Cynthia H. Roberts
The majority of activities incorporated in this unit will concentrate on reading.
This unit will cover an eight to ten week period. Classes will meet twice weekly for a total of 48 minutes each class.
I. INTRODUCTION—I will introduce and discuss poetry in depth. Students will understand that poetry is age old and in its varied forms has always been the way that mankind has given expression to something more than ideas. Like music, its rhythms and cadences are universal in their emotional appeal.
II. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES/SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Biographical sketches of poets will be presented to students. Students will be exposed to the historical events taking place in each poet’s career. These events include the Harlem Renaissance and the Post-Depression.
IV. POETRY TERMINOLOGY
I will familiarize students with terms used in the poem selections. Students will define and discuss the terms found in the unit. Students will then cite examples in selected poems by poets.
V. POETRY READING
Students will read each selected poem by a poet, memorizing whenever possible, and looking closely at the theme of the poem.
VI. POETRY CREATIONS
The final activity for this unit will deal with creative writing. Students will be asked to use any theme or style to create several poems on his/her own life. The lesson plan in the unit will detail specific suggestions.