NAPLAN? Persuade Me!

NAPLAN: Persuasion

Persuasion is the act of coaxing you
by reasoned argument, to take my view;
You may have never thought it out before
so let me outline what you can’t ignore.

It’s not enough to simply state the case
without evidence. You never will embrace
my viewpoint; may stay sitting on the fence
or worse – supporting those who cause offence.

Three arguments, at least, must be supported
by facts and quotes, as action is exhorted,
and though you might at first oppose my view
my hope is you’ll soon share the views I do.

I’m persuaded that you have by now conceded,
which means, of course, my argument succeeded.

Disclaimer: 
I will not stoop to bribe, or to extort,
for there are those who’ll say that you’ve been bought!

Sonnet* © Kathryn Apel 2013

NAPLAN is upon us this week. Students from Yrs 3/5/7/9 in state and private schools across Australia, will be shut into silence, racing the clock, but not at all stressed, as they seek to demonstrate their knowledge of reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation, writing, and numeracy.

There are some good things about the NAPLAN test. And there are things I would change.

I don’t believe rigid time constraints are conducive to creativity in writing, and am constantly amazed that children can walk into a blank room with no conception of the topic to be addressed, then walk out 40minutes later having planned, written and edited a persuasive text, all the while paying specific attention to; audience, text structure, spelling, punctuation, paragraphing, sentence structure, vocabulary, cohesion, persuasive devices, and ideas. No dictionary allowed! No ability to research. Only rubber, pencil, sharpener and supplied paper and stimulus.

I challenge an adult to sit such a rigorous test – and do well!

I would love to see our Prime Minister, and Minister for Education, sit the Yr 9 NAPLAN tests under the same conditions as students.

(Perhaps they should – and we should publish those results?)

I dread to think how I would crumple and fail under the combined pressures of time, stress and scrutiny – with no access to tools that I would usually employ whilst writing.

To Julia Gillard and Peter Garrett, I say;

NAPLAN: Persuade Me

Persuade me that we need a Naplan test
to take up time that honestly is best
employed in teaching kids, enthusing them
to learn. Not stressing testing to condemn.

No matter how we all try to downplay
the importance (or the lack) of NAPLAN day,
it cannot be denied that kids are stressed
and yet we still expect they’ll do their best?!

Since when has child development been a race?
It’s Differentiation staff embrace.
Is ‘Teacher’ not an occupation anymore?
Now assessment is so much the greater chore?

A living, breathing child is not defined
by numbers, on a band, that tests assigned.

Sonnet* © Kathryn Apel 2013

To the Aussie kids in Years 3/5/7/9 who are undertaking NAPLAN testing this week, I say;

NAPLAN can not change or define who you are. Your parents, caregivers and teachers know you far better than any computer ever could. So don’t stress – just do your best!

.
* You can read more about the poetrics of the sonnet here; http://monthofpoetry.wordpress.com 

Month of Poetry 2013 – Part 1

It’s January – and this is the sixth year I’ve started with a poem a day – the fourth I’ve co-ordinated a Month of Poetry. It’s also the first year I’ve been able to wear the co-ordinator’s hat and work on my WIP at the same time. WIN! I love the progress I’ve made, also the poetry that has inspired me on the #MoP13 blog. Such a diverse group and so talented! The daily collections on the blog are locked, but I’ve selected a couple of my poems to share below.

Stone the Phone!

If ever something
makes me groan
it is the wretched
mobile phone,
that rings attention
with a tone,
dispelling thoughts
of time alone.

In the change room,
on the throne,
at play, at ease,
when lying prone,
its shrill demands
are soon made known;
a body’s heart
and soul to own.

Inspired by David Harrison’s post about Careerhymes;

1.
Grazier; a cow cocky –
not a blocky
always on the go
watching grass grow.

2.
Patient: one who waits
as sickness abates.

A spot of cooking in the country prompted this tongue-in-cheek poem;

Moist Date & Carrot Muffins

There’s weevils in the flour.
Have they eaten much, you think?
And the sour cream is mouldy,
with a more-than-sour stink.
The egg has hatched a chicken
though it’s only just a speck.
Should I use a shriveled carrot?
Cause I’m thinking, what the heck.
We haven’t any dates, of course;
that’s really such a shame!
I think I’ll substitute with prunes
and hope they taste the same.
Use ½ a cup of oil they say…
Well there’s no need for that.
The oil might make the muffins moist;
it’ll only make me fat!
The oven’s on the blink again;
I cannot shut the door,
and those flames around the element…
Have they been there before?
The timer hasn’t rung yet.
I wonder if it’s stopped.
My muffins. Oh. The wretched things.
I do believe they’ve flopped!
I googled for a recipe
but Google makes mistakes!
These moist date carrot muffins
would be better called rock cakes!

My first sestina was a stumble… not worthy of sharing… but thankfully it didn’t break my brain like last year’s first sonnet did. And doubly thankfully, this year I wrote two sonnets in a day – and it hardly hurt at all! Here’s the second;

NAPLAN: Persuade Me

Persuade me that we need a NAPLAN test
to take up time that honestly is best
employed in teaching kids, enthusing them
to learn. Not stressing testing to condemn.

No matter how we all try to downplay
the importance (or the lack) of NAPLAN day,
it cannot be denied that kids are stressed
and yet we still expect they’ll do their best?!

Since when has child development been a race?
It’s Differentiation staff embrace.
Is ‘Teacher’ not an occupation anymore?
Now assessment is so much the greater chore?

A living, breathing child is not defined
by numbers, on a band, that tests assigned.

And finally… Just a tiny snippet from my latest WIP. This is written from Shaun’s POV – though in fact much of the work is written from Toby’s POV. In a-maz-me news, my verse novel (which hasn’t even scored a working title as yet) has this month shattered the 10,000 words – which for me was a major milestone! *Insert party poppers and fireworks here.* It’s currently sitting at 10,450wrds… and I’m stoked!

Monkey

Toby is a klutz – can’t keep
his hands on anything;
drops the ball
trips over his feet
and bumps and slumps
the day away.
I wish people didn’t know
he’s my brother
but it’s a bit hard to hide that
in a small town small school
where everyone knows
everything about
your mother’s brother’s
monkey.

I wonder what the rest of January will produce…

.

All poetry on this page is © Copyright Kathryn Apel 2013

Christmas Cheer – a poem

Christmas Cheer

.

Busy elves and Santa Claus,

mistletoe ‘bove festive doors,

Christmas tree, bedecked in lights,

tinsel, bells and festive sights.

Party foods; fizz and pop!

Lists of gifts; shop ‘n drop.

Credit cards and Lay by now!

(Pay it later, don’t ask how.)

Bon bons, parcels, cards and more…

What is all the mayhem for?!?!?!

.

Starlit night of long ago,

softly bathed in lamplight glow,

in a stable, life begun;

helpless Infant, Mary’s Son.

Shepherds tending to their flock,

donkey, hens, and other stock,

gathered at the rustic door…

Baby, nestled in the straw.

Simply, sweetly, less the fuss

He was born for each of us.

.

© Kathryn Apel 2003

.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas! xx

Nutty Zucchini Chocolate Cake

When the cupboards are bare and cake is needed…

My fridge held a lot of zucchini – but not many eggs. And I stood in need of a cake! Having tried zucchini bread and zucchini in coconut bread, I googled ‘zucchini chocolate cake’ to see what I could find.

I found this No Egg Chocolate Zucchini Cake, but because I love a wholesome cake, and I did have ONE egg (and every other zucchini recipe used 3 eggs) I made a few modifications… and came up with this scrummy Nutty Zucchini Chocolate Cake. It was a hit with a bundle of boys – especially my KitKat who has a very strong aversion to zucchini – and a great love of chocolate!

Nutty Zucchini Chocolate Cake

Ingredients;

• 2 cups zucchini – finely grated
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 egg
• 3-4 tbsp milk
  (guestimate – add more if dry.)
• 2 cups SR Flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• sprinkling of shredded coconut
• sprinkling of slivered almonds
• 1 tbsp LSA (Ground linseed, sunflower & Almond – optional)

Method:

1. Mix zucchini, oil, egg, milk & vanilla.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Add moist ingredients and combine. Mixture will be paste-thick!
3. Spread into 2 x round greased & lined round tins.
4. Bake at 180 degrees for 25 – 30 minutes.
5. When cool, spread one cake with jam and frosting. Sandwich cakes together and top with frosting.
6. Serve with whipped cream.

Frosting:

• 3tbsp vanilla yoghurt
• 1 1/2 cups icing sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 3 – 4 tbsp milk

Moist, dense and decadent delicious! Definitely one to bake again. So good, that in fact, I just did!

Inspirational High

The past month has been super-busy, and whilst there has been much to blog about, there has been no TIME to blog. So here’s a quick catch-up.

I had a busy two weeks with author talks in Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton, as a part of Book Week, and the Carpet Court Storybook Challenge. This was a blast, because I got to talk about what I love, over and over and over again. With different kids responding in different ways each time it was never boring! The Carpet Court Storybook Challenge involved a short writers workshop to get kids inspired to write about what they love about their local area. The Book Week workshops were full day events, running varied poetry workshops for kids from Prep to Yr 7.

Following on from these wonderful weeks of writerly pursuits, my sister and I organised a Fete & Flower Show, and whilst it may have been the 79th Annual Fete & Flower Show – a rich community tradition – it was a first for us. This meant we were on an enormous learning curve and busybusyBUSY getting things up and running for what was a wonderful, fun, family day – and great success.

In the week just gone, I was at Noosa North Shore Retreat for an Action Adventure Camp with 46 Year 7 students. And what an action-packed adventure that was! Now I just need time to write about it, because I am feeling full-on inspired by the events of the week, which included;

• Canoeing (No fear. Huzzah!)
• Mountain Biking (Head-over-handlebars for me. Youchies!)
• Night Hike (almost-a-jog pace)
• Giant Swing (emphasis on ‘giant’)
• Pamper Pole (which I would rename Panic Pole)

The Giant Swing and Pamper Pole need to be seen to be believed. I am so proud of the many kids who made it to the top of both of them – because there was a lot of fear-factor involved, and some tears. And there was no shame in tears! After my head-over-handlebars, bruising buster off a bike with brakes that bite, I had the perfect excuse for not attempting the Pamper/Panic Pole. Not that I needed any excuses. Once I saw the pole – and the photos of the boys conquering their fears on Day 2 – there was no WAY I was putting my life in the hands of a piece of strings and a wobbly pole on Day 3. But I did succumb to the pleading of our gritty girls (they were so brave, and I couldn’t be more proud of them) and decided I would face the Giant Swing. A spur-of-the-moment decision, because I’d surely have chickened out if I planned it in advance.

This is me, being propelled to the top of the 12metre pole by same gritty girls.

I seriously did think I didn’t scream much. But turns out I was wrong. Because I’ve seen numerous videos to contradict that. And apparently body language says much. Overheard on video; “The look on her face is so funny. I shouldn’t be laughing, but I can’t help it.”

I would include a little snippet of video footage for you, because I’m feeling mighty chuffed with how brave I was… (because I was brave!) but alas, I can’t seem to insert a video into my blog. So, no show.

As for the petrifying Pamper/Panic Pole? After climbing the pole with the help of large ‘staples’ the kids then had to scramble onto the top (of the wobbling pole) stand aloft, then leap up and out to hit the orange balloon, before being released to slowly swing down to ground. This is the stuff of nightmares, make no mistake! BUT… the kids loved it. Even those who struggled with fear and anxiety all the way up…

That’s not me at the top. That’s one of our super-brave kids. My son was one of them. But I didn’t see him. (Phew!)

As you can see, a busy couple of weeks. But much to be inspired by!

Green & Gold

This morning on twitter I was asked why the Aussie uniform is green & gold. It’s inspired by our hardy native Australian wattle flower, featured on many Australian symbols. I was reminded me of this song that I wrote for our local choir, sung to the tune made famous in Sound of Music; Edellweiss.

Wattle Flower

Wattle flow’r, wattle flow’r
Like the sunshine that’s warming.
Yellow ball, soft and small,
Floral emblem adorning.

Blossom aglow may you bloom and grow,
Bloom and grow forever.
Wattle flow’r, wattle flow’r
Bless Australia forever.

© Kathryn Apel 2007

Proudly cheering the Aussies in their Green & Gold, as they compete for themselves and Australia, doing us proud at the London Olympics.

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!

On Verse Novels and Bullies – and Wonderful Wins…

It started with Sherryl Clark’s book, Sixth Grade Style Queen NOT! (Penguin) – and blossomed with a class of Year 7 students. (They loved it and I loved the discussion that it generated, especially amongst the boys. Rich analysis and interpretation – expressive reading.)

It grew reading the wonderful works of Lorraine Marwood, Steven Herrick, and Karen Hesse. By Sally Murphy’s exquisite Pearl Verses the World (Walker) I was in love.

Snollygoster – a poem

.

Honourable Politicians

.

Would you be a snollygoster?

Every action aimed to foster

trust… and votes… a campaign win…

then lining pockets from within.

The rhetoric. The talk. The lies.

Confounding people to disguise

a calculating, shrewd imposter;

politician… snollygoster.

.

© Kathryn Apel 2012

 

My son and I have been enjoying ‘Weird and Wonderful Words’ (Erin McKean, Oxford University Press 2003) which defines a snollygoster (pg 87) as; a dishonest politician, especially a shrewd or calculating one.

For many politicians this doesn’t apply, but never-the-less I am just a little surprised that snollygoster isn’t a word more widely used today. It has such a ring to it – don’t you think?

(Oh. Look at that. Click on the book to go to Oxford’s page and what’s the very first question they ask?)

Never Lose Sight

Quiet – but quite okay.

You may have noticed that my blog has been quiet of late. Or maybe you’ve been too busy to notice – and I get that!

All is okay – but I’ve  just been very VERY busy! I’ve been involved in a number of different, fantastic writing workshops with such a bunch of clever, keen kids. Between the different groups we’ve been writing a picture book (which they’ll soon illustrate), writing fantastical short stories, writing persuasively and always, writing creatively. These different projects have taken a lot of time, but I’ve loved every moment of every one of the different activities, and am thrilled with the enthusiasm and creativity of the kids, and the rich discussions we’ve had about writing in the process. It inspires me!