April 13, 2006 (I forgot to post this that day.)

The students are currently working on exploring the times surrounding the Harlem Renaissance.  Wednesday we reviewed some of the topics they explored in the writing lab the previous day. Today, Thursday, we will go to the lab again so that they can get the research they need to present their poem to the class.  

I have listed a specific way to read the poem.  The most important part of the reading is creating an introduction to set the stage for reading.  A reading of a poem is not just a recitation of the words.  The reading adds to the piece.  One way that is done is through preparing the audience by setting a purpose for listening.  Since we in the audience do not have time to read the poem over and over, the preparation allows us to listen for something, focuses our attention towards a specific message.

Today we will work on exploring the lives of the writers and research the poems.  My goal is to give those who do not have access to computers at home time to gather their information.  I will give examples of how to read poems when we return from break.

Everything is spelled out on the worksheet.  You can find it under the Harlem Renaissance assignment web page.