November 9, 2006

We took vocab quiz 4 today. I checked to see that the whole unit was completed as well as the flashcards for sections 3,6,7. We then discussed the idea of analyzing a poem. I created a chart that they could use to take apart a poem. It had five categories.
1. What is the author's message(s) in the poem?
2. What images in the poem show this message?
3. List the actions of the characters that show the message.
- Also, what dialogue demonstrates that message?
4. How is figurative language used to further the message?
Metaphors, similes, alliteration, personification, onomatopoeia
5. Describe your opinion of the message in the poem.

If the students take the time to write to each one of these, I think they will begin to explain what the author is trying to say. They should have a better draft to work on in the writing lab Friday.