Dec 17 2008
Poetry, podcasts and blogs
So here we are in the week before Christmas break. Nathan and I are trying really hard to keep the lid on things in the portapac. Believe me…the creatures are stirring. We were looking for some quick and easy activities this week to keep our students writing and somewhat engaged. Poetry fit the bill.
Nathan found a website that gives a framework to write an “instant I can’t write a poem” poem. It was great and got all of the students working on coming up with excuses as to why they couldn’t write. They quite enjoyed it and everyone was able to produce their own poem. Some sutdents changed the idea around a bit and did “Why I Can’t Walk the Dog” or Why I Can’t do My Homework”. Having the digital recorders available in our classrooms meant that we were able to record the students reading their creations and we will use the recordings on future PortableRadio.ca podcasts. Click here to visit the site “I Can’t Write a Poem” site.
Mary Jane Johnson, a special education teacher at our school, gave us the idea for the “I come from …” poem. This poem follows a formula. The first line is a favourite food. The second line is a place you pass by every day. The third line is a family saying. The fourth line is a treasured item and the fifth line is the place where you keep the item. Again my students really enjoyed the activity. Everyone of them wanted to have their poem published on our class blog, 56js.ca Here are some of the results:
I am from…
by Remi
Hot dogs
My brother’s bedroom
Get off the computer
Rock from Dallas, Texas
In a key-coded, locked safe
I am from….
by Taylor
Chicken alfredo pasta
Circle J RanchWake up or you’re walking!Family portrait of Treasure Hunt
Downstairs hallway
I am from…
by Megan
Leg of lamb and Yorkshire pudding
Park
You can’t get married till you’re 30Princess music box
On my dresser
These little poems allowed everyone to be successful and have something to record or publish in a short period of time. The students enjoyed the activity and we had a great discussion about what a poem is and how you often have to think carefully about poetry to get the entire picture of what the author is trying to say.
Podcasting and blogging without a big song and dance!
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Great idea. We have been doing procedural writing and recipes in class and have posted to our classroom blog as well. We took the Community of Character document from the OCDSB and used it to create recipe for character traits. Check it out at our classroom blog.
http://www.mrspeer7.blogspot.com/
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Procedural writing lends itself so well to podcasting and the kids get really creative with directions for how to do almost anything. Tying it in with the Community of Character hits yet another curriculum expectation.
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