Curriculum / ELA / 7th Grade / Unit 1: Longing to Belong: Poems, Essays, and Short Stories / Lesson 5
ELA
Unit 1
7th Grade
Lesson 5 of 25
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Analyze how word choice and structure contribute to the speaker's perspective in the poem.
Poem: “Hanging Fire” by Audre Lorde
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Prior to the start of class, print out the quotes in the Hamlet Quote Card resource and glue/tape them to a notecard in order to be prepared for the opening activity. If possible, move the student desks/tables to the side of the room so that there is room for students to walk around. Alternatively, take students to a space outside the classroom where they will have more room to engage in the activity.
The title of the poem, "Hanging Fire," is a reference to the phrase "hang fire." This phrase originated in the field of firearms, where it refers to an unexpected delay between the triggering and firing of a gun. Note that the reference to firearms and anxieties about premature death may be sensitive or triggering for some students. Address this sensitive content as needed for students.
Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved.
How does word choice and structure contribute to the speaker's perspective in "Hanging Fire"?
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Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
How does the double meaning of title contribute to the speaker's perspective?
What is the significance of repetition in the poem?
Analyze how Audre Lorde uses punctuation in the poem. How does punctuation contribute to the speaker's perspective?
Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.
Literary terms, text-based vocabulary, idioms and word parts to be taught with the text
speaker
the voice of the poem or the person speaking in the poem
stanza
a grouping of lines in a poem, separated from the next grouping by a line space
refrain
a phrase or line repeated at intervals within a poem, especially at the end of a stanza
rhyme scheme
the ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of the lines of a poem or verse
free verse
poetry that does not rhyme and (generally) has irregular line lengths
lyric poetry
conveys the poet's thoughts and feelings and creates a mood through vivid images and descriptive words, but does not have a clear rhyme scheme or pattern structure.
betrayed
v.
to treat in a disloyal or unfaithful manner (line 2)
Reading and/or task to be completed at home in preparation for the next lesson.
Lesson 6 is a multimedia lesson. There is no assigned reading in preparation for tomorrow.
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RL.7.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
RL.7.5 — Analyze how a drama's or poem's form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet) contributes to its meaning.
RL.7.6 — Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
Standards that are practiced daily but are not priority standards of the unit
L.7.5 — Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.7.5.a — Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context.
L.7.5.b — Use the relationship between particular words (e.g., synonym/antonym, analogy) to better understand each of the words.
L.7.5.c — Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., refined, respectful, polite, diplomatic, condescending).
L.7.6 — Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
RL.7.1 — Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.7.2 — Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
RL.7.10 — By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
SL.7.1 — Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
SL.7.6 — Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
W.7.1 — Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
W.7.1.a — Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
W.7.1.b — Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
W.7.4 — Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W.7.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
W.7.9.a — Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history").
Next
Gather information from various multimedia sources to determine the central idea of belonging for Native People of the Northern Plains.
Identify how the author structures the text to explain the science behind our need to belong.
Standards
RI.7.2RI.7.5
Analyze figurative language to reveal character perspective and motivation.
RL.7.3RL.7.4
Analyze how the podcast and the delivery of the lines adds a layered meaning to the words in the transcript.
RI.7.4RI.7.7
Summarize Geoffrey Cohen's research on the science of belonging and connection.
RI.7.2
RL.7.4RL.7.5RL.7.6
RI.7.2RI.7.9
Explain how the structural choices in the poem, "Where You From?" develop meaning.
RL.7.2RL.7.5
Explain how Carmen Perez's experiences in her community shape her life.
RI.7.2RI.7.3
Analyze how the poet uses repetition to convey the tone of a poem.
RL.7.4RL.7.5
Unpack the elements of argumentative writing through a Mentor Text.
W.7.1W.7.9
Unpack an argumentative essay prompt, write a strong claim statement, and outline an essay.
W.7.1W.7.5W.7.9
Draft and revise two strong body paragraphs.
W.7.1W.7.1.aW.7.1.bW.7.1.c
Draft strong introduction and conclusion paragraphs.
W.7.1W.7.1.aW.7.1.e
Revise essays for tone and strengthen argument through counterclaims.
W.7.1W.7.1.cW.7.1.d
Compare the theme presented in a nonfiction essay, "Hello, My Name Is _______" and a poem, "Teenagers."
RL.7.2
Analyze how Farizan develops the symbol of cooking in the novel.
RL.7.2RL.7.4
Students will explain the theme or message in America Ferrera's introduction.
Explain how the structure of "First Day Fly" conveys the narrator's perspective.
RL.7.5RL.7.6
Analyze how Polanco develops the theme of the poem through figurative language and word choice.
Take a clear position on a question and share evidence to support that point of view in a Socratic dialogue.
SL.7.1SL.7.1.aSL.7.1.bSL.7.4
Unpack the expectations of a Writing Task, study a Mentor Text, and begin to plan a personal narrative.
W.7.3W.7.5
Draft a body paragraph that includes descriptive, sensory details about a specific food.
W.7.3W.7.3.bW.7.3.d
Draft an engaging introductory paragraph and experiment with narrative pacing while writing body paragraphs.
W.7.3W.7.3.aW.7.3.b
Write strong conclusions, differentiate between sentence types, and engage in peer feedback.
L.7.1L.7.1.bW.7.3W.7.3.eW.7.5
Gauge student understanding of unit content and skills with one of Fishtank's unit assessments.
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