1. TPS English 1 Poet Point Assignment
2008©Lisa A. Cooper
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This poet point is about the life of John Newton.

2. English 1 Poet Points are:
A 7-slide PowerPoint presentation which you will present to the class in 7-10 minutes.
The result of research, both print and online, on the life of your assigned poet.
Designed to introduce a variety of important poets through research and presentation.
A major project for the poetry unit.
Start typing notes here.

3. Our goals:
You will become the class “expert” about your poet because of your research.
You will learn how to make a slide show presentation. You may use presentation programs like Power Point, Impress, or Prezi. If you are unsure about your presentation program, please ask me.
You have an opportunity to show your creativity and “teach” your classmates.
Have fun! 

4. Step 1: Begin the research.
1. Choose a poet on the Poet Assignments list. (We’ll do this together).
Remember, these were real people. Most responded to life challenges in a God-honoring way; sadly, some of them made very unwise life choices. Focus on the reason that their works are considered important and lessons that can be learned from their life experiences. How did their lives impact their writings? How did they use the talents that God gave them?
2. Find at least one print source on your poet.
Choose one book for your primary information source. You will read this book in its entirety.
You may not be able to find a biography text on your author. Remember that print sources include a variety of options: encyclopedias, history texts, biographies, literature/poetry books with short bios of the authors, and the like. If you cannot find any print source, contact your instructor.
Keep excellent notes as you read, along with source information. While you will not use in-text citations, you will create a Works Cited slide.
3. Find at least two online sources.
Compare the information you find online with what you’ve gathered from the print sources.
Again, keep extensive notes on useful points and sources. Be sure to write down the URL’s of websites. Don’t rely on finding them again.
NOTE: Please avoid use of Wikipedia. Also, choose information to include that is consistent between sources. This helps ensure accuracy rather than a single biographer’s opinion or interpretation.

5. Step 2: Plan the visual presentation.
Plan your PPT slides.
Slide 1: Begin with an introduction of the poet. This slide should spark our curiosity and focus our attention on your poet in some way. Remember to include your name, date, and a graphic.
Slides 2-5: Tell the poet’s life story with beginning, middle, and end. Include appropriate graphics on each slide.
Slide 6: Choose a favorite poem by your author. Be sure to include an appropriate graphic. Incorporate the Poem Analysis document here as you determine what to say about your poem’s meaning and construction.
Slide 7: Finish with a Works Cited slide containing all sources, both print and online. Cite all sources used, so keep excellent records. Watch the formatting for your entries.
Be creative!
Choose a theme for your presentation that “fits” your poet.
Look for graphics, photos, and backgrounds that will make your presentation visually interesting.
Make sure that all graphics and photographs are modest and appropriate for sharing with the class.
NOTE: This presentation will be shown through GP6. You will not be able to use slide transition, animation, or sound effects as our program takes static screen shots. Make the slides visually appealing; that’s your goal.

6. Step 3: Plan the oral presentation.
Type what you plan to say (see Step 2 for organization) and then practice, editing as you discover ways to improve your presentation. Complete the Poem Analysis doc and use that information to guide what you will share with your classmates about your poem.
Submit the Poem Analysis doc by Wk 26 and your Poet Point presentation no later than the week you present. Although I can only create one due date in StudyPlace, if your presentation is not submitted in time for your presentation, it will be considered late.
If your presentation file is too big, submit your oral content rather than the Poet Point itself.
While you await your presentation date you should
Revise your oral presentation as needed. Be sure you can read your poem smoothly; this needs to be practiced as well.
Time yourself to stay within the 7-10 minute limit. Being under or over on time results in point deductions to your overall grade.
Practice your presentation for your parents before presenting it in class. Ask for their feedback.
Practice again, several times before your scheduled day to present in class. Become very familiar and comfortable with your presentation. You’ll thank me later! 

7. For Poet Point Success, remember:
Don’t procrastinate! Begin working on this project NOW!
Due date:
Poem Analysis before WK 26 class
Poet Point Presentation before class in which you present
In-class presentations begin WK You will receive a one-week reminder of your time to present in class.