1. Creative Writing Wednesday, January 4, 2012

2. Word of the day (dictionary.com) malinger \muh-LING-guhr\, intransitive verb: To feign or exaggerate illness or inability in order to avoid duty or work. It is impossible to determine exactly what inspired Mary's various symptoms, but her own and other family members' letters suggest that her suffering may have been a combination of hypochondria, conscious histrionics and malingering, and unconscious rebellion against her father. -- Caroline Fraser, God's Perfect Child My specialty is subjecting the data I obtain to successive mathematical corrective formulas to filter the truly psychotic from those who are malingering. -- Barbara Kirwin Ph.D, The Mad, the Bad, and the Innocent

3. Free Write/Write from the Prompt Start here and take it where you will: I didn’t mind the cold so much. It was the waiting that bit into me and tore me apart. http://dl8.glitter-graphics.net/pub/582/582608pkoilfkcdg.jpg

4. Today’s Learning Targets Developing creativity within a structured form

5. Today’s Activities 1.Final free verse assignment 2.A study in sonnets a.Analysis of rhyme scheme, rhythm, syllable count, line structure b.Vocabulary of Shakespearean sonnet Iambic pentameter quatrain couplet 3.Writing your own sonnet 4.Partner review of sonnet to check to see if it is fitting within the form requirements 5.Introduction to poetry forms teaching assignment

6. Review tips for writing poetry

7. Self-portrait poem 1.Brainstorm things about yourself-words, phrases, activities, values, passions, truths, etc. 2.Select something that you feel really identifies you, maybe something that others don’t really initially see about you 3.Work on using metaphor or simile in your free verse poem 4.Try to make it at least 8 lines long

8. Why write in form “The sonnet is among the most restrictive of poetic forms. Its list of requirements are long and daunting, as anyone who has tried to write one can well attest. Paradoxically, though, great flexibility and creativity is possible within the form. Many poets would likely argue that, by placing such restrictions on them at virtually every turn, and by forcing them to distill their words down to such a brief length, the sonnet actually aids their creativity, forcing them to write only those words that are absolutely essential to the experience being conveyed. Like an even more restrictive form of poetry, the haiku, a well-written sonnet is a little jewel reflecting an instant’s feeling distilled down to its absolute essence. As D.G. Rossetti wrote: ‘The Sonnet is a moment’s monument, Memorial from the Soul’s eternity To one dead deathless hour.’ ("The Sonnet", 1-3)” Source: Maher, Jimmy. “Sidney and Shakespeare: Contrasting Approaches to the Sonnet.” Online. http://maher.filfre.net/writings/sonnets.htm 16 Dec. 2011. http://maher.filfre.net/writings/sonnets.htm

9. Syllables 1.Tips for identifying syllable breaks – The jaw-drop method – The clapping method – The dictionary approach

10. Key definitions TermDefinition stanza rhythm meter foot iamb pentameter couplet tercet quatrain

11. History of the sonnet Developed originally in Italy in the 1200s Popular among British poets in the 1500s. Most known for their use by William Shakespeare. His form is now known as the Shakespearean sonnet.

12. Studying Shakespearean Sonnets 1.Look at the sonnet with your group. 2.Have a group member read the sonnet aloud. 3.Answer the questions on the handout with you group. 4.Assign a reporter to come up and share what you found about your poem.

13. Writing your own sonnets 1.Look over the tips for writing a good sonnet 2.Brainstorm the ideas for your lines 3.Write your sonnet

14. Teaching poetic forms