1. Spectrum Academy Reflection
Poems

2. Reflection
When we reflect, we look back on what has happened and think seriously about it
Reflection is a great tool for personal growth
We can think about what went well and what did not
We can think about our own personal responsibility in experiences
We can decide what we would do the same and what we would do differently
We can learn from our mistakes
“When things don’t go the way you want, what you get is experience.” (But only if you pay attention and reflect!)

3. Our job today Today, we are writing reflection poems about our school
These poems should focus on the positive and tell each other, ourselves, and our teachers what good things the school has shown you, has done for you, and has been for you this year
When we are done, we will write a final draft on a smaller piece of paper and give the copies to Mr. Barry and Ms. Liz
You can choose from the “I Am” poem or from a “Synonym Diamante” poem

4. I Am Poems

5. Your Poem
If you do an “I Am” poem, it can be shorter (or longer!) than the example given
It should focus on positive reflections
It should be from the point of view of the school (I am Spectrum Academy) or Social Skills class (I am Social Skills)
Yes, the school is not alive
The school does not think
The school does not have feelings
We are pretending!  This is a great chance to practice taking another point of view! If this is hard, think of the people that make up the school– your teachers, fellow students, etc.

6. Synonym Diamante Poem Diamante poems have a very specific structure:
Line 1: a noun
Line 2: 2 adjectives that describe the first noun
Line 3: 3 verbs that end in “ing” that are related to the first noun
Line 4: 4 nouns that are related to the first and last noun
Line 5: 3 verbs that end in “ing” that are related to the last noun
Line 6: 2 adjectives that describe the last noun
Line 7: a noun that is similar (a synonym) to the first noun (example: You could use “Spectrum Academy” and “school”)

7. Synonym Diamante Example
Monsters Evil, Spooky Howling, Shrieking, Wailing Ghosts, Vampires, Goblins, Witches Flying, Scaring, Terrifying Creepy, Crawly Creatures
See? It looks like a diamond!

8. Your Poem
If you choose to do a Synonym Diamante poem, you should follow the rules in this Power Point
Your poem should focus on positive reflections
It should be about Spectrum Academy OR Social Skills class

9. Rough Draft/Final Draft
You should write your rough draft(s) in your notebook
Your teacher should check it to make sure it fits the guidelines and to make sure you get participation points
When you are ready, you will receive a piece of paper on which to write the final draft. Use your best hand-writing and take your time!
Turn in your final draft so that it can be put in the book!
Prepare sheets of cardstock on which students can write their final drafts of their poems/decorate the poems. Put the poems in a binder or collect them together in some way to gift them to the administrators.