Lessons

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=Classroom Discussions=

Classroom Discussions (How to Improve them from AMLE) "Another way to involve more students in active question-asking is to get your students to ask the follow-up questions. If one student answers the initial question you pose, ask a second student to offer evidence to support or refute the first student's response; then ask a third student to critique the second student's evidence. Go back to the first student who provided the initial response and ask her to respond to what the other two students said. This creates positive anxiety in the classroom. We want students so concerned that they will be called upon to say something intelligent that they remain on their toes mentally. To be effective, we have to make a habit of this redirection so that students know it's going to happen. This keeps the entire class thinking of answers and questions to ask." ~from the work of Rick Wormeli

=**Poetry Every Day!**=

I really enjoy Nancie Atwell's approach to poetry from, //[|In the Middle]//. The general idea is to read a poem everyday at the beginning of class as a warm-up. I usually have at least one student read the poem before I read it aloud. We begin by making observations: //It rhymes. There are two parts. Daffodils are mentioned a lot.// As the class grows more comfortable making observations, asking questions, and answering questions, terms and concepts can be more formally developed orally and in class notes.

In grade 8 I like to begin with selected poems from //[|I Am Wings]//, by Ralph Fletcher. The book is divided into two parts, //Falling In// and //Falling Out//. My students always pay close attention to the slightly older characters experiencing young romance. The high interest content and the consistency of style help draw all students in and build confidence in their ability to read poetry before moving on to other poets and styles. A semester of this practice results in the study of dozens of poems, poets, and styles. Opportunity for spin-off assignments abound as students find favourite poets and debate the merits of different styles.

Public radio's Writer's Almanac is a great resource for poetry. Here's a challenge probably best suited to those who teach older students. If you'd like to demonstrate being an authentic, chief learner in your class, use the Writer's Almanac site to study poetry on the spot each day with your students. Technically you could sneak a peek as poems are often posted a few days in advance (You wouldn't!), but your students could sneak a peek, too, and how great would that be?

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 * Digital Storytelling in Poetry / Poem In Your Pocket Day (4/18/13)**

Do you want an activity for Poem in Your Pocket Day? Do you want to share your ideas? And be sure to share with the official hashtage

[|#pocketpoem at poets.org] #pocketpoem on Twitter

Here's an idea.

Poetry Month (April): Links, Lessons, Resources Galore

Genius Hour / Genius Project

How are you using your time? A document for students to monitor their workshop time. Click here.