Connotation

1. Connotation The Power of Word Choice

2. In your Writer’s Notebook: Tell me, which would you rather be? Justify your response by explaining the differences in the words. • Sophisticated or elegant • Skinny or slim • Frugal or thrifty • A problem solver or a conniving person • A take-charge person or a controlling person • Stubborn or strong-willed

3. “Maybe DatsYouwrPwoblem Too” • Read the poem “Maybe DatsYouwrPwoblem Too” by Jim Hall. • Answer the following questions on the poem handout: • What do you notice about the word choices in the poem? • What else do you notice? • What sticks with you? • What effect does this have? • What did you notice that you might try in your writing?

4. Discussion • Misspellings (why)? • Font – upper case for the word SPIDERMAN, contrast between the simple vocabulary and the sophisticated idea of our suits or reputations • The purpose of the question at the end of the poem

5. Quick write response • In your Writer’s Notebook, respond to the following: • What connection do you make to one of these three issues, brought up in the poem: personal problems, world problems, or reputation.

6. What does Jim Hall have to say? • http://jameswhall.blogspot.com/2008/01/maybe-dats-your-pwoblem-too.html

7. Exit Slips • Pick one word from the poem and explain its connotation using words, pictures, or a combination of words and pictures. • Pass it in when you are finished.