Being grounded is tough. It can be difficult to be stuck, to be unable to move forward with our lives, like the boats in this photograph. But what … Grounded
Break Time 3
You guys have been working pretty hard, and believe me, I can tell! I've graded a lot of your submissions as I've watched more and more come in. It's a little overwhelming, but it's all worth it, and I'm glad to do it. Now it's time to sit down, take a break, and unwind. So … Continue reading Break Time 3
Nothing Gets Done Without the Last Minute
I'm sure all of my students are aware by now that last Monday marked the end of digital learning at FSMS. To be perfectly clear, there is no lesson for today, nor will there be one for next Monday. The time is yours to catch up on any missing work. You must have all assignments … Continue reading Nothing Gets Done Without the Last Minute
Don’t Analyze a Poem – SLAM IT!
Analyze a WHAT?! Agonizing over paragraph structure? Finding nothing worth smiling about regarding similies? Worrying that you won't sound like you know what you're talking about? Counting the words and writing line totals in the margins? Don't worry about poetry analysis - SLAM it! SLAM, in this case, isn't like a poetry slam. A poetry … Continue reading Don’t Analyze a Poem – SLAM IT!
What Makes a Poem Good?
As you continue to work on your original poem (see last week's assignment) and prepare to video the presentation, take time to really think about what you want your work to say, how you want it to make your reader feel, and what impressions you want to leave your reader with. Hopefully, you haven't rushed … Continue reading What Makes a Poem Good?
To Continue Along the Path
To say that this time of quarantine is an inconvenience is an understatement. Many of the businesses we want to visit, such as hair salons, movie theaters, restaurants are closed to us, making us feel shut out from a normal existence. Add to that the fact that even schools are closed, and we become more … Continue reading To Continue Along the Path
Poetry Slam!
Today's video introduces our next lesson, and I hope you'll become as excited about it as I am about it! Yeah, it's about writing a poem, but I'm going to leave the technical stuff for the lesson video. To get you into the spirit of things, watch Nova Venerable deliver her poem, "Apartment on Austin." … Continue reading Poetry Slam!
Digital Learning & Communication
The cool thing about a classroom environment is its spontaneity. If you have a question, you ask it and get an answer. A classmate can ask you a question, another can answer, and this may spark a discussion that maybe wasn't planned but from which everyone benefits. Good times, good times. Unfortunately, real classrooms have … Continue reading Digital Learning & Communication
Poetry: Terms and Applications
DirectionsUse the following procedure for each poem on the list. Links to the poems you will use for this assignment are at the bottom of this post. Type your answers in Classroom and turn it in. This assignment is due Saturday, April 18. Make sure you're seated in a quiet spot. Turn off all distractions. … Continue reading Poetry: Terms and Applications
Break Time II
Happy Easter Eve, folks! Look for a post tomorrow that will explain what our class will look like going forward and what we can expect from each other. For now, though, it's still Spring Break, and I want to celebrate by posting another Rube Goldberg machine video. Special thanks to one of my second period … Continue reading Break Time II
