UPDATE: The best DIAMANTE POEM writer for each class will get a GREEN CARD!!

Below you will see a diagram which shows you the structure of a "Diamante Poem."  As you can see, it is shaped like a diamond, and that's where it gets its name. 

NOUN
ADJECTIVE  ADJECTIVE

ING-VERB   ING-VERB   ING-VERB

NOUN       NOUN      NOUN       NOUN

ING-VERB      ING-VERB     ING-VERB

ADJECTIVE  ADJECTIVE

NOUN

Similar to a haiku, the Diamante Poem uses words to create an impression without relying on full phrases.  Try and use your THESAURUS to make your words more interesting.  Instead of "cold" why not use "freezing" or "chilly."  There are three different approaches you can take:

1. Opposites:  As you can see above (and in the example below), the poem is divided in half.  The first noun and the last noun should be opposites, such as HOT and COLD, and in the middle there should be a transition.  This is the most interesting method, and you can be creative.  Spring and Fall, Love and Hate, Sleep and Awake etc. etc. etc.  
2. Just one topic: You can keep your poem about one thing only, and explore more words to illustrate it.  The first noun and the last noun could be the same or about the same thing.
3. Related Dynamically: Instead of using opposites, you could change your poem in the middle to contrast two things that have a relationship.  One of my students started with "Cheeseburger" and finished with "Global Warming."  Can you guess the connection?  Fastfood creates paper waste and the meat is from cows who produce methane.  Very creative!  How about North Korea and South Korea, or School and Academy, or Apple and Microsoft?  iPad and Galaxy? The possibilities are endless.

Here is an example of what I expect from you guys with the Diamante Poems.  Try to write at least two or three, and creatively make a transition from one subject to the next.  Post pictures to jazz things up a little.  This one, about Red Cards and Green Cards.  These pictures help a lot, and notice how I used colored fonts of that are different to mark the change. Make sure everything is centered . As well, I've made the font as big as possible for more impact.  Let's have some fun with this simple yet very creative style of poetry. 

ㅠ,ㅠ
Red Cards

harsh, critical

catching, punishing, crying

P.A., T.A., Teachers, Students

winning, earning, enjoying

positive, proud

Green Cards!
^,^