1. The student will… write an original four stanza poem using four unusual nouns as metaphors for a single topic. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox Four Metaphor Poetry Say it with me…

2. Topic: Four Metaphor Stanza Poems Name:________________________________ Class: _________________________________ Period: ________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Questions/M Ideas Objective : Vocabulary Metaphor Ideas & Content Word Choice Notes / Ideas I will write an original four stanza poem using four unusual nouns as metaphors for a single topic. F ocus on idea development by using precise, but unusual nouns Focus on word choice using precise adjectives and verbs to convey meaning A comparison of two unlike words without using the words “like” or “as” Writing is clear and focused. Main ideas stand out and are supported with rich details. Reflects the writer’s use of specific words and phrases to convey the intended message

3. Reading the story... Pay attention to the four (4) things that Miss Nancy compares a “memory” to. Write them in your notes. Your notes will look something like this… Memory = 1) 2) 3) 4)

4. Student Models One student in each group will read a student sample while the others in the group will follow along and listen. Discuss with your partner… 1)What makes the student samples strong in idea development and word choice? Hint: Don’t tell your neighbor this writer uses good words. Be specific. For example, “The writer doesn’t just compare devotion to a book, she explains why she reads; she reads to escape and for comfort.”

5. My turn… Four Metaphor Poetry: Pre-Writing an original poetry-writing lesson from WritingFix Instructions: A metaphor compares something to something else, and a good writer explains his/her comparison with thoughtful words. Today, you’ll be thinking of something important to you (your TOPIC), and then you will compare this one thing to four other things. You will stack your four comparisons on top of each other so that your final copy looks and feels like a poem. My Poem’s Topic: Freedom (choose a noun that is important to you) Here are eight different nouns that I might compare my topic to: (for your poem, you’ll choose your four best ideas) coffeecarbeachdogtraffic light blank pagecandypaycheckshoerain drop

6. Your turn: Let’s brainstorm topics. Stop and think. What are topics that are near and dear to you? Don’t say a word, just think. You have 30 seconds. GO! Now, tell your ideas to your group. GO! Now, tell me your ideas!

7. My turn: Describing nouns with adjectives Instructions: When you have eight nouns, with a friend talk over which four would make the best comparisons for a descriptive poem. Circle the four you plan to use. Ask, “Would any of the nouns I use be improved if I put an interesting adjective in front of them?” Write your four metaphors below. (A memory is a freshly-laid chicken egg, for example.) Metaphor #1: Freedom is a traffic light in a busy intersection that is always green. Metaphor #2: Freedom is a single, translucent rain drop. Metaphor #3: Metaphor #4: Our turn: With your group, create a metaphor for freedom from my list or give one of your own. Be sure to use great adjectives to describe your noun.

8. Write eight concrete nouns to your abstract idea. My topic: _____________________________ Don’t just put down anything, make sure you can support it with some logical reasoning. (Refer to student models.) Got great adjectives? Start creating those metaphors. Be ready to explain your choices to your neighbor. Your turn… (Write down on your paper.)

9. Giving feedback to your partner What is the difference between these two pictures? Describe each to your partner. (Hint: Use descriptive and specific adjectives.) As you talk to your partner, say these words… 1)“What adjectives will help you best describe your noun.” (Be sure to have at least three.) 2)“How does this apply to your original topic?”

10. Wrapping it up… What have you learned about idea development and word choice? Write it on your ticket out. Be sure to have the ticket ready for me when you enter tomorrow. It is your ticket into my class. Hint: We’re adding verbs to our 4 stanza metaphor poems tomorrow. Great job!