Spring...and poems run willy-nilly everywhere....

Poetry is always approached with a bit of levity for me. I know that I already explained this in class, but I just really feel lead to reiterate this idea. Don't get me wrong, I really do like poetry, but every time a student gives me a stack of "their poems" or a parent tells me at back to school night that their son/daughter is a "poetic genius" I inwardly freak out a little. It's not that I doubt their ability or that I don't believe the sincerity with which a parent will support and love their children, I just feel a bit aloof when it comes to making the inevitable judgement on if their work, usually bound in a special binder or other precious covering, is "good". Their is no worse place to be.
On one hand I feel an artists obligation to take a critical eye over their work, to consider all that I have come to learn about the forms and design, to really give them feedback on whether or not the work is, in fact, "good". If I do that I know that I am going to hurt feelings and alienate people who might really respect my opinion. Its the dilemma that is so frustrating. I want to ask them, sometimes, "Why me and my opinion? Isn't the act of creation enough and powerful that you don't require my approval? You didn't ask me if you could make the poem therefore it doesn't require my approval." And yet, I know how they are feeling. It is the sheer delight of having made a phrase that sinks into your skin, the idea that in spite of everything, my words ring true to my own ears and I identify, like a beacon, momentary truth in a very confusing and crazy world. I guess that secretly, poetry is a personal hurdle for me to leap. Clearly the power of the word is undeniable. After having vented all of that (sorry...) I really want you to know, that your work does not require my "approval" of good, bad, or indifferent. What matters is that you made it, love it, and will continue doing so. Be excited, share them with your friends and family. Represent!...
(I can't guarantee that the rest of my entrees for the Poetry unit will be any less weird, maybe that is good, I'm not really sure, but I will try to keep them both interesting and sincere.)
P.

Haiku, Tanka, Cinquain Form



Sonnets


French Rondeau/ Villanell/ Prose


P.

To Kill a Mockingbird...

Here are the Journal Entry slides if you need to help build you Journal.  I will be updating periodically, so keep track of what is going on and check back when you read.

P.

At what temperature does paper burn??? 451...

Here are the slides for the Journal Entries for those of you that might need a place to start.  I will be adding and revising what we have done here so stay tuned young cadets!

Farenheit 451 EAP Articles...

Here is a copy of the slides for everyone if you need the directions for the annotation of the articles.



P.

Braided Writing

This week and last week have been spent combining two different types of non-fiction writng, biography writing and photo writing.  By this point you should be finished(ing) the biography that you are going to share with your partner.  Please be sure to give them a digital copy of your work so that they can use it more easily in the braiding process.  This week's focus has been moving into the photo writing.  Pick a good photo and spend sometime figuring it out.  If you have questions, come see me.
P.

The truth is stranger than fiction...

Hey all!
This week our focus is slowly transitioning into Creative Nonfiction. "What is that?" you say...Well it is pretty much what it sounds like. The Creative retelling of a real event, sort of like "flavor enhanced" water. It's still water, just more palpable to the taste. We are going to take the skills that we have worked with over the first semester and apply them to factual events. The end result is usually a great story centered around a real event. Here are the slides for the first day with more to follow.



P.

The Oakdale High School Book Club...LIVES...AGAIN!!!

Ok, Ok, I know that it is super pretentious, but I can't help it! It's like the scene from Night at the Museum 2, an otherwise riddiculous film EXCEPT for the introduction of it's main villan, the real life comedian Hank Azaria (the voice of Moe from the Simpsons...)who, when monologuing, states that he has ,"COOME BACK TOOOO LIIIFFEE!". Very funny,stuff!

Anyhow, the bookclub is back in session and anyone interested in joining should come and check out what we are going to read this next month.

Cheers!
P.