When students enter English, I go to my seat, (Remember KAHFOOTY and voice level) read the directions on the board*** begin the warm up activity Class Helpers pass out folders, pass out any papers (as directed by instructions on board or teachers), and make sure all laptops are on the correct desk. ***If there are no directions on the board, I should choose one poem in my folder and find words/phrases I like. Then, I should use these to write a poem or journal response. (Write on a sheet of paper and leave this writing in your folder. Include a title and the date.) Sample #1: From the poem, Possum Crossing, I chose the word exasperated and the phrase coffee-gurgling. Here is a possible journal response: This morning my alarm beeped 30 minutes later than usual. Once I fully awoke and realized I might be late for school, I rushed to find my clothes and school bag. Walking out the door, I looked for my keys. Completely exasperated, I growled at my son to help me find the keys. He quietly asked, “You mean the keys in your hand?” I stomped out to the car. A few minutes later, my son turned to his coffee-gurgling mom and again quietly asked, “Better?” “If I make it to school on time, I’ll be fine.” Sample #2: This poem is a haiku with words collected from other poems: the drum, Where I’m From, Facing It, Marcus Millsap, Thumbprint Rhythm glistening Brushstrokes of a red-winged bird Unique whirls wheels whorls