Poetry Madness: Game 2

Read Game 2 poems, Roger the Dog and The Falling Star. Answer each question below. Remember to explain WHY you chose the winner based on poet's craft (rhyme, line breaks, punctuation, simile/metaphor, word choice, repetition) AND your personal connection to the meaning. Don't forget to write with M.I.N.T.S.!


Your post needs to include the following:
1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

2. What is the meaning of the second poem? (Summarize in one sentence)

3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY?

 ***Please tell me everything you think, but use your best writing. 

Here is an example of profcient writing:

The first poem, Dust of Snow, is about a boy who is having a bad day until a crow lands on the tree above him, shakes the dust of snow on him, and gives his heart a change of mood.

The second poem, Mother to Son, is about a mother and a son. The mother had a rough life which she compared to a set of stairs that she had a rough time climbing.She told her son to not give up and keep moving forward when life gets hard.

I choose Mother to Son as the winner because it touched my heart and showed me that no matter if something is hard you should always move forward.Also, the author repeated lines to emphasixe the message. It is a great story because it teaches you to persevere.That is why I chose Mother to Son.

Poetry Madness: Let the Games Begin!

During March, the best college basketball teams compete for the National Title. In order to be the best, each team must state their case by playing the best, scoring the most, and ultimately advancing to the next round.

To create a sense of poetry madness in our room and celebrate poetry, we will read a 2 poems each evening and advance a class winner the following day. However, like the basketball tournament, we must use specific criteria to judge a poem: meaning, poet's craft (rhyme, line breaks, punctuation, simile/metaphor, word choice, repetition), ability to visualize, and your personal connection.

 Each night you will answer the following 3 questions about the poems you have read.

1. What is the meaning of the first poem? (Summarize in one sentence)
2. What is the meaning of the second poem? (Summarize in one sentence)
3. Based on the criteria, which poem did you choose and WHY? ***Please tell me everything you think, but use your best writing.

You will complete Game 1 in class.  Please read Game 1 (Dust of Snow and Mother to Son), choose your favorite, and leave your comment below.  You will see I left an example in the comment section.

Counter Argument: One More Month of Freedom!

Dear Writers,

In writing, we have learned to improve our writing by presenting counter arguments in our essays. Given the following thesis statement, please write a "counter argument" paragraph utilizing the writing skills we have practiced in class.

          Although (thesis statement), some may argue that (counter argument). For example,(evidence for counter argument). However, (evidence for your thesis). Closing sentencerestating your thesis.

Thesis statement:

Kids should have an extra month of summer vacation. 

I look forward to reading your responses.

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

Counter Argument: Show me the Money!

Dear Writers,

In writing, we learned to improve our writing by presenting counter arguments in our essays. Today, I will give you a thesis statement for which you must write a counter argument paragraph. Remember a counter argument has the following structure:

          Although (thesis statement), some may argue that (counter argument). For example,(evidence for counter argument). However, (evidence for your thesis). Closing sentencerestating your thesis.

         Although I love ice cream, some may argue that cake is better. For example, cake is used for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. However, one can have ice cream cake or cake batter ice cream for any occasion. I love ice cream because it is the most wonderful, versatile treat!

Now, it is your turn. Write a counter argument paragraph for the following  thesis statement: 

Kids should be paid for making good grades.

I look forward to reading your responses.

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

Counter Argument: T.V.

Dear Writers,

In writing, we learned to improve our writing by presenting counter arguments in our essays. Today, I will give you a thesis statement for which you must write a counter argument paragraph. Remember a counter argument has the following structure:

          Although (thesis statement), some may argue that (counter argument). For example,(evidence for counter argument). However, (evidence for your thesis). Closing sentencerestating your thesis.

         Although I love ice cream, some may argue that cake is better. For example, cake is used for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. However, one can have ice cream cake or cake batter ice cream for any occasion. I love ice cream because it is the most wonderful, versatile treat!

Now, it is your turn. Write a counter argument paragraph for the following  thesis statement: 

Children should be able to have a T.V. in their room.

I look forward to reading your responses.

Your teacher,
Ms. Blackmon

My Planet!

Dear students,

You’re a scientist who has just discovered a new planet. In one year, people will be coming to live on it. What will your planet be like? What will you name your planet? Write a paragraph describing your new planet.

Your paragraph must…

• be at least 5 sentences long
• written in complete sentences
• use M.I.N.T.S.
• have a topic sentence and supporting details

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon :)

We Are Family!

Dear students,

If you could spend an afternoon with one member of your extended family, who would it be? Tell why you chose this person and tell what you would do together.

Your paragraph must…

• be at least 5 sentences long
• written in complete sentences
• use M.I.N.T.S.
• have a topic sentence and supporting details

Happy blogging,

Ms. Blackmon :)