End of the 6 weeks

So, this is the end of the 6 weeks. Today was the last class and we recapped the Renaissance Exam. We went over the test as a class and discussed the grading scale used on the test.

For the journal today, we wrote about two Slam poets that I shared with the class: Mark Gonzalez and Taylor Mali. Their performances are really representative of the modern movement in poetry, which is performance art based. People standing and telling their story using the vocal rhythms and natural rhymes of language. The Mark Gonzalez poem is very similar to the Harlem Renaissance poetry that we read in class: embracing the struggles of a race and celebrating overcoming the oppression of a larger society.

We started watching "Against all Odds," a movie about the artist of the Harlem Renaissance and the awards that they were given and the struggles they had to come through.

We also began to record the "I am..." poetry projects. About half of the class came today with the poems to turn in. Those of you who did not bring that today, you need to bring it to class next time and record the first two lines. This is not only for your grade, but this is part of my work for my school as well.

For next class, bring your I.D. badges because we will be going to the library to check out The Piano Lesson, by August Wilson, our next unit will be over that play.

Have a nice 3 day weekend, and I will see you in class on Monday!