Greetings!
We had a wonderful day in class. We started the class period with a Quick Write, and today's prompt was connected with the fact that it is National Poem in Your Pocket Day. I gave the students a sheet of paper with an extra large pocket outline. They were to write a poem within the lines of that pocket. They could write originals or copy one from our poetry book. (Note: We also watched one of my favorite spoken word artists, Harry Baker, for some inspiration.)
This week was our penultimate class for the year -- the one before the last one! We had fun during class, which can be a very good thing, especially since, according to research, "humor activates the brain's dopamine reward system, stimulating goal-oriented motivation and long-term memory, which means that humor can improve retention in students of all ages.? (Edutopia, 2015)
The Essay Re-Write was due this week, and their final writing assignment, a Reflection Paper, is due next week. For this paper, they are to write about what they learned this year, what they learned about themselves this year, and what did and didn't work well this year. At the bottom of this email is a link to an article about the value of reflection as a part of learning.
Last week, students took home, completed, and then corrected their Mastering the Comma Review. This week, they have the Spring Grammar Test test to take home, complete, and then correct. They should use different colored pens/pencils for correcting their work and be sure to make their marks clearly. I will figure the final scores for their tests. The test and the answer key are posted on Google Classroom. If for some reason they are not able to access Google Classroom, they should still take the test and bring it to class. I will then correct it.
And, finally, it was time in class for the Poetry Jam, 2022! The class was divided into 4 teams and took turns coming up to the front to recite their chosen poems. We had an exceptional panel of judges: Levi M, Gabi F, Maria B, Halle H, and Mike M, all alums of Writing 2. I loved listening to all of their poems (and heard a number of my favorites.)
Here are the final places for Teams and Individuals
On Thursday I sent an email telling the students that all of the scores were pretty close. I also included a survey to find out what their thoughts were about Round 2 of the Poetry Jam. Most people said it didn't matter what we did. I would really love to have everyone read again, so unless someone is super opposed to reciting, ALL FOUR TEAMS will be in Round 2. EVERYONE should each bring another poem to recite. The individual finalists (Michelle, Rachael, Michael, Annelise, and Nina) will present separately, and their scores will be added to the team scores We'll finish our year with a "Party," and I'll set up a table in the hallway with some snacks. (Students can bring some if they'd like.)
Next week is the final week, and I've told students that I will accept homework until Saturday, May 7 at 7:00 AM. My experience is that once the CHAT classes are done, students really lose momentum for completing late homework. My plan is to get final grades out within the week.
Assignments for Next Week:
-- Any old homework
-- Bring a poem -- EVERYONE!
Links for this Week:
Writing 2 Class Notes -- Week 14 (April 29)
See you next week!
Mrs. Prichard
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