Poetry Night Cafe

Hi All,

I hope all of you come prepared with your poetry and food. Mr. Rivera said that all 8th grade students must dress up and bring their uniform in a bag. That means ABSOLUTELY NO JEANS! Girls should not wear anything revealing or short. Boys come dressed to impress. In addition, if you are waiter or a waitress you must come dressed like a waiter or waitress. Absolutely no acceptions.

Look forward to seeing all of you with your poetry and food and I hope lots of it! : )

Project Based Homework

Hello All,

SPORTS BUNDLE
Please note that school is still in session and you are still required to do work. If you know that you did not complete the Sports Bundle when it was due the first week in April, you must complete it in order to not keep the zero you have on Skedula. The last day that I will continue taking Bundle portfolios will be May 25. Once again don't wait until the last minute, if you hand in unsatisfactory work (poor work) then you will receive a poor grade with 10 points off for lateness. Please note that although I am giving you until this time to hand it in does not mean that you will receive full credit...you must understand it is way overdue. For example, if your work is worth a 90 you will receive an 80, if it is worth an 80 then it will be a 70 and so forth. Please make sure that you look at the rubric inside of your portfolio in order to complete the assignment correctly.

SKEDULA
Make sure that you make a concerted effort to continually look at Skedula everyday or at least a few times a week to make sure that you are not missing any work. It is your responsibility! You should not wait until the last minute to ask if you are failing the class. When you ask that question, you are only telling your teacher that you are not taking the responsibility to monitor your grades on Skedula. In September, you were told by all of your teachers to do this.

POETRY PORTFOLIO
Although the poetry portfolio was due a week ago, some students have been handing it in because they would rather receive points off than a zero which will drop their average significantly. The last day that I will collect this will be May 18. Make sure that you read the outline and the lessons posted on the blogspot in order to do this assignment correctly. It is up to you! If you like receiving zeroes in any of your subjects then do not ask why you have failed a class when your parent is asked to come to the school to pick up your report card.

HISTORICAL FICTION
Lastly, the new unit we are in requires you to do the following:
*Research a country that your "adopted immigrant" came from during the 1600's-1900's. Find out why did immigrants from this country migrate to the U.S. during this time period. You will need this information later to write historical fiction journal entries.
*Research traditional foods and beverages that were most common during that time, find the ingredients and make it. Do not limit yourself to only dinner like food, but to traditional natural drinks (i.e. Sorrel from the Carribbean), or traditional desserts (i.e. Tiramisu from Italy).
* Create a menu containing: traditional breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and beverages (drinks) from your immigrants country.
The final project will be due May 31 and the Historical Fiction Traditional Food Presentation will be June 1st.

PBH Reminders for the Week of 5.14.12

Hello All,

Please note and remember the following:

1. 421 remember your lines for "Two Gentlemen of Verona" for both scenes that we practiced in class for Monday.
2. For Poetry Night Cafe, on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, remember to bring in the food you put on the list so that we can create the breakfast and lunch menu to give to our guests and classmates. Please remember we should anticipate about 40 guests or more (including students during the period you have ELA) in room 421. The amount of food you bring is important for this special event put on by your class.

Lastly, please keep in mind the on demand question that was asked in class for the movie you watched. Throughout the unit you will receive more information from both SS and ELA class.

The Community Service Trip to Flushing Meadow Park will be on May 21, 2012. We will be cleaning the park for about 1 hr and 30 minutes, have lunch and then play for a little while before heading to the bus. All permission slips must be handed in NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012.  We need two chaperones (21 and older) per 8th grade class for a total of 10 chaperones. Classes 8-416A, 8-417, 8-420, 8-421 and 8-424 will be attending this trip.

On loose leaf, make a list of at least 10 high interest historical fiction books for teens and young adults.

Have a nice weekend!

Happy Mother's Day to all of your mothers and to those who have been like a mother to you!

Lucille Lortel Theater Permission Slips

The following students have not returned their permission slip for the Lucille Lortel Theater Trip to be held on Thursday, May 3, 2012. You must arrive at school tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. sharp.

Ehthesham
Corey
Joncarlos
Lizeth
Shavani
Samuel L.
Natasha
Erik
Mario
Jason
Sharell
Michael

Please return the slip to school if you have it at home if not, please have your parents write you a note stating that you are allowed to attend the Shakespeare Festival at the Lucille Lortel Theater on May 3, 2012. We will be leaving school grounds approximately at 7:45 am and returning to Queens after 3 pm taking the train both ways. Make sure that your parents include all of their phone numbers (work, cell, house) in case of emergency.

Lastly, wear your costumes/outfits, bring an umbrella and for the club scene please bring your shades to show transition of scenes and money for lunch.

PBH - Poetry Portfolio Lesson on the Blogspot

Hello 421,

In order to submit your poetry portfolio project on May 4th, you will have to write a poem each day or in a couple of days (depending on you) using the lessons posted on the blogspot. Please read the outline that I gave you in class last week. In addition, look at the student sample portfolios  that I have placed in a red bin inside the classroom. If you don't see it please ask. It is your responsibility!

Please write a poem for each of the literary devices that I have posted on the blogspot. Yes, this will be a very long blog, but at least you don't have to take any notes in class. : )

Each literary device has an example as well as a link to a website for you to see other examples. Please use your time wisely!

421 and 412 (a.k.a 424) You will receive a notebook as soon as Ms. Lucy delivers it to my classroom. As soon as you receive it, you must decorate the cover to represent who you are as a person.
I. Lesson One - Metaphor/Simile

A metaphor compares two unlike things or objects without using the words "like" or "as".

Example of a METAPHOR POEM
A friend is an open hand
A friend is a happy land
A friend is a pot of gold
A friend is someone I can hold
A friend is a beautiful flower
A friend has a lot of power

For more: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/other/metaphor-poems.asp

II. Lesson Two - Simile

A simile compares two unlike things or objects using the words "like" or "as".

Your Feet
Your feet smell so bad,
just like limburger cheese,
that I'm holding my nose tight
between my two knees.

by Denise Rodgers

For more: http://www.funny-poems-for-free.com/funny-simile-poems.html

III. Lesson Three - Imagery

Imagery poems draw the reader into poetic experiences by touching on the images and
senses which the reader already knows. The use of images in this type of poetry serves to intensify the impact of the work.

Example of Imagery in Poetry

Spring
The newborn flowers blossom
in all sizes and vivid colors.
When you walk by, their sweet
and luscious aromas ensnare you..
The beautiful butterflies titter
Around the light grassy areas.
The trees are full of lush, dark green leaves.
Spring is when you can really savor
the intense scent of nature.
For more: http://www.mywordwizard.com/imagery-poems.html
IV. Lesson Four - Haiku

"Haiku" is a traditional form of Japanese poetry. Haiku poems consist of 3 lines. The first and last lines of a Haiku have 5 syllables and the middle line has 7 syllables. The lines rarely rhyme.

Example of Haiku

Green and speckled legs, (5 syllables)
Hop on logs and lily pads (7 syllables)
Splash in cool water. (5 syllables)

For more: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/haiku-examples-of-haiku-poems.html

V. Lesson Five - Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia are words that sound like the objects they name or the sounds those objects make.

Example of Onomatopoeia

Slam! Slam!
Go the car doors.
Jangle! Jangle!
Go the house keys.
Jiggle! Jiggle!
Go the keys in the door.
Squeak!
Goes the front door!
Thump! Thump!
That is me running down the stairs.
Guess what?
Mom and Dad are home!!
For more: http://www.mywordwizard.com/onomatopoeia-poems.html

VI. Lesson Six - Alliteration

Alliteration is a device used in writing, often in poetry, in which the beginning consonant is repeated in all or most of the words in a line or sentence. "She sells seashells by the seashore" is one common example. "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" is another.

Example of Alliteration in Poetry

Don't delay dawns disarming display.
Dusk demands daylight .
Dewdrops dwell delicately
drawing dazzling delight .
Dewdrops dilute daisies domain.
Distinguished debutantes . Diamonds defray delivered
daylights distilled daisy dance.
For more: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~poems/ps/html/alliteration_examples.html

VII. Lesson Seven - Personification

Personification in poetry is when you make a thing, idea, or an animal do something only humans can do.

Two Sunflowers
Move in the Yellow Room.

"Ah, William, we're weary of weather,"
said the sunflowers, shining with dew.
"Our traveling habits have tired us.
Can you give us a room with a view?"

They arranged themselves at the window
and counted the steps of the sun,
and they both took root in the carpet
where the topaz tortoises run. William Blake
(1757-1827)

For more: http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112392/personificationclassics.html

VIII. Lesson Eight - Hyperbole

A hyperbole poem often exagerates and stretches the truth just a little bit.

Example of Hyperbole in Poetry

Appetite
In a house the size of a postage stamp
lived a man as big as a barge.
His mouth could drink the entire river
You could say it was rather large
For dinner he would eat a trillion beans
And a silo full of grain,
Washed it down with a tanker of milk
As if he were a drain.

For more: http://www.mywordwizard.com/hyperbole-poems.html

IX. Lesson Nine - Concrete Poetry

A concrete poem is a poem that forms a picture of the topic or follows the contours of a shape that is suggested by the topic.

To understand concrete poetry, you must visit:
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=concrete+poetry+&qpvt=concrete+poetry+&FORM=IGRE#x0y170

X. Lesson Ten - Freestyle/Lyrical Poem

Freestyle poetry is exactly that. It is a type of poetry that has no set pattern or style. Most of the time, freestyle poetry rhymes. Since most poetry is freestyle and rhymes, most people are under the false immpression that if the verse dosn't rhyme, it isn't poetry. Freestyle poetry can be fun to write. None of it has to make sense so it can be humorous. It can also be serious and have a lot of depth to the subject. This is a very flexible style of poetry and that is why a lot of different people enjoy writting this type of poetry.

To read an example, visit: http://www.teenink.com/poetry/all/article/38492/Lyrical-Freestyle/

Poetry Portfolio Outline

Due: May 3, 2012

For Poetry Night Café and Floetry Freestyle Friday in June (Date TBA)

The poetry portfolio is due on May 3, 2012, Poetry Night Café will be on May 12, 2012 and Floetry Freestyle Friday will be in June (the date will be announced at a later time). For this project, you will need to purchase an art sketch pad, 70 page spiral notebook or marble notebook. Decorate the cover of your sketch pad/notebook and type and paste the outline (which is your table of contents [T.O.C.] ) of your portfolio on the inside of the sketch pad/notebook. Please do not leave the T.O.C. as it appears below this paragraph. Where it says “Title of Poem” you should type the title of your poem and the literary device you used following the order you see below. The cover of your sketch pad/notebook should represent you or your poetry. Basically, if someone were to look at your portfolio they should be able to tell what kind of person you are. Also, the cover should have your name (first, last), grade and year in some creative way. You can use personal pictures, clip art, google images, or your own personal drawings. Next to each poem there should be images or pictures (drawn or printed) that represent the feelings, ideas or colors of your poem. The picture or drawing will be on the left side and the poem on the right side or vice versa. All poems must be edited and typed before submitting it on the due date. Please note that only one poem per literary device is required for entry. There should be no less than 10 poems (1 poem per literary device) that will be required for your portfolio. Out of the ten poems, one should have evidence of rhyme scheme (i.e. abab or aabbaabb). There are ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS!!! The outline is as follows:

Poetry Portfolio Outline

*  “Table of Contents”                                                                                       I

*  “Title of Poem” – Metaphor                                                                     Pages 1-2

*  “Title of Poem” – Simile                                                                          Pages 3-4
  

*  “Title of Poem” – Imagery                                                                       Pages 5-6

*  “Title of Poem” – Haiku                                                                           Pages 7-8

* “Title of Poem” – Onomatopoeia                                                              Pages 9-10

* “Title of Poem” – Alliteration                                                                    Pages 11-12

* “Title of Poem” – Personification                                                              Pages 13-14

 

* “Title of Poem” – Hyperbole                                                                      Pages 15-16

* “Title of Poem” – Concrete                                                                         Pages 17-18

* “Title of Poem” – Free Style/Lyrical Poem                                                 Pages 19-20

* Other Poems                                                                                                 Pages 21-

Holiday Packet Reminder

Hello,

I hope you have enjoyed your vacation thus far and are looking forward to the warm days ahead. However, this is just a reminder that the packets are due on Monday 4/16. All sections provided in the NYS ELA test practice packet must be completed. Any section that requires you to write a short or extended response but there is no space provided for you to write, please use common sense and use loose leaf to write your response. No space provided for your answer does not mean that you cannot answer it!

In addition to your short and extended responses, please use the writing strategy I taught you in class such as the one and only T-E-C method. You don't need to use the Hook-3-T, CA-R1-R2 or The Bottom Line methods because the state test does not require you to write argumentatively. The T-E-C method is the best one to use. Please incorporate parts of the question and author's name into your topic sentence and find three pieces of evidence (only if the test does not specifiy the number of details to use) that ANSWERS THE QUESTION by stating "For example...". Lastly, provide your commentary after each example taken from the text that relates to how the example you've just stated answers the question. However, please don't start off your commentary by saying, "This is correct because..." or "This answers the question because..." it is just TACKY! If you do start with that in your mind cross off those first few tacky phrases and whatever else is left is your "untackified" commentary to the evidence you provided.

If it is an extended response, you will need to use the T-E-C method twice with a conclusion. The reason you will need to repeat this method twice is because you will be asked to compare and contrast two passages/articles.

Just remember T-E-C-E-C-E-C! Sing it like a song to help you remember the acronym. When you return with your completed packets you must use this method to ensure you get the most if not all points for your answer. Trust me this is exactly what the test graders are looking for. Just make sure to read the questions and instructions carefully so you will know the best details to select from the text. Please BEWARE, that most students believe that if they write anything down and it "looks good" they'll receive full points. WRONG! The details you select MUST answer the question.

I believe you can do it! Use the T-E-C method and the rest is up to you!

Be ready to practice how to answer poetry multiple choice questions and short answer questions when you return.

See you Monday! : )