Review pattern for writing Haiku - first line has 5 syllables, second line has 7 syllables, and the third line has 5 syllables - this type of poem is usually about nature. Brainstorm/select a topic then write the poem (select or draw a picture to go with poem). Will wrote a really good Haiku…I'm so proud of him!
I didn't expect Clay to be here today, so I didn't have the grammar workbook with me. I gave him an FCAT prompt to work on, and he had a very difficult time coming up with ideas and getting started. I think the rigidity and formality of the prompt were what troubled him. But he's developed a habit of talking out his ideas, which is something he has to break as there won't be anyone to bounce ideas off of when he takes the test.
Write 5 paragraphs about any topic: Jackson did a good job writing today. he compared home,school, and friends, etc. in St. Louis and here in Florida. I was impressed with the thoughts he came up with. He completed up to the 4 forth paragraph due to time limitations.
I had Cal write two paragraphs about his favorite show and movie. After proofreading, I had him re-write it and focus on fully developing his details and avoiding using choppy sentences. The second draft was very strong.
As per our agreement, Clay wrote two very excellent paragraphs. I was really impressed with how well he used his tenses and different types of sentences. This was definitely his best effort to date. I spent the rest of the class trying to help him with his Algebra, which is DEFINITELY more difficult than a typical Algebra 1 class. I helped some, but Julie did a much better job of it.
Finish "shape" poem started yesterday - cut out outline map of the U.S. then write poem along the shape of the map. Next begin Haiku - explain/give example - 3 line poem - lst. and 3rd. lines have 5 syllables, 2nd. line has 7 syllables - usually about something in nature and do not rhyme. Brainstorm ideas. Will didn't have time to write his Haiku today…he is doing very well.
Cal was still complaining about his wrist, and although I wanted him to write today, I gave him the choice between writing and worksheets. His attitude in class has gotten much, much better over the last couple of weeks. He's focused, and hasn't been trying to avoid working as much. He's done a great job with the work we've done on verbs. He has a solid grasp of the different tenses, and scored perfectly on the irregular verb worksheets. Getting him to write is still very difficult, but he agreed to work on a 5 paragraph essay on Friday.
Introduce new writing assignment - poetry. Explain/give examples of shape/concrete poem. A shape poem is written in the shape of the topic, for example, if you were writing about rain…poem might be written in the shape of a raindrop. Will chose a map and wrote a cute poem about using a map to find your destination. Good session!
