American Poetry (2020)

Lesson 17
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ELA

Unit 11

7th Grade

Lesson 17 of 18

Objective


Write a personal poem using imagery, figurative language, allusion, and theme. 

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Target Task


Write a poem about an obstacle you’ve experienced in middle school. It can be free verse or have rhyme scheme. You will then present your poem to the class in two days. Below are the requirements:

  • Include three of the following: (3 pts)
    • Imagery
    • Metaphor
    • Simile
    • Personification 
  • Use five advanced vocabulary words from 7th grade English. (2pts) 
  • Make an ALLUSION (reference) to another poem in the packet. (2pts) 
  • Include a clear THEME. (3 pts)
  • Write at least 30 lines. (10 pts)

Notes


  • This lesson could span over two days.
  • Make sure students practice reading their poem aloud to one another before presenting to the class on the 18th lesson. They should focus on body language, volume of voice, and making eye contact with the audience.
  • Here is an example of a poet who used “allusion” to Langston Hughes and Billie Holiday in spoken word commencement speech: Donovan Livingston Commencement Speech.

Common Core Standards


  • W.7.3 — Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
  • W.7.3.d — Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
  • W.7.3.e — Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.

Next

Publicly present poems focusing on volume, eye contact, and body language.

Lesson 18
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