Author Archives: Suzanne

Focus Question – how do poets express themes of self and identity? “I’m Alive, I Believe in Everything” by Lesley Choyce  http://judithpordon.tripod.com/poetry/choyce_im_alive_i_believe_in_everything.html “On Turning Ten” by Billy Collins http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-turning-ten/ “Self-Portrait at 28” by David Berman  http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/self-portrait-at-28/ “Heredity” by Thomas Hardy http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/heredity-2/ “Conceit” … Continue reading →

Personification is language that gives human characteristics to inanimate objects or ideas.   The raindrops kissed my face. The road beckoned me to follow. My mother’s quilt hugged me with her love.   Complete each of the following with an … Continue reading →

Step-by-step instructions: 1.  Tape the poem that you selected to the middle of a larger piece of colored paper 2.  Annotate around the poem in neat writing: Underline or circle important words and define Write thoughts, conclusions, or comments with … Continue reading →

A SIMILE is a comparison between two unlike things using the words like or as. Examples: from the book Active English by Karla Hardaway Her bangs looked like broken spokes in a wagon wheel. The scream pierced like a splinter … Continue reading →

Read all of the following poems and select one to analyze: “Mentor” by Thomas Murphy  http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/163.html “Wheels” by Jim Daniels  http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/021.html “The  Meadow” by Kate Knapp Johnson http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/033.html “In the Well” by Andrew Hudgins http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/041.html “Otherwise” by Jane Kenyon  http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/050.html “Lesson” by … Continue reading →

Write a personal narrative about a place.  Use sensory words, imagery, figurative language to help readers visualize and gain a sense of that place.  Remember narrative means story, tell us about your first visit, or repeated visits or how the … Continue reading →

Please write a brief paragraph describing your writing.  This should be typed in italics and e-mailed to me.  The writing needs to include some highlights about the story with the intent of encouraging someone to read it – like a … Continue reading →

Use the links to the right to read each student’s writing. Student’s please write a paragraph of response.  This should include 4 – 6 specific things you liked.  For example, I really liked the end.  The words ” insert quote … Continue reading →

Peer Review – remember the writing is ultimately your own!  This means, listen to your peer reviewer, but choose whether or not to make the changes. Conferences with me – you only get one!  But you can conference with a … Continue reading →