Mr. O'Brien's Blog

POETRY: refers to texts that communicate messages, ideas, moods and stories while using language extremely effectively. Poetry may rhyme, but it doesn’t need to. Each word is carefully chosen so that the poet’s ideas come across and particular thoughts, feelings, images and responses are inspired of the reader.

Reading:

You will choose 3 poems, each representing a different style of poetry. Each poem should be written by a different poet. You will complete a RETELL, RELATE and REFLECT for all 3 poems. Try to choose poems of appropriate length, with a clear message that speaks to you.

RETELL: In about 4 sentences, summarize the poem in your own words. What is it about?

RELATE: In 3 or more sentences, make a connection to the poem. You can relate the poem’s message to your life, to the world, or to another text you’ve read. Be specific and be sure to explain your connection thoroughly.

Ex: If it’s about hockey, do you play hockey? What position? What are your fondest memories? Going deeper would connect to a theme, such as sportsmanship or teamwork that could relate to any group activity..

REFLECT: Ask 3 thoughtful questions about the poem. Each question should be followed by your answer, whether it is accurate or just an inference from you. The answer can be taken from the text or from your own ideas.

Ex: I wonder why the author…?

**These responses should demonstrate depth and critical thinking.

Writing:

You will write a minimum of 3 poems. You may choose one of the following styles or any other style you have learned in previous years. Each poem should be written in a different style to show variety. Vocabulary choice and literary devices, which we will learn about in class, are the focus of this task.

Ex: a) limerick g) senses

b) acrostic h) colour

c) haiku i) diamante

d) tanka j) I wish

e) concrete k) definition

f) free verse

Presentation:

You will attractively present your poetry as a book and include a table of contents and title page. You may produce original artwork from hand drawings, computer drawings and/or borders, magazine pictures, etc.

Speaking:

You will choose one poem to present orally. It must be a minimum of 8 lines. Creative presentations with props, music, and/or dramatics will enhance the performance.

Poetry Dictionary

Alliteration: the use of similar sounds in words that are close together (ex: Soft silhouettes express stories of silence)

Onomatopoeia: a word (or words) that sounds like the action it represents (ex: boom, zap, crash)

Metaphor: when one object is referred to as if it were another object. It does not use “like” or “as” to make this comparison.

(ex: The beach is a quarter of a golden fruit, a soft ripe melon, sliced to a half curve)

Simile: when one object is compared to another object. It is like a metaphor, but it uses “like” or “as.”

(ex: The moon has a face like the clock on the wall)

Personification: when human characteristics are given to non-living objects. It is a way of referring to an object as if it were a person.

(ex: The old field is sad now that the children are gone home)

Criteria	4	3	2	1
Reading-selection of poems -poetry analysis (retell, relate, reflect)	-chooses 3 different poetry styles and authors-demonstrates thorough understanding and depth	-chooses 3 different poetry styles, but same author-demonstrates good understanding and depth	-chooses similar poetry styles and authors-demonstrates some understanding and depth	-chooses the same poetry styles and authors-demonstrates limited understanding and depth
Writing-complexity -word use -literary devices (similes, metaphors, imagery) -conventions (spelling, grammar)	-writes effectively in 3 different poetry formats-vocabulary use is clear and descriptive -a number of literary devices are used effectively -no errors	-writes in 3 different poetry formats-vocabulary clearly conveys the meaning - some literary devices are used -few minor errors	-writes in 2 different poetry formats-vocabulary used is limited, but clear -limited use of literary devices -several minor errors	-all poems are similar poetry formats-basic and unclear vocabulary used -no literary devices are used -several major errors or omissions
Speaking-clear voice -memorization is optional	-speaker clearly audible, using expression-speaker recalls the entire poem	-speaker clearly audible, using some expression-speaker recalls most of the poem	-speaker mostly audible-speaker recalls some of the poem	-speaker sometimes audible-little to none of the poem is memorized
Presentation-artwork -title page and table of contents	-creative artwork enhances poetry-well-organized and neatly presented	-pictures and borders outline most poems-most pages are well-organized and neatly presented	-some pictures included-some pages are well-organized and neatly presented	-few/no pictures-title page and/or table of contents is missing

Using Google Docs

mrkobrien — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:04:38 +0000

Students can now complete writing assignments at home or at school. They can access their writing by logging into our classroom google docs account.

User Name : room19kids@hotmail.com

Password : 91senolcyc

Terry Fox Community Run/walk

mrkobrien — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:50:15 +0000

This year, we will be participating in the Terry Fox run or walk at Century Public School on Thursday, September 29th. Students and family or community members will be running or walking on a 1km loop with their teachers. We encourage students to bring in a looney or twoney to support the fight for cancer. We will collect donations until Monday, October 3rd

Memory Box Presentations

mrkobrien — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:49:20 +0000

Memory Boxes

Your first Language Arts assignment will be to create a Memory Box.

A Memory Box is about you. Watch the lesson very closely today and

follow all of the steps carefully. A Memory Box takes time, effort and

thought. Use your agenda to plan when you will work on it in class and

when you will work on it at home.

Steps:

1. Get a box (a shoe box is good or a gift box would work; just

make sure it is not too big or too small).

2. Start colleting pictures, cutouts, drawings, or photographs

that represent you. It could be things that you like, hobbies,

favourite colours, favourite sports, pets, your family, words

or phrases that represent you. These images or phrases need

to be positive and represent the best “you”. The whole box

needs to be covered like a collage*.

3. You then need to think about the 6 items to fill your box.

They need to be items that are important to you and tell

something about you. Try to choose things that are unique

or that nobody else might know about.

4. Once you have all of your items, you will write one paragraph

about the box itself and then one paragraph for each item with

a total of 7 paragraphs. Remember, start each paragraph with

an introductory sentence. Use the anchor chart in the class if

you don’t remember the structure of a paragraph.

5. You will then present your box to your classmates. You may

use cue cards to help you remember what to say, but try to

memorize your speech as best as you can.

Collage: An art form where pictures, images or words are

glued to a surface in an overlapping form so the surface is

covered completely.

Memory Box Rubric

mrkobrien — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:48:37 +0000

Here, parents and students can review how this project will be assessed. One third of the mark will be devoted to the writing itself. Another third of the mark will focus on the collage or media aspect as well as the content within the box. The final third of the assessment will be dedicated to the oral component of the presentation.

Memory Box Rubric

CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Sentences and Paragraphs	Sentences and paragraphs are complete, well constructed and of varied structure.	All of the sentences are complete and well constructed. Most paragraphs are well done.	Sentences and paragraphs are complete, but require further development.	Many sentences are grammatically incorrect. Paragraphs do not flow in a logical sequence.
Grammar and Spelling	Almost no grammar or spelling errors.	There are some grammar and/or spelling errors.	Several grammar and/or spelling errors.	Many grammar and/or spelling errors. Work was not proofread.
Graphic Relevance	All graphics are related to the topic and make it easier to understand. Collage techniques are used with exceptional success.	Most graphics are related to the topic and make it easier to understand. Collage techniques are used with some success.	Some graphics are related to the topic. Collage techniques are used with limited success.	Graphics do not relate to the topic. Collage techniques were not used.
Personal Items	Box contains 6 items that are clearly related to the presenter.	Box contains 4 or 5 items that are related to the presenter.	Box contains 2 to 4 items on the box that are somewhat related to the presenter.	Items are missing or have no relevance to the topic (the presenter’s personal life).
Speaks Clearly	Speaks clearly and distinctly almost all of the time and mispronounces few words.	Speaks clearly and distinctly most of the time and mispronounces some of the words.	Speaks clearly some of the time, but often mispronounces words.	Often mumbles or cannot be understood. Many words are mispronounced.
Posture and Eye Contact	Stands straight, looks relaxed and confident. Establishes eye contact with everyone during the presentation.	Stands straight and usually makes eye contact with most of the people during the presentation.	Sometimes stands straight. Often has to look at written material to prompt what needs to be said.	Often slouches or leans on a desk or wall. Rarely makes eye contact with anyone in the audience.

Mr. O'Brien's Blog

Poetry Websites

Poetry Assignment

Using Google Docs

Terry Fox Community Run/walk

Memory Box Presentations

Memory Boxes

Memory Box Rubric

CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Sentences and Paragraphs

Sentences and paragraphs are complete, well constructed and of varied structure.

All of the sentences are complete and well constructed. Most paragraphs are well done.

Sentences and paragraphs are complete, but require further development.

Many sentences are grammatically incorrect. Paragraphs do not flow in a logical sequence.

Grammar and Spelling

Almost no grammar or spelling errors.

There are some grammar and/or spelling errors.

Several grammar and/or spelling errors.

Many grammar and/or spelling errors. Work was not proofread.

Graphic Relevance

All graphics are related to the topic and make it easier to understand. Collage techniques are used with exceptional success.

Most graphics are related to the topic and make it easier to understand. Collage techniques are used with some success.

Some graphics are related to the topic. Collage techniques are used with limited success.

Graphics do not relate to the topic. Collage techniques were not used.

Personal Items

Box contains 6 items that are clearly related to the presenter.

Box contains 4 or 5 items that are related to the presenter.

Box contains 2 to 4 items on the box that are somewhat related to the presenter.

Items are missing or have no relevance to the topic (the presenter’s personal life).

Speaks Clearly

Speaks clearly and distinctly almost all of the time and mispronounces few words.

Speaks clearly and distinctly most of the time and mispronounces some of the words.

Speaks clearly some of the time, but often mispronounces words.

Often mumbles or cannot be understood. Many words are mispronounced.

Posture and Eye Contact

Stands straight, looks relaxed and confident. Establishes eye contact with everyone during the presentation.

Stands straight and usually makes eye contact with most of the people during the presentation.

Sometimes stands straight. Often has to look at written material to prompt what needs to be said.

Often slouches or leans on a desk or wall. Rarely makes eye contact with anyone in the audience.