[NIFL-ESL:8468] Re: using poetry in the adult ed EL/Civics classroom

From: Anna Silliman (anna@handsonenglish.com)
Date: Wed Jan 15 2003 - 11:12:15 EST


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From: Anna Silliman <anna@handsonenglish.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-ESL:8468] Re: using poetry in the adult ed EL/Civics classroom
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I can pass along two simple, structured poem-writing
exercises. These were contributed by Sal Parlato, from
Rochester, NY (now retired). These will work even with
beginners.

One is a 'Commemorative poem'. You write the word/idea
you want to commemorate vertically; students think of
words that relate to this and write them horizontally
(like a crossword). Then read it aloud to see how it
sounds. Use this for any event such as
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" or "SEPTEMBER 11" for example. Here is
Sal's poem:

Ellis Island
by Sal Parlato, Jr.

Enduring
Listening
learning--
immigrants
smiled,
interim
silent
languages
alphabetizing
new 
dreams.
*******************************

The other exercise is called 'Diamante', a poem form
that looks like a diamond. At the top is one word/concept,
at the bottom its opposite. In between the students write
5 lines: of 2 words, 3 words, 4 words, 3 words and 2 words
respectively.
The meaning of the poem will show development from one
idea to the other. For example, Winter - Summer, or
Baby - Adult, or Slavery - Freedom.

I'm not sure I'm explaining this one very well--if
you want more details I can send you the article.
Here is Sal's example:

"Second Language Stages"
by Sal Parlato, Jr.
               Cipher
          Silent    Worried
     Observing Thinking  Gesturing
Friends   Teachers  Television     Books
     Chatting  Joking    Arguing
          Relaxed   Focused
               Scholar

************************
     Our readers were very enthusiastic about the
'Diamante' form and I heard it was successful with
students. 

Best wishes,
Anna
---------------------------------------------------
Anna Silliman, Editor
Hands-on English                     "A helping hand for ESL"
P.O. Box 256, Crete, NE 68333     
Toll-free: 1-800-ESL-HAND (1-800-375-4263)
Phone:402-826-5426
Fax: 402-826-3997
Email: anna@handsonenglish.com
Website: <http://www.handsonenglish.com/>
---------------------------------------------------

Previously, Hillary Gardner hgardner@lagcc.cuny.edu wrote:

>poetry writing exercises for low-level adult learners. Has anyone had any 
>successful experiences that they can share?



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