THE LAKE
(a read-aloud poem)
The deep blue of the lake was inviting. The water was calm and clear.
As I jumped boldly into the water, I knew I had nothing to fear.
I swam around in circles, first on my back and then on my side.
The deep blue of the lake was inviting. I knew it had nothing to hide.
Then ……………………….I felt a pull on my ankle of something that wouldn’t let go.
I was suddenly afraid of SOMETHING. but of exactly WHAT, I didn’t know.
Assignment: Oral pre-reading questions to the class:
1.
2.
3.
Have you ever been to Lake Kinneret?
Have you ever swum in it?
Why must we be careful when swimming in open places like a lake or river or sea, more
careful than when swimming in a pool?
NOW read the poem aloud to the class without their knowing the assignment.
Before the second reading, give them the assignment which is:
YOU are the one telling the story. Go on with it [the story]. Who/What are YOU? What
happened next? in the end? Why?
Use and underline each of the following in your essay:
future past//past progressive//Not only//than//then//I stopped
© Phyllis Oded
I can’t wake up in the morning, at least, NOT before nine.
If school were to start at ten o’clock, then everything would be fine.
Suppose classes began at eleven and not at eight like today?
If I could sleep later in the morning, wouldn’t it be a far better way?
I just can’t wake up in the morning, so I’m too tired to pay attention
and if the teacher shouted at me, it would only create more tension.
If I had my choice, I’d get up at noon and be in school by one.
Then I’d feel awake enough to really get everything done.
HEY, WAIT! If I started at one o’clock, then I’d finish at six or seven.
By the time I’d get home and do homework, it would be at least eleven.
On second thought, it’s wiser to get up early rather than late,
………..and I can always fall asleep in class……… if it’s a lesson I really hate……….
1. Read the poem twice to the class. Ask their opinion of this student.
2. Discuss the use of the second conditional in the poem.
3. Writing assignment:
OPINION: Write a letter to your principal about the time/hour school begins in the morning.
[Are you happy with it, or not? Explain. Give examples. Give suggestions.]
Don’t mention a teacher by name. 120-140 words Use petrazillia = a high level of language.
Make sure to use the second conditional at least twice in your composition.
© Phyllis Oded
SUMMER IS NO FUN! [a read-aloud poem]
Part one: Students: write at least 5 adjectives to describe the summer
weather:
_____________________________________________________
Part two: read the poem below aloud to your students:
The room was hot and sticky though the fan whirled from the ceiling.
I could hardly even concentrate, except on how uncomfortable I was
feeling.
I heard the teacher’s voice, but didn’t listen to what she was saying,
as I said to myself, “RING, BELL, RING!”. That’s what I was praying!
Just a few minutes more. Could I last that long?
I tried to stay awake by humming. Was that so very wrong?
‘YOU!’ shouted the teacher. ‘Why are you making that awful noise?
Oh, I know why,’ she continued. ‘You’re one of those noisy boys!’
Then luckily for me the bell rang and we all raced from the room.
Twenty seconds more and I would have met my doom.
The next day in class I was quiet. I didn’t want the teacher to recall
that I had disturbed her the day before, or I’d be sent out to the hall.
Remember: whenever the day is hot and humid, a day like it is today.
Take my advice and be patient, till you can get away.
Written assignment: [100 words+]
1. Retell the above poem in your own words, without using direct
quotations.
2. Write a letter to the student above discussing both his and your own
feelings during lessons/times like this.
3. Discuss classroom management.
© Phyllis Oded