rlrinker 's Profile

Date:

June 25, 1998

Grade Level(s):



7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Subject(s):

• 
  
  Language Arts/Literature

Description:

Performing a poem is the best way to move students from literal interpretations to figurative interpretations of literature.For many students, it is difficult to begin to think in abstract ways. Students need to learn to open their minds in order to survive in and appreciate the world in which they live. This lesson is intended to be taught after classroom community has been established and students have a basic understanding of poetry terms.

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1. Understand the importance of contributing ideas to a group in order to feel connected and proud of a group presentation.


2. Describe the differences between literal and figurative interpretations.


3. Identify characteristics of a quality performance.


 

Duration:



Four 55-minute sessions

Essential Resources:

chalk board, classroom set of one poem, group sets of several poems (groups should be made up of 3-5 students and each group will need two different sets of poems), a large space (outside, cafeteria, library, etc.

Activities and Procedures:

Day One

1. Give each student a copy of "The Circle" by Nancy Wood. Students should work individually on completing the following tasks using the poem:

Briefly explain the story that this poem tells.


Describe the speaker of this poem.


Creat