1. WRITER’S NOTEBOOK Session 4

2. Writer’s Notebook: Session 4 “It is hard for me to separate my development as a reader of poems from my career as a poet. If my readings have any sensitivity, it is because I have paid close attention to how my own poems worked, and to which ways and to what extent I might improve them.” Mark Strand, On Becoming a Poet

3. Writer’s Notebook: Session 4 Quote Analysis  First, copy or paraphrase this quote in your notebook.  Then, discuss this quote with a person next to, in front of, or behind you. Explain its meaning and what it is saying about writing.  Finally, write notes from your discussion beneath the quote.

4. Writer’s Notebook: Session 4 Teaching Points  Poets read a range of poetry.  They study poetry both to feel connected to it and to admire the ways that other poets structure their works.  Poets create works that seem almost autobiographical.  These poems support you as you think about your life.

5. Writer’s Notebook: Session 4 Independent Practice  Search online and read10-15 poems. Try the site Teen Ink at http://www.teenink.com/http://www.teenink.com/  List the titles and authors of at least 5 poems that seem connected to your life in your notebook.  Keep reading until you find 2 or 3 potentially autobiographical poems (poems that could be based on your life).  Copy the poem that seems most connected to you into your notebook.

6. Writer’s Notebook: Session 4 Active Engagement  Reread your copied poem to prepare to read it aloud to your group.  Next, in groups of 3 or 4 take turns reading one potentially autobiographical poem.  Explain to your group and write in your notebook why this poem seems connected to your life.

7. Writer’s Notebook: Session 4 Exit Slip Questions 1. What single poet/poem do you most admire? 2. What about this poet/poem would you most like to imitate in your own poetry?

8. Writer’s Notebook: Session 4 Autobiography Poem  Write an Autobiographical Poem [25-45 Lines]  Borrow the first or favorite line from the poem you love.  Then write about your life—or someone in your life that matters to you.

9. Writer’s Notebook: Session 4 You are to Submit/Complete  Quote Analysis  Independent Practice: Poem Research  Active Engagement: Poem Choice Question  Exit Slip Questions  Autobiography Poem