Where I'm From

Listen to my Where I'm From poem by clicking on the title.

Where I'm From

           by Ms. Casassa

I'm from the rambling old white house nestled in the thick woods.

From the grassy fields that spread out like a blanket from my back steps

and the bright yellow forsythia bush blooming outside the kitchen window.

I'm from the bountiful harvest of corn and juicy tomatoes in the garden out back.

I'm from homemade wheat bread cut in thick slices

slathered with peanut butter that sloshes out of the jar.

I'm from cold pizza for lunch Mondays

and warm gooey chocolate chips cooling on the counter.

I'm from the hallways and stairs lined with books,

the creaky step near the bathroom

and the strong smell of paint from my mother's studio.

I'm from the loud and rowdy discussions around the kitchen table

and the spilt milk, tears and yelling that always followed.

I'm from the charred ruins of our old house,

sifting through the ashes, trying to salvage something

from the fire.

I'm from off tune folk songs on long car rides

and my father's booming voice as he sings the hymns.

I'm from my grandparents, falling madly in love on a Florida beach

and their luncheonette in New York, with the long counter

and spinning chrome stools.

I'm from interrupters and drama, and comfortable chaos,

from "I love you," and "don't be disapointed if it doesn't happen."

I'm from the confusion and craziness as we grab our schoolbags,

dressed in matching uniforms and navy Mary Janes, marching

up the hill to school.

I'm from all those memories,

deeply rooted, fixing me to a place,

reminding me always of who I am.

Create a Glogster about your favorite hobby

Assignment:  You will create a Glogster that persuades your classmates to try your favorite hobby.

   1.  Choose a topic.  Possible topics could be Red Sox, Patriots, Dance, Skiing, Music, Surfing, Reading, Sports, Cooking, gaming, etc—it should be something you really love to do or are really interested in.

2.    Create a Glogster- a Glogster is a cool online poster.  7^th grade has user names and accounts that I created for you.  8^th grade will create their own accounts.

3.    Your Glogster should include:

a.    A well-written persuasive paragraph explaining your hobby, why you like it, and persuading other people to try your hobby.

b.    Images showing your hobby

c.     A video link that illustrates or explains something about your hobby

d.    Music that is catchy and would make me have positive feelings about your hobby.

e.    A visual pleasing background

4.  Remember the purpose of your Glogster is to persuade us to try your hobby.  Make it seem like a lot of fun—but be accurate in your presentation.

Using google docs to peer conference

Today you have three jobs.
1.  Shelfari--Put the book you've just finished on the "I've read" book shelf.  You should have written a review of the book last week.  Finish that up if you aren't done. 
2.  "Where I'm From" poem--you will peer edit on google docs.  Use the peer editing form that I gave you.  After you have edited a classmates poem, work on revising your poem.  Be sure you have all the requirements from the peer editing sheet.  Work today on adding description and sensory details to your poem so the reader can really "see" where you are from.
3.  Share your poem with Ms. Casassa on google docs (scasassa@barnardschool.org).

Shelfari- Write a review of your book

Shelfari- Book Review 
You’ve finished your book so now you need to review it. 

Follow these easy steps to add your review:

1.  Go to your bookshelf and find your book on the shelf.

2.  Click on the green edit button

3.  Revise your earlier review-

·    Include: brief summary that includes main characters and major conflict.

·    What type of reader would like this book?  Do you recommend it?

·    What did you like about it?  Dislike about it?

·    Fill in the stars to rate it.

4.  Then place it on your “I’ve Read” shelf.