Lesson 8 Explaining Language Choices

Learning Intention

I can reflect on my own writing to identify why certain language choices are effective

Key Competency

Using language

Success Criteria

My poems are accompanied by a commentary explaining my language choices

LEARNING TASK 1 

• Have a look at this site with your group and produce a list of success criteria for a poem commentary.
• Don't forget spelling, punctuation and grammar on your list!

LEARNING TASK 2

• Compare this with another group's list. Are there many differences? Are the differences important? If so, negotiate a new list that you all agree on.
• If you want to compare lists with another group, feel free to discuss with as many people as you like to ensure you are happy with your success criteria.
• Don't forget to add your personal targets!
• Post your final success criteria on your blog.

LEARNING TASK 3

• Choose 2 poems in your poetry portfolio that you think you can write a good commentary on.
• Write a commentary for each poem in one Google Doc focusing on the language choices that you made and the effect that you think these could have on a reader.
• Check your commentary against the success criteria and tomorrow we will use peer assessment to ensure that it is the best you can do.
• If it is, you can add it to your portfolio.

Lesson 7 My Poetry Portfolio

Learning Intention

I can create texts which engage my readers

Key Competency

Using language

Success Criteria

I have written a selection of poetry which at least 2 readers agree is enjoyable

 

LEARNING TASK 1 (15 minutes only)

• Take a red or purple poetry book from the shelf. You may need to ask Ms Kerry for extra copies.
• Open the book anywhere and read a poem. When you are finished, do it again - anywhere in the book; it doesn't matter.
• When you find one that you particularly like, share it with the group/class by giving them the page number and telling them why you like it. It may be amusing, through-provoking, simple, complicated, reminds you of something, is a good example of something (e.g. metaphor, simile etc.)
• Even if you don't want to explain, just share; you might be surprised at what you discover!

LEARNING TASK 2 (45 minutes - you will probably not finish this in the lesson, and that's OK, so when time's up move to the next task)

• Follow this link which is a website that will help you get started on writing your own portfolio of poetry.
• Use the following frames to write your own poems. (Use a Google Doc for now and share it with Mrs Abena - we will think about formatting later.)

1. Haiku If you are unsure about syllables click here then here
2. Bio-Poem
3. Cinquain
4. If Hope Could Be a....
5. Some of My Best Friends are Metaphors 

• Your portfolio needs at least 8 poems so you can choose another 3 frames or write 3 poems in whatever style you like.
• Remember to check your spelling and grammar. You do not have to use Standard English but if you choose not to, there should be a reason; it should not be an accident.

LEARNING TASK 3 (10 minutes)

• However many poems you have written STOP NOW.
• Share your document with the class and spend 10 minutes reading others' poetry.
• Use the comments feature in Google Docs (insert > comment) to leave feedback for the poems you read. Use the comments also to ask questions about why certain words or images were chosen. This will help everyone to write their commentaries later.

LEARNING TASK 4 (10 minutes)

Write a reflection in your blog about this lesson. You might like to think about the points below and/or other important experiences from the lesson:

• your reaction to people's poem choices from Task 1
• your reaction to the poems you found
• the topics you chose for your poems
• the poems you read from other learners