout
You will be completing a "Learning Targets Self Assessment" as part of the final mark for this unit, and it will be based on evidence from this material, so it is important for your achievement to have it fully complete. You now have time to work on gathering and completing your evidence, including time to work on the Self Assessment if ready. This will be due at the start of class tomorrow.
4. Receive the Poetry Assignment: Read over requirements. Highlight as needed. We meet in the library tomorrow for this!
Wednesday, May 11th:
1. Poetry Test
2. Silent Reading when done.
Tuesday, May 10th:
1. WOTD/Silent Reading
2.Here's what we have accomplished so far during this unit
a.Annotated poetry collection: see learning targets
b.Background information on "the ballad"; theme and relevance to reader of "La Belle Dame Sans Merci"
c.Connotation/Denotation practice worksheet, part 1 and 2
d."When I Consider How My Light is Spent" worksheet
e.Sonnet structure
i.Sonnet 43 or 116 research and questions
ii.Rhyme scheme, word meanings, topic of poem, volta
iii.Sonnet 43: 3 ways she loves; what is the meaning
iv.Sonnet 116: identify and explain 2 metaphors at work in this poem
f."The Sun Rising" poetry explication practice
The Poetry Test will cover skills developed in activities listed above. Students must ensure they are prepared to answer specific questions about the poems studied together.
Monday, May 9th:
1. Vocab Quiz/WOTD/Silent Reading
2. Read and annotate "The Sun Rising" by John Donne
3. Complete this handout as practise for poetry explication. Have this ready for Tuesday. Wednesday you will be writing the poetry test based on the work throughout this unit.
Friday, May 6th:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Connotation/Denotation Part 2 check in: students chose their original sentence, and recorded it on a post-it note. These were displayed and discussed via document camera.
3. Ozymandias: we read and discussed this poem together. If you missed class, you need to read this poem, and do some research on meaning and background.
4. Sonnet 43 or Sonnet 116: students read and discussed this poem according to the steps in this powerpoint.
Monday is our last day to study new poems. We will be practicing formal poetry explication, and completing a unit test on Wednesday. We start the poetry project on Thursday next week.
Thursday, May 5th:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Check-in: how did it go with Part 1 of "Connotation/Denotation"? Part 2 is due tomorrow.
3. Read "When I Consider How My Light is Spent" by John Milton. This is a very rich and layered poem. You won't get all the nuances right away. Don't fret - give yourself time. Here are some notes.
4. Go to shmoop.com and complete this handout to help you with your understanding.
Wednesday, May 4th:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Connotation/Denotation: view this powerpoint and practice the skills outlined.
3. To practise, complete this worksheet. Part 1 is due tomorrow. Have part 2 done for Friday.
Tuesday, May 3rd:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Review "La Belle Dame sans Merci." Absent? Google the title of the poem and see what you can find out. Focus on theme and relevance to today's reader.
3. Read "Vancouver Lights" and complete annotations. Google it if absent; you will find out amazing things about this deep and powerful poem. Check with a neighbour regarding their annotations.
Monday, May 2nd:
1. WOTD/Vocabulary Quiz/Silent Reading
2. "La Belle Dame Sans Merci": view this powerpoint to view background info on the ballad form. Read the poem, and annotate. There is lots of explanatory information online. Just do a quick search if you are absent. You are expected to clearly and accurately annotate this poem.
Friday, April 29th:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Poetry Test - skill check!
3. Ms. Senger Feedback :)
4. Investigate Poet Options for your Poetry Project
The following sites may provide you with inspiration:
- Ebsco Poetry and Short Story Reference Centre
- Poetry 180: Contemporary American Poetry
- Canadian Poetry Online
- 31 Contemporary Poets
- 10 Poems Everyone Needs to Read
Thursday, April 28th:
1) Debriefing from yesterday's poem
2) "To Autumn" by John Keats
TEST TOMORROW! You will be tested on your ability to identify poetic devices in the lines from poems we read this week, as well as from a poem you have not read that will appear on the test. You will also be asked to write a short analysis paragraph based on the new poem on the test.
Wednesday, April 27th:
1) Debrief poem from yesterday:
- What poem speaks loudest to you today, and why? (Poets, Talking or The Bird)
Also a choice of talking about ONE of the following questions:
- Compare and contrast the use of imagery in Poets, Talking and The Bird
- Compare and contrast the tone of Poets, Talking and The Bird
- Compare and contrast the use of animal metaphors in Poets, Talking and The Bird
2) "Do not go gentle into that good night," by Dylan Thomas - annotating and analyzing
Homework: short written response
“Do not go gentle” is about the resistance and denial one feels when they, or someone they love, is approaching death. Do you think Thomas’s poem accurately portrays how someone might feel in this situation? Why or why not? What are some other emotions someone might feel?
Tuesday, April 26th:
1. WOTD/Short block; no silent reading.
2. Review of yesterday's work, especially "Poets, Talking" by Patrick Lane. What tone or feeling is conveyed by the poem? What imagery stands out to you? Why?
3. Read "The Bird" by Patrick Lane. On first read through, underline words/phrases that stand out to you. Discuss.
4. On second reading, look for figurative language and devices, and try to unpack the meaning. Record your annotations.
5. Answer the following questions (3-5 sentences only)
- Which poem speaks loudest to you today and why?
- Choose one of these:
a. Compare and contrast the use of imagery in "Poets, Talking" and "The Bird."
b. Compare and contrast the tone in "Poets, Talking" and "The Bird."
c. Compare and contrast the use of animal metaphors in "Poets, Talking" and "The Bird."
Monday, April 25th:
1. Vocab quiz/WOTD
2. Students submit Lit. Circle Response Journals
3. Poetry Unit introduction: students received poetry collection booklets, including unit learning targets.
4. Poetry Vocabulary Review Game: if you missed class, you missed some fun. See Ms. Senger's website for the Poetry Vocabulary Handout.
5. Read "Poets, Talking" by Patrick Lane, in your poetry collection. Write down your thoughts, feelings, questions, definitions of words you don't know...about the poem. What do you think the poem wants the reader to understand?
1. Vocab Quiz/WOTD/Silent Reading
2. Book Sign Out: time to get Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.
3. Poetry Project Sharing: students will share new understandings, discoveries and learning in regards to the poetry project we just completed. It is time to appreciate and honour each other's work.
Friday, May 20th:
Last day for project work. These are due today. I am very much looking forward to seeing the evidence of your learning, research skills and growth. Please ensure your project is in the following order:
1. Cover Page (Title of Project, Name, Date, Block)
2. Author Biography: double spaced, 12 point font, carefully edited, uses at least one in-text citation clearly connected to your research, as shown in your Reference Page.
3. Author Choice: double spaced, 12 point font, carefully edited.
4. Poem 1 by author with annotations: ensure title of poem, author, date (if found) is listed on this page.
5: Poem 2 by author with annotations: as above
6. Poem 3 by author: annotations not required, but fine if present.
7. Formal Poem Explication: double spaced, 12 point font, carefully edited.
8. 1 original poem by you
9. Paragraph explaining your poem: double spaced, 12 point font
10. Reference Page: from easybib - this lists all resources used for reference that influenced your thinking and learning for this project.
11. Copy of one page of an article you used (the best one would be the one your quote(s) are from, with notes/highlights
12. Criteria: leave a comment as requested at the bottom of the page.
You may put sticky notes on parts of your project that you want me to especially notices (such as to demonstrate that the work is in the fully meeting or exceeding categories).
Thursday, May 19th:
1. Library: working on poetry projects.
These are due tomorrow. This is intentional. I want you to feel proud of yourselves for accomplishing a major learning task, and then have the reward of having absolutely NO English homework over the lovely loooooong weekend!
Some of you have excused absences happening. If you are away Friday, can you please ensure parents excuse your absence (or email me). Then I will know. You can bring your completed project on Wednesday next week. We will be sharing our projects (all are expected to participate in this), so ensure you have it ready to go.
Wednesday, May 18th:
1. WOTD: poignant
2. Work on your poetry project. Read over the expectations carefully. Remember to use a quote/paraphrase in your author bio, and cite your source. Work to synthesize the information you are learning; weave it all together and build your skills. Projects due Friday.
Tuesday, May 17th:
Meet in the library. Today's WOTD is idiosyncracy. Remember to find the definition!
1. Keep on working on your poetry assignment. By now you should have your author research done, notes taken, poems chosen and annotations well on their way. Today, focus on either completing your author information or your poetry annotations (start your explication if you can). You should be working on your original poem at home. That environment will likely be much more conducive to productive creativity than the library surrounded by your classmates right now.
It is a good idea to review the assignment as a whole and ensure you have a plan for completion. Some of you have made wonderful progress so far. At least 3 people have reached out to their poet-subjects - 2 have even had replies back! This is pretty great research. Remember to TRY to enjoy this process; this is your chance to explore writing that interests you.
Monday, May 16th:
1. Meet in the library.
2. Carry on with your poetry assignment. For today you should have been starting your annotations, researching your author and gathering material.
Friday, May 13th:
1. Meet in the library.
2. Complete "Poetry Unit Assessment" - the learning targets handout is in yesterday's lesson.
3. Poetry Assignment: explanation, then easybib/ebsco demo with Mrs. Zuyderduyn.
Vocab quiz on Monday; ensure you check the WOTD site.
Thursday, May 12th:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Activate Activity: complete part 1 of the task. Share ideas around table groups.
a. View this TED Talk about the need for poetry.
After viewing, take 1 minute of thinking time. Be quiet, eyes closed, reflecting on what you have heard. Then write down 3 words, 2 questions about it and 3 sentences/phrases that come to mind in response to this video.
b. Submit answer sheets and then randomly get another one.Read the questions on the new sheet and answer them. Share out some questions that you found interesting.
c. Complete final answer on original sheet.
3. Poetry Unit Assessment: students will be handing in their poetry unit work on Friday. They need to submit the following items:
a. Poetry Collection (annotated)
b. Connotation/Denotation Work
c. "When I Consider How My Light is Spent" worksheet
d. General Poetry Explication Practice
e. Today's Handout
You will be completing a "Learning Targets Self Assessment" as part of the final mark for this unit, and it will be based on evidence from this material, so it is important for your achievement to have it fully complete. You now have time to work on gathering and completing your evidence, including time to work on the Self Assessment if ready. This will be due at the start of class tomorrow.
4. Receive the Poetry Assignment: Read over requirements. Highlight as needed. We meet in the library tomorrow for this!
Wednesday, May 11th:
1. Poetry Test
2. Silent Reading when done.
Tuesday, May 10th:
1. WOTD/Silent Reading
2.Here's what we have accomplished so far during this unit
a.Annotated poetry collection: see learning targets
b.Background information on "the ballad"; theme and relevance to reader of "La Belle Dame Sans Merci"
c.Connotation/Denotation practice worksheet, part 1 and 2
d."When I Consider How My Light is Spent" worksheet
e.Sonnet structure
i.Sonnet 43 or 116 research and questions
ii.Rhyme scheme, word meanings, topic of poem, volta
iii.Sonnet 43: 3 ways she loves; what is the meaning
iv.Sonnet 116: identify and explain 2 metaphors at work in this poem
f."The Sun Rising" poetry explication practice
The Poetry Test will cover skills developed in activities listed above. Students must ensure they are prepared to answer specific questions about the poems studied together.
- Today: please gather up the materials noted above. Today is a work day for students to ensure all material is completed, thoroughly and accurately. Students should work together in small groups to build understanding and preparedness for the test. They will be handing in this work as evidence, with their annotated poetry collections, to demonstrate the learning targets for the unit.
Monday, May 9th:
1. Vocab Quiz/WOTD/Silent Reading
2. Read and annotate "The Sun Rising" by John Donne
3. Complete this handout as practise for poetry explication. Have this ready for Tuesday. Wednesday you will be writing the poetry test based on the work throughout this unit.
Friday, May 6th:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Connotation/Denotation Part 2 check in: students chose their original sentence, and recorded it on a post-it note. These were displayed and discussed via document camera.
3. Ozymandias: we read and discussed this poem together. If you missed class, you need to read this poem, and do some research on meaning and background.
4. Sonnet 43 or Sonnet 116: students read and discussed this poem according to the steps in this powerpoint.
Monday is our last day to study new poems. We will be practicing formal poetry explication, and completing a unit test on Wednesday. We start the poetry project on Thursday next week.
Thursday, May 5th:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Check-in: how did it go with Part 1 of "Connotation/Denotation"? Part 2 is due tomorrow.
3. Read "When I Consider How My Light is Spent" by John Milton. This is a very rich and layered poem. You won't get all the nuances right away. Don't fret - give yourself time. Here are some notes.
4. Go to shmoop.com and complete this handout to help you with your understanding.
Wednesday, May 4th:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Connotation/Denotation: view this powerpoint and practice the skills outlined.
3. To practise, complete this worksheet. Part 1 is due tomorrow. Have part 2 done for Friday.
Tuesday, May 3rd:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Review "La Belle Dame sans Merci." Absent? Google the title of the poem and see what you can find out. Focus on theme and relevance to today's reader.
3. Read "Vancouver Lights" and complete annotations. Google it if absent; you will find out amazing things about this deep and powerful poem. Check with a neighbour regarding their annotations.
Monday, May 2nd:
1. WOTD/Vocabulary Quiz/Silent Reading
2. "La Belle Dame Sans Merci": view this powerpoint to view background info on the ballad form. Read the poem, and annotate. There is lots of explanatory information online. Just do a quick search if you are absent. You are expected to clearly and accurately annotate this poem.
Friday, April 29th:
1. Silent Reading/WOTD
2. Poetry Test - skill check!
3. Ms. Senger Feedback :)
4. Investigate Poet Options for your Poetry Project
The following sites may provide you with inspiration:
- Ebsco Poetry and Short Story Reference Centre
- Poetry 180: Contemporary American Poetry
- Canadian Poetry Online
- 31 Contemporary Poets
- 10 Poems Everyone Needs to Read
Thursday, April 28th:
1) Debriefing from yesterday's poem
2) "To Autumn" by John Keats
TEST TOMORROW! You will be tested on your ability to identify poetic devices in the lines from poems we read this week, as well as from a poem you have not read that will appear on the test. You will also be asked to write a short analysis paragraph based on the new poem on the test.
Wednesday, April 27th:
1) Debrief poem from yesterday:
- What poem speaks loudest to you today, and why? (Poets, Talking or The Bird)
Also a choice of talking about ONE of the following questions:
- Compare and contrast the use of imagery in Poets, Talking and The Bird
- Compare and contrast the tone of Poets, Talking and The Bird
- Compare and contrast the use of animal metaphors in Poets, Talking and The Bird
2) "Do not go gentle into that good night," by Dylan Thomas - annotating and analyzing
Homework: short written response
“Do not go gentle” is about the resistance and denial one feels when they, or someone they love, is approaching death. Do you think Thomas’s poem accurately portrays how someone might feel in this situation? Why or why not? What are some other emotions someone might feel?
Tuesday, April 26th:
1. WOTD/Short block; no silent reading.
2. Review of yesterday's work, especially "Poets, Talking" by Patrick Lane. What tone or feeling is conveyed by the poem? What imagery stands out to you? Why?
3. Read "The Bird" by Patrick Lane. On first read through, underline words/phrases that stand out to you. Discuss.
4. On second reading, look for figurative language and devices, and try to unpack the meaning. Record your annotations.
5. Answer the following questions (3-5 sentences only)
- Which poem speaks loudest to you today and why?
- Choose one of these:
a. Compare and contrast the use of imagery in "Poets, Talking" and "The Bird."
b. Compare and contrast the tone in "Poets, Talking" and "The Bird."
c. Compare and contrast the use of animal metaphors in "Poets, Talking" and "The Bird."
Monday, April 25th:
1. Vocab quiz/WOTD
2. Students submit Lit. Circle Response Journals
3. Poetry Unit introduction: students received poetry collection booklets, including unit learning targets.
4. Poetry Vocabulary Review Game: if you missed class, you missed some fun. See Ms. Senger's website for the Poetry Vocabulary Handout.
5. Read "Poets, Talking" by Patrick Lane, in your poetry collection. Write down your thoughts, feelings, questions, definitions of words you don't know...about the poem. What do you think the poem wants the reader to understand?