Weekly Agenda: February 27 – March 2

Tuesday, February 28
In-class Journal Exercise: Choose an object, person, place, event, etc. Write 3 short
poems about it, each from a different voice or tone. Vary diction, too, if you
can. For instance, you could choose to sound like three very different people.
Poetic Device Quiz #1
Introduction to Imagery (handout to add to packet)
- Vocabulary
- Concrete vs. Abstract language
- Practice: Writing imagery-rich descriptions → poetry
- Example: “Sorting Laundry”
HW: Journal Prompt: Describe or portray a relationship through a series of specific sensory images (the more senses, the better)

Thursday, March 1
Review Imagery
- Read and discuss “A Time Past”
Introduction to Symbolism and Theme
- vocabulary
- Examples: “The Road Not Taken” and “Fire and Ice”
- In-class Journal Prompt: Just as Frost did with the “road” and “fire and ice”, select an object and shape it into a symbol representing something bigger or deeper. Your poem should turn the object into something more than it once was, and suggest a theme or message through it.
HW: Select 3 poems to revise as a unit portfolio grade. All should be medium-length or longer; they need to make up a substantial reflection of your work over this six weeks, and should demonstrate your efforts and mastery of poetic devices. The portfolio will be accompanied by a one-page reflection on the pieces included. Start working on your revisions this weekend.