RMWP Camp Day 5

7:40-3:40

Schedule:
- Introduction to Matisse's Window
- Read The Hello, Goodbye Window
- Brainstorm list of window ideas
- ArtPlay: Create Windows with paper and tissue paper
- Write a poem to describe the window scene
- Computer lab time to finish and publish poetry from the week
- Small group planning sessions to prepare for parent visits
- Parent art and poetry showcase

On Friday, we wrapped up the second week of the writing camp. I find it pretty unbelievable when I think about how much I learned in five days. During our publishing time in the computer lab, I worked mainly with two students to make corrections and last minute changes to their poetry based by the comments that Mrs. Peavy and I had added to their drafts. I felt much more sure of myself and the feedback that I was giving to the students. I felt like I learned a lot about poetry and helping students edit and revise.

I was also able to take part in a very interesting conversation during the walk back from ArtPlay. Another middle school writing teacher came to observe and seek advice and new ideas for her own poetry units. As she was asking questions, we learned that Mrs. Peavy teaches poetry from the beginning of the school year until October. She made the incredible point that if she can help students use quality imagery and figurative language in poetry, then the transition into other forms of writing seems to go very smoothly. When her former students had to take the Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing, the vast majority of them would earn the highest marks on expository writing because they were able to add insightful descriptions throughout their essays. I had never heard of anyone building their curriculum off of poetry, but now I will recommend it to any teacher of writing!