Writing Poetry

For the past few weeks, we have been studying Poetry in Literature.  We have been learning different poetry terms and how to use them correctly.  We have also looked at examples of poems that include these terms.  Starting the week after Spring Break, we will be learning about different types of poetry and we will write our own poems.  We will focus on four different types of poems:  Haiku, Limerick, Cinquain, and Free Verse.  The Scholastic Website has a fantastic "Poetry Idea Engine" that helps students learn to write poems.  If you so desire, play around with this tool over Spring Break!  I think you will have fun and learn a lot while doing so! :)

Poetry Idea Engine

“Frijoles Negros de Guatemala”

A few weeks back, Mrs. Dillon came during Spanish to share with the class about Guatemala.  She did an amazing presentation and shared some beauitful photos with the class.  She even brought in a delicious Guatemalan dish for us to try!  We all loved it so much, we asked for the recipe.  I even made this for my family a few days after the presentation.  Delicious! 

So here you go...

Frijoles Negros de Guatemala

1 pound dry black beans

1 small yellow onion

1 clove garlic

1 tsp. salt (or to taste)

1.  Rinse beans & then soak overnight in about 6 C of water.

2.  Chop onion into large pieces.

3.  Mix beans & onions together in a large crock pot, cover w/ water & cook on low overnight or for about 8 hours, until beans are soft.

4.  Drain beans & onions, reserving some of the water. 

5.  Puree the beans & onions in a food processor until smooth, adding the bean water as needed to desired consistency. 

6.  Add crushed garlic & salt to taste & return mixture to the warm crock pot.

Serve w/ tortilla chips or homemade corn tortillas.

Enjoy!  And thank you, Mrs. Dillon, for taking the time to come share with us!

Research Paper Information -- Due March 13/15

Our Formal Research Paper is due next week!!!  Along the way I have made a few changes to the "Research Paper Asssignment and Timeline" sheet.  Please click to see the new one for a reference guide:  Research Paper Assignment and Timeline.  Please make sure it is complete, all steps, and ready to be turned in when we start Writing Class.  Along with turning in your paper, each of you will present your research to the class.  If you have misplaced your information sheet for this part of the Formal Research Paper, please click here:  Presenting Research!

Okay, here goes!  Read carefully, as I am going to tell you how to turn in EVERYTHING to me next week an in what order.  I will also post examples of the sheets we went over in class.  I don't want anyone to come to class next week confused or not understanding what is expected!

For next week... 

Please staple the first three items together in the upper left corner.  ***Just these items!!!***

• Title Page
• Final Copy
• Bibliography Sheet

Also, you need to bring:

• Formal Outline (typed) 
•  The link will show you the formatting of the outline...yours may look very different, but as long as your formating (spacing, Roman Numerals, Letters, Numbers, font, double-spaced, etc...) look the same that is okay.
• Presentation

As mentioned in class, you need to place everything you are turning in to me in a folder.  Please don't go buy a folder, use one that you have laying around the house! 

I should have checked your bibliography cards, notecards and rough draft in class.  If I have done so, you DO NOT need to bring these with you next week.  We are done with them!