Journal writing will be a big part of this unit. I find that journal writing is one of the most exciting and creative types of writing that my students regularly take part in. I emphasize creativity in the journals that I require my eighth graders to keep. They are never penalized for spelling or grammar in their journals because the entries are all about their ideas. I want students to feel free to express themselves in their writing. I want them to enjoy their ideas and allow themselves the freedom to not worry about form, structure, grammar and the elements that we regularly examine during other types of writing such as essay and research writing.
Journal writing combined with literature is meant to lead students to the type of higher-order thinking that the latest changes in educational curriculum aim to enhance. Students make connections, take critical stances and are able to think past the literal interpretation that so often characterizes traditional assessment.
Journal writing will work easily into this unit. Students will be examining a number of poets' works and writing several of their own poems. I will encourage students to write as much poetry as they like during this unit and they will not be required to share it if they do not want to do so. But I have found over the years that aspect of journal writing that is especially helpful is that it is an easy way to get students to share their work. I always ask students to share what they have written with classmates when they are done writing. It is not mandatory to share, but it is encouraged, and I find that most students enjoy reading their work out loud. The more they share, the more they enjoy the writing. In this unit journal writing will help to extend the conversation that we have about the literature and about poetry. I will ask my students to set aside a section of their journals for this unit. The possible topics are endless. Trying to get students to choose a topic that makes those connections to higher order thinking is key to a successful unit.
Some possible journal topics:
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· Write a story based on a poem
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· Write a paragraph in which you are a famous poet, explaining one of your poems
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· Write a dialogue between two beat poets
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· Write a song
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· Write a poem about what really makes you mad
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· Write a soliloquy from an issue's point of view
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· Compare two poems
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· Analyze an aspect of a poem (mood, form, rhythm, etc.)
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· Describe your inner conflicts/dreams/worries
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· How might your poetry make others feel? How does a poem make you feel
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· Illustrate a poem