Weekly Agenda: January 10-13

A Day

Tuesday, January 10
Grammar Review: Independent & Dependent Clauses (homework returned)
Introduction to Figurative Language, Part II: Denotation vs. Connotation
- definitions
- practice & examples
- Read and discuss: “Cloud”, “Incident in a Rose Garden”, “Fog”, and “Metaphor” (packet)
Creative Writing Activity #2 (in-class writing time): Write a riddle (see handout for details and example)
HW: Finish Creative Activity #2: Write a riddle using simile, metaphor and personification.

Thursday, January 12
Assembly Schedule
Riddle poems DUE – Volunteers share
Review figurative language; read and discuss “Harlem (Dream Deferred)”
Grammar Lesson #2: Using Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases (pp. 652-654)
- Lesson: p.652-653
- Guided Practice: Concept Check A (p.654) #1-10 (answer in notes)
Introduction to Rhyme & Stanza
- packet vocabulary defined
HW: Grammar Practice Slip (half-sheet handout); Complete #1-10, and follow directions carefully

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B Day

Wednesday, January 11
LATE START
Riddle poems DUE – Volunteers share
Review figurative language; read and discuss “Harlem (Dream Deferred)”
Grammar Lesson #2: Using Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases (pp. 652-654)
- Lesson: p.652-653
- Guided Practice: Concept Check A (p.654) #1-10 (answer in notes)
Introduction to Rhyme & Stanza
- packet vocabulary defined
HW: Grammar Practice Slip (half-sheet handout); Complete #1-10, and follow directions carefully

Friday, January 13
Grammar Review: Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases
Review rhyme and stanza vocabulary → discuss how to identify and label rhyme scheme in poetry
Read, discuss and identify rhyme scheme and stanzas in the following packet poems:
- “A Poison Tree”
- “Annabel Lee”
Poetry Journal #2: We have been studying figurative language and rhyme this past week. Answer the following questions in your journal, with about one paragraph per question (2 paragraphs total): a) Why might poets so often choose to express their meaning and imagery through figurative language rather than literal language? b) What do you think are the benefits of writing poetry with a set rhyme scheme? What might me the drawbacks or challenges involved with sticking to a rhyme scheme? Which do you prefer: rhymed or unrhymed poetry?
HW: Creative Activity #3: Write a poem that follows a rhyme scheme of your choice. The poem can be on any topic, but cannot be shorter than 10 lines. Keep in mind the other poetic devices at your creative disposal: sound devices and figurative language – be as concrete as possible, while avoiding clichés.