Dulce Coaching and Poetry Definitions

Starter 4: Poetry Calisthenics with Amnesty International Photos

Put out photos- 1 per table (if you were absent, see Lori for photos!)

1. Find a table with a picture that interests or intrigues you (for the first round, this can’t be your original table!)
2. Take a minute and closely examine the picture- look at setting, expression, details, and emotion.
3. Take 5 minutes, and write 4-8 lines that capture something about this person’s experience of world
1. Round 1:  Focus on creating a specific tone, or emotional mood
2. Round 2:  Focus on creating vivid sensory impressions
3. Round 3:  Focus on using interesting metaphors or similes
4. Go back to original table, trade with someone.  Find a line or two that really stand out to you, write them on the board with the poet’s name next to them.

Coaching Steps:

1. Fluid Reading: Make sure each group member is clear on pronunciation of words.  Each student reads poem out loud to the group.
2. Close Reading: Go line by line until every group member can summarize every line of the poem.  Remember to ask questions, address every issue from D/C journals.
3. Coaching Handout
1. Walk through handout, students complete in small groups

Definitions

1. Read through this list of definitions of poetry.
2. Choose 3 of the definitions, for each, explain what you think this definition is trying to convey about poetry.
3. Choose a topic you think you might want to write your poem on (big broad topics work best).  If you're stuck, choose one of the following topics:  War, Violence, Peace, Truth, Power.  Write a series of definitions in the style of Sandburg that aims to illuminate different aspects of your chosen topic. 
4. Must have at least 5 definitions (can have more).

Homework:

1. Finish definitions.  DUE:  Start of class, Tuesday.