My 8th grade students and I start off the week by musing on and writing about what inspires us to breathe, act, and create...

Monday, October 28, 2013

Writing about Visual Art


Above: Banksy Mural, "The Birth of the World" by Joan Miro

Take a photograph, painting, or other visual work of art, and write about it. Begin by answering these questions:

1. Observations: What specific details do you see? What do you know for sure? What are some questions you have?

2. Inferences: What do the specific details mean? What conclusions can you make about the text/work of art?

3. Interpretation: Based on these observations and inferences, what does the text/work of art mean overall? What is the writer's or artist's overall purpose and message?

4. Extension: What does the work of art mean to you? Write a poem, essay, short story, or synthesis page for it. 

Monday, October 21, 2013

Childhood Memories


As 8th graders, you are at the crossroads of childhood and adulthood. But as you move forward in your lives, it is important to relish in and reflect on your past. Let's read a poem on childhood together. 

My Childhood

by Matthew Zapruder

the orange ball arcs perfectly into the orange hoop

making a sound like a drawer closing

you will never get to hold that

I am here and nothing terrible will ever happen

across the street the giant white house full of kids

turns the pages of an endless book

the mother comes home and finds the child animal sleeping

I left my notebook beside the bed

the father came home and sat and quietly talked

one square of light on the wall waiting patiently

I will learn my multiplication tables

while the woman in the old photograph looks in a different direction






Writing Prompt:
Think back on your childhood and your blossoming youth. Write about a positive memory, a loss, lesson you have learned, something you don't want to forget, something you don't quite understand but want to understand more deeply. Write a poem, prose, or list. Be creative.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Get Inspired by Outstanding Young People: Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a sixteen-year old young activist who promotes equal access to education for all girls throughout the world. A year ago, she was shot in the face by the Taliban because of her advocacy. She survived and now travels the world giving speeches and working to bring educational opportunities to all young people.

In July, she addressed the U.N. on this issue. Watch and take notes on what the video makes you think, feel, and know:


July 12, 2013,
Malala Yousafzai, Girl Shot by Taliban, Makes Appeal at U.N.

October 9, 2012, 
Pakistani Activist, 15, Is Shot by Taliban