As April comes to an end, so does National Poetry Month. The Academy of American Poets will celebrate by hosting a free Virtual Reading of poems on Thursday, 4/30, @ 7:30 p.m. in the theme of “Shelter In” poetry with a special offering of poems read by poets laureate, actors, musicians, artists, and more. If you have never been to a poetry reading, this would be a wonderful experience for my students. It is a free event, but you need to register. Please go to:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shelter-in-poems-a-virtual-reading-tickets-103370060634

We are living in a challenging time. We are isolated from our friends and our normal life routines. Social isolation is especially hard for teenagers as it impacts their development of teenage social skills – a very necessary coming of age experience. What can you do if you’re feeling lonely?

Teens can learn coping skills to combat loneliness and learn to think more positive. One thought you can tell yourself is that this too shall pass. Social distancing is only temporary – it won’t last forever. We can learn good self-care.

• Start a journal to write your thoughts and feelings down.
• Write down everything you are grateful for. You have good things in your life.
• Call a friend when you’re down. Better yet, do a video call to see that friend you miss.
• Get outside and enjoy nature. Take a walk. Enjoy living in the beauty of the moment.
• Who can you help? Get your mind off yourself. Can you do something for your family without being asked?

 

Did you know that April is National Poetry Month? Do you have a favorite poet? I do. I especially like E. E. Cummings, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Sylvia Plath, J.V. Cunningham, and Billy Collins. Who is your favorite poet? Don’t have one? This would be a great time to read some poems and find a poet you like.

Poetry is accessible to all readers. I believe that anyone can read a poem and make meaning out of it. I believe that anyone can write a poem. You have feelings. Right? You have thoughts about a matter. Right? Of course you do, you’re a teenager. Then, you can write a poem because poetry helps us to make sense of life around us. Are you in love? Write a poem about it. Are you feeling confused or lonely during this time? Write a poem about it. Share your honest feelings and thoughts on the subject.

During my 20’s, I wrote poetry in order to make sense of life on my path of self-discovery. I was bold enough to attend poetry readings and share my new poems with encouraging audiences in the Atlanta and San Francisco Bay areas. Writing a poem is a great way to capture a memorable experience to share with the world. Writing poetry is a great way to explore painful as well as joyful emotions. I encourage you to go to Poets.org to read poems for teens. Take a break, slow down, find a poem to read:

https://poets.org/poetry-teens

Writing Poems

• Writing poetry allows minds to reflect, imagine and wonder; whether that includes the telling of everyday experiences, or simply creating comical verse. There is no limit to what a poem can be ‘about’.

• Poetry is a method for self-reflection and there is more room for interpretation in poetry.

• There’s no exclusivity. Anyone can write a poem.

Reading Poems

• Many say that poetry is a language in itself, which to some extent it is; a simple verse can involve the reader’s senses, feelings and imagination.

• Poems offer a moment to pause and think, which in the modern world can be a rare yet treasured occurrence.

• Reading poetry can have the power to change the way a person sees the world and how they seem themselves.

(Bullet points from https://www.austinmacauley.com/blog/importance-poetry-national-poetry-day)

Daily Lesson Format (Mon. – Thurs.)

We will be learning online for the rest of this academic school year. It is vital that you read my blog each day to learn your lesson and complete your work. I have streamlined my online teaching format so it appears the same each day and is easy for you to follow.

Each day I will follow the same format:

1 – An Instructional Video to view. In this video, I will teach and explain your lesson for the day. I also model how to navigate the blog and links.

2 – Activator:  Used to recall what you have learned or what you know (or see what you don’t know).

3 – Work Session:  All lesson materials and additional resources will be posted on the blog for each day’s lesson.

4 – Closing Session:  You’ll have an electronic TOTD to complete for credit and/or you’ll need to upload your written work on Floopedu.

Whole-class Online Meetings

Each week, I will host whole-class meetings on Wednesday on the Zoom platform. These meetings are for you to answer Questions as well as connect with your classmates. Everyone is expected to attend the meetings. Your meeting link and password will be sent out the day before on Remind.

9th Lit. will meet every Wednesday at 11 a.m. on Zoom.

Am. Lit. will meet every Wednesday at 2 p.m. on Zoom

Are you feeling stuck? Need help? Let me know. Send me a communication and I’ll schedule a 1-on-1 conference with you on Zoom. I can share my screen to tutor you and get you unstuck so you can learn and get your work done. Email me at janet.vrba@cobbk12.org or send a Remind text.

Students, We miss you. Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay in.  Love, your English Teachers.

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Spring Break is April 6 – 10. There will be no new online learning. We ask that all staff and students take a break and enjoy time with your families. Online learning will restart on Monday, April 13. I will not be available during Spring Break but my office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday – Friday) when online learning resumes on April 13.