Annotating Gary Soto's Ode to Family Photographs

Miss Basil explains how to annotate a poem using Gary Soto's 'Ode to Family Photographs'. She discusses the poem's tone, structure, and the significance of repetition. The video highlights the humor and imperfect moments captured in family photos, emphasizing the importance of cherishing these memories. The poem's message is about accepting imperfections and celebrating family life.

What is the first step in annotating a poem according to the teacher?

• Identifying the rhyme scheme

• Counting the number of stanzas

• Predicting the poem's content based on the title

• Analyzing the poem's rhythm

What does the word 'ode' signify in the context of the poem?

• A lament

• A question

• A narrative

• A celebration

Why does the teacher put boxes around the repeated phrase 'this is'?

• To highlight the rhyme

• To emphasize the repetition

• To mark the end of a stanza

• To indicate a change in tone

What is inferred about the mother from the first stanza?

• She is a professional photographer

• She takes perfect pictures

• She captures imperfect but meaningful moments

• She dislikes taking photos

What contrast is highlighted in the second and third stanzas?

• Old and new photographs

• Serious and funny elements

• Happy and sad moments

• Day and night scenes

What does the teacher infer about the family's activities from the fourth and fifth stanzas?

• They love spending time together and appreciate life

• They prefer staying indoors

• They only take professional pictures

• They dislike taking photos

What does the teacher say about the mother's photography style?

• She uses a professional camera

• She takes only planned photos

• She avoids taking photos of people

• She captures organic, unplanned moments

What is the significance of the italicized stanzas according to the teacher?

• They highlight a different rhyme scheme

• They emphasize the importance of the mother

• They mark the end of the poem

• They indicate a change in speaker

What overall theme does the teacher highlight in the conclusion?

• The need for professional photography

• The significance of historical events

• The value of cherishing imperfect but special moments

• The importance of perfect moments

What does the teacher appreciate about the poem 'Ode to Family Photographs'?

• Its complex rhyme scheme

• Its ability to convey multiple meanings

• Its focus on historical events

• Its use of formal language