From a Call Box: Resource Guide
This Resource Guide has been constructed primarily to satisfy the Alberta Department of Learning Curriculum Guidelines for Grades 7 – 12. Following the strands of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representation, the ideas and suggestions focus on these learning outcomes:
- explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences
- comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print and other media texts
- manage ideas and information
- enhance the clarity and artistry of communication
- respect, support and collaborate with others
- relate literary experience to personal experience
- differentiate between literal and figurative statements
- understand the use of symbols to express abstract ideas and symbolic meaning
- differentiate between escapist and interpretive literature
In recognition that teaching is an interactive sport, note-taking areas have been provided in each section for the teacher’s assessments, record keeping, and improvements and modifications of the various activities.
Before I retired as Language Arts Supervisor for the Calgary Catholic School District, I contracted with Bob Stallworthy for over 100 poetry workshops in District classrooms. Teachers and students alike applauded Bob’s enthusiasm, skill and practicality. These characteristics also apply to the Resource Guide for From a Call Box. The suggestions will vitalize the reading and writing of poetry for secondary students. The material encourages students to appreciate poetry’s exploration of personal experience and to understand its special qualities of language. For teachers, the guide furnishes clear, engaging activities that can be used no matter how they organize for instruction, whether in genre units or thematic units. The relation of learning outcomes to the various activities will be particularly helpful for planning. I recommend From a Call Box and its Resource Guide without reservation.
Graham Foster
