American Poetry (2020)

Lesson 3
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ELA

Unit 11

7th Grade

Lesson 3 of 18

Objective


Explain why Carl Linder would choose to use free verse rather than verse for his poem.

Readings and Materials


  • Poem: “Dreams” by Langston Hughes 

  • Poem: “And 2morrow” by Tupac Shakur 

  • Poem: “First Love” by Carl Linder 

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Why might an author use rhyme scheme?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

Why might some poets such as Carl Linder choose not to use rhyme? What is the benefit of writing in free verse?

Key Questions


  • What is the effect of rhyme scheme in “Dreams”? What else does Hughes do to hook the reader? 
  • What is the effect of rhyme scheme in “And 2morrow”? 
  • Why might rhyme scheme be considered limiting?
  • Review: What is the purpose of figurative language?

a. To show flowery language is useful

b. To create a picture in the reader’s mind

c. To highlight the importance of imagination 

d. To contrast literal and nonliteral language

Vocabulary


verse, free verse, figurative language, rhyme scheme, stanza, line

Notes


  • One strategy for interpreting poetry is to start with students asking “Why did the poet” (WDTP) questions.
    • Why does the poet use rhyme here? 
    • Why does the poet compare dreaming to a broken-winged bird?
    • Why does the poet capitalize “Rage”?
  • After students get all their questions out, they can begin answering them.

Common Core Standards


  • RL.7.5 — Analyze how a drama's or poem's form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning.

Next

Identify and analyze how an author uses imagery to convey a theme.

Assess students on basic fluidity of poetry terms: rhyme scheme, verse, free verse, stanzas, lines, alliteration, mood, imagery, sensory details. 

Lesson 4
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Lesson Map

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