Poetry (2020)

Lesson 15
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ELA

Unit 9

6th Grade

Lesson 15 of 17

Objective


Compare and contrast how poets develop tone in poetry.

Readings and Materials


  • Poem: “When Ure Hero Falls” by Tupac Shakur 

  • Poem: “Rock Me to Sleep” by Elizabeth Akers Allen 

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Target Task


Based on “When Ure Hero Falls” by Tupac Shakur and “Rock Me to Sleep” by Elizabeth Akers Allen, write a response that compares and contrasts how both poets address their relationships with their mothers. 

Key Questions


Read the poem “When Ure Hero Falls” by Tupac Shakur.

  • What line resonates with you? Explain your answer.
  • In this poem, Tupac writes about his hero, his mother. How does seeing his mother fall change his outlook on life? Which words make you think that? 
  • How does Shakur develop the tone of this poem? Which diction supports your answer? 
  • What is the effect of using informal English (“2” versus “to” or “ure” versus “your”)? 

Read “Rock Me to Sleep” by Elizabeth Akers Allen.

  • What line resonates with you? Explain your answer.
  • How does the speaker feel about her mother? How do you know? 
  • What is the theme in this poem?

Vocabulary


repetition
contrast
rhyme scheme
compare and contrast
tone

Notes


This lesson connects to a unit test question.

Common Core Standards


  • RL.6.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

Next

Write a poem about a hero that uses a specific point of view, figurative language, and imagery to convey a clear tone and theme.

Lesson 16
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