And then there were three weeks...

In my non-summer reading letter, I mentioned that I would be updating the blog on a weekly basis. Well (to use a transitional expression from my former student MF), I went on vacation and spent every day at the pool working on my laps, my non-school reading, and my tan. Or in other words, I spent a month being Laura and not Professor or Ms. Gianini. So, for those of you who have been checking the blog waiting and wondering what will come next, I am here to inform you that I will be regularly updating with tips and ideas.

To begin...POETRY. Some are afraid of poetry - it uses odd syntax, inverts words, and relies too much on arcane symbolism. However, poetry relies on form, structure, and rhyme scheme.

Tip 1: When reading a poem, break analysis down into sections. Usually, a poem has stanzas (those paragraphs of poetry). Pay attention to the theme, tone, rhyme scheme, and literary devices in one stanza. Then, look at the next stanza to see if a motif (a repeated literary device that contributes to the theme), a conceit (an extended metaphor), or repetition exists or if there are shifts from the original writing.

Tip 2: Read a poem out loud. Many poems rely on meter (the pattern of beats, or syllables) and sound (alliteration, cacophony) to create a tone and mood. In class, we will learn about all types of meter, we will gallop to understand the rhythm of iambic pentameter, and we will break down poetry by syllables and lines.

Tip 3: Become familiar with poetry. In AP Lang last year, we read the following poems. These can be broken down for analysis and practice.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/44992
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/44628
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/44982
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/44978
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/45146
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/44479
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/44477

Honestly, I have become more proficient in poetry by looking at its structure and not just its content.

And since AP Lit students will understand this allusion, it looks like I usurped power from Ralph and Jack while in Key West.

And, this guy sure reminded me of Piggy.

And, lastly, we made it to the Southernmost Point of the United States. My color theme for the trip was yellow, by the way. I think some of you may remember what yellow symbolizes. Creepers!