Directions to the Student

Read the poem "Music Class" to yourself while I read it aloud to you. Afterwards, you will do a writing task. The poem may give you ideas for your writing.

Music Class

By Kristine O’Connell George

I hear birds. I sing frogs.

My heart hears every note,

Yet my song is locked

Inside my throat.

Someone laughs.

I’m way off-key.

The teacher holds my hand

And opens a special box

Of things with secret voices.

I get maracas and triangle.

I am aria. I am madrigal.

With silver bells and tambourine,

I can sing!


Writing Task 5-1

In “Music Class,” the poet Kristine O’Connell George writes about her difficulty making music and how her teacher helped her. Many people have experienced difficulty learning or doing something. Write a composition about a time when something was difficult for you.

In your composition, be sure to

·  describe what you had difficulty trying to learn or do.

·  tell how you felt during this time.

·  explain how you dealt with this difficulty and if you overcame it.

·  explain if your feelings about this activity have changed over

time.

You may take notes, create a web, or do other prewriting work in the space provided on the following blank pages. Then write your composition on the lines provided.

Here is a checklist for you to follow to help you do your best writing.

Writer’s Checklist
Remember to
  Keep the central idea or topic in mind.
  Keep your audience in mind.
  Support your ideas with details, explanations, and examples.
  State your ideas in a clear sequence.
  Include an opening and a closing.
  Use a variety of words and vary your sentence structure.
  State your opinions or conclusions clearly.
  Capitalize, spell, and use punctuation correctly.
  Write neatly.

After you write your composition, read what you have written. Use the checklist to make certain that your writing is the best it can be.