…Think for a moment about the occasions when you spoke well. Seldom was it because you first got the beginning just right. Usually it was a matter of halting or even garbled beginnings, but you kept going and your speech finally became coherent and powerful. There is a lesson here for writing: trying to get the beginning just right is a formula for failure— and probably a secret tactic to make yourself give up writing. - Peter Elbow When we allow ourselves to become vulnerable, to take chances, and to risk our pride, that is when we find our own glory. - Richard Corman

Poets live wide-awake seeing and writing about their own truths or observations. Poets engage in communities that encourage them to read and write, examining the voices of other poets as well as developing their own voice. This community allows for risk-taking so a writer can explore and write about the important events and ideas in their lives. My Writing Life = Writing for Dummies Story –Take Risks –Open your mind to a community that provides thoughtful and respectful response

Task for Today Answer some questions about the photo you brought in and write a poem inspired by the photo. Before you do this, you will see mine as an example.

MASC/MAHS Leadership Camp Photo:

The occasion? –MASC/MAHS Leadership Camp 2011; JC Captain –Playing “Mirror Game” Icebreaker with my good friend Taylor Strobridge Why keep? –It makes me happy when I look at it. No matter how upset I get, when I look at this picture, it reminds me that life isn’t that serious. Represent now? –This was the year I discovered that stressing about things makes life more difficult than it has to be. Nothing is worth my health and well-being. –Tough year; had 20 college students to lead; took on their stress…it became too much. –Had a conversation with the great Mary Thompson of Frasier a couple of hours before this picture was taken; she helped me learn how to stay chill under pressure; She probably saved me from a future heart attack. –The crazy outfits, the non-judgmental atmosphere, being one’s self completely without reservation, and the happiness while doing that represents the world I want to live in. Family Members Say? –“You look so happy. You also look weird. But at least you’re embracing it!” Makes me think about? Fun. My purpose in life. My passion for leadership Makes me feel? Calm, joyful, inspired, nostalgic Questions for Brainstorm - Prewriting

Imagine a world where everyone stands out, You are not treated like garbage because of who you are, Being weird is the norm, People embrace differences rather than fear them, You can wear a multi-colored tutu or yellow overalls and won’t be judged, You can forget your stresses and just laugh with your friends, And since laughter is the best medicine, you will forever be in good health. You are free to be yourself. In fact, people ENCOURAGE you to be yourself. Because it is your world. Your world begins as a dull, gray canvas until you paint on it with the colors of your personality, It is monotone notes playing over and over until your laughter creates music. Your world is what you make of it. And who you put in it. Make it count, and you will never know sadness. My Poem: Imagine a World

Now it’s your turn… Take out your picture you were asked to bring that embodies your identity/individuality Take about 5-10 minutes to answer the following questions in your Writer’s Notebook (in the “Writing” section) 1)When was the photo taken? 2) What was the occasion? 3) Why do you keep this photo? 4) What does it represent to you now, years later? 5) What would your mother, father, or friend say about this photo? 6) What does this photo make you think about? 7) What does this photo make you feel?

Turn & Talk: Take 5 minutes to share with a neighbor your answers to the questions about your photo. Each person should get an opportunity to talk. When one person is sharing about the photo, the other should be actively listening. Writing: Now that you have brainstormed and discussed your ideas, begin to write. Create a line poem inspired by this photo. DO NOT describe your photo. Write a poem. The poem does not need to rhyme. Capture stories, descriptions, thoughts, feelings, dialogue, etc. Share: Each partner will read a single entry they put in their notebook. The listener will repeat a phrase or line they connect with and explain the connection.

SCALE – Rate Yourself Students will begin to develop a thought process for writing poetry though the exploration of observations, answering questions, and discussion as a community of writers. Students will also function as a community of writers through continued writing and revision. 4: Mastery 3: Proficient 2: Developing 1: Beginning