Demo in case it gets lost

Demo


This process combines writing and discussion to focus on imagery, onomatopoeia, and simile within a poem.

The Big Idea  - Borrowed largely from David Franke, and Bob Tierney - Thanks, guys!

When you carefully observe something from a variety of lenses, you gain a deeper understanding of it.  Writing is important, and writing to learn is something learners of all levels can do in this activity.  The main idea of this demo is to write observations/thoughts about a season, and apply these to writing.  Everyone will produce a poem.

Classroom Goal
This demo could be used in a classroom to give students opportunity to encourage observation, and generate writing in the classroom based off of these observations.  Student writing can be used to facilitate discussion and encourage deeper thinking.

To Do / The Method:  
Participants take out paper
Divide your paper into quadrants (4)

In Q 1 - List words or phrases to describe your favorite season – try to use some outside the box words – have fun! –  (2 min)

**Use at least one onomatopoeia**
ex –“The scrunching of leaves on the sidewalk”

Share – (1min/person)

In Q 2 - Fill in the blank with as many phrases as you can: (2 min)

(your season)_____________ is like _____________________ because  …

Share – Share two that you like!

In Q 3 - Pick your favorite simile from Q2 and free write for two minutes - elaborate on your simile
** make sure you use a few adjectives** - (2 min)

Share quickly - 2 min/person!  Write down two words people use that you like


In Q 4 – In the point of view of your season, use the 5 senses to describe it - sight, sound, touch, taste, smell  ( 2min)
ex - I hear the crack of the bat on a baseball


Now, on a clean piece of paper, take your writing and turn this into a poem USING A SHARPIE - these will hung on the wall displayed for all to see– (10 mins)

use at least one simile, one example of onomatopoeia, and one image

(Gallery Walk) - you may write nice comments on people’s poems - (5-7 mins)

Final Write - How could I use this in my classroom? (3min)
(Share and discuss)

Wrap - We wrote, we shared, we broke down our season into a variety of lenses, we created poetry shared through a gallery walk, and then we applied this activity to our individual classrooms.  This wasn’t a lesson on poetry, but it incorporated poetic devices and the powers of observation.

Thank you for your time and willingness to write, share, think, speak, and listen.  If you have any questions about this teaching demonstration, the Seven Valleys Writing Project, or just want to talk about teaching, please contact me by email at shannon.o’loughlin@7vwp.com or skol14891@yahoo.com