Book Spine Poetry? What a clever idea!

I wish I'd thought of it.

Below are three of my favourite book spine poems from the gallery at 100 Scope Notes:








Now - I've got to go stack my poem. . .

Poetry: Not Mission Impossible!

I've been thinking a lot about poetry lately. . . and have been becoming a little obsessed.  When I think back to my English degree at Trent University, over twenty years ago,  it is my poetry class that made me feel elated.  I walked across the Otonabee bridge everyday, and my feet barely touched the ground.

Words and lines and thoughts and ideas and images and movement and particular turns of phrase kept me buoyant.  It was a very inspiring time.

As a teacher, I really want to share that buoyant feeling with my students.  I want to go beyond the assumptions about poetry, and truly engage students for the very love of language and expression.

I've been reading Georgia Heard's book, Awakening the Heart.....and have been inspired by the idea of creating 6 Room Poems (also described on-line:  . 
http://www.proteacher.net/discussions/showthread.php?t=51929)

To hook the reluctant writers, I was thinking it would be neat to try writing in role. Darth Vader?  Yoda?  Iron Man? Luongo? These would likely be appealing to boys, but what about the girls?  Because I live in a housefull of boys, I'm not entirely sure who girls would find interesting to write about.  Katniss Everdeen?  Selena Gomez? 

With this little problem comes a solution.  I would ask students to submit names of characters they find appealing in popular culture. 

Imagine challenging the class to write in the role of the school principal?  Then invite the principal to write as him or herself. . . inviting them to come together with your class to enjoy the fruits of poetic labour.

Ahh, poetry, let us be true to one another.

Sorry - I love poetry, so I get a little carried away :o)

Incidentally, I found a workshop handout by Georgia Heard here:  http://www.arliteracymodel.com/pdf/conference/050919/georgia.pdf

That is my gift to you.

Sincerely,

Carol N.

Path to a Happy Practicum: Let the Principles of Learning Guide You

What does good teaching look like?  What makes a lesson work?  How do you know if you're on the right track?   How do you know if your students will be engaged at all?  Never fear....let the Principles of Learning (as cited in the BC ELA IRP) guide you!

• Learning requires the active participation of the student.
• People learn in a variety of ways and at different rates.
• Learning is both an individual and a group process.
• Learning is most effective when students reflect on the process of learning and set goals. 

Keep these principles in mind as you plan...this will help you decide upon the most effective teaching methods in your toolbox.  Already planned your lessons?  Take another look at them, and ask yourself these questions:

• Does this lesson require active participation of my students?
•  Is there enough variety in my lesson so that all learners have a pathway to engagement?
• Do I allow for individual and group activities?  Is there a balance of both?
• Are my students reflecting on the process of learning in a meaningful way?
• Have my students had any say in the goals of this project?  Do you provide space for individual goal-setting?

Sometimes, even when all the boxes are checked off and you have been mindful of the Principles of Learning - a lesson can flop.  There are good days, and according to Alexander,  there are "horrible, no good, very bad days."  The key is to pick yourself up by your teachable bootstraps and try again tomorrow!

Have a happy practicum,

Carol N.