Poetry+Lesson

Library Research Project Proposal

Title of Project: “Eating Poetry”

Grade Level: High School – 11th/12th

Subject: English Language Arts

Project Purpose: This project will open with the visual activator – a copy of Mark Strand’s “Eating Poetry” will be placed on the overhead. Students will come in and read the poem, and then it will be read out loud. There will then be a discussion on the meaning of the poem. The assignment sheet will be passed out, which contains the instructions for the project. Students will choose a poet from a list provided by the teacher, students will then spend class time researching their poet and reading their poetry. The culmination of the project will be each student creating a Wiki with biographical information and their own personal thoughts and feelings towards the poet. Students will present their Wiki to the class and also read out loud a poem by their poet.

Framework / Subject Area Connections: ELA Standard 14: Poetry; 14.4 Respond to and analyze the effects of sound, form, figurative language, and graphics in order to uncover meaning in poetry; 14.5 Identify, respond to, and analyze the effects of sound, form, figurative language, graphics and dramatic structure of poems; 14.6 Analyze and evaluate the appropriateness of diction and imagery; Standard 15: Style and Language; 15.7 Evaluate how an author’s choice of words advances the theme or purpose of a work. 21st Century Learning Skills: 1.2 Use prior and background knowledge as context for new learning; 1.1.3 Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding; 1.1.6 Read, view and listen for information presented in any format (e.g. textual, visual media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning; 1.2.1 Display initiative and engagement by posing questions and investigating the answers beyond the collection of superficial facts; 1.2.2 Demonstrate confidence and self-direction by making independent choices in the selection of resources and information; 1.3.1 Respect copyright/intellectual property rights of creators and producers; 2.3.1 Connect understanding to the real world; 2.3.2 Consider diverse and global perspectives in drawing conclusions; 3.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use and assess; 3.1.6 Use information and technology ethically and responsibly; 4.2.2 Demonstrate motivation by seeking information to answer personal questions and interests, trying a variety of formats and genres, and displaying a willingness to go beyond academic requirements.

Student Learning Goals: a) Student Academic Learning Goals: Students will be able to read a poem and respond critically, analytically and emotionally. They will understand and be able to speak about the sound, form, imagery and theme of a poem. After the presentations, students will also be familiar with a wide range of poets that are mentioned in the English Language Arts Framework Appendix A.  b) Student Deliverables: The students will each create a Wiki entry on their chosen poet. Students will also present their wiki to the class and read a poem out loud.

Length of Project: 7 Days a) Number of Days in Library: 5 (7 if necessary) b) Explain or Describe the Library Session: Day 1: Assignment sheets will be handed out, the project will be explained and students will choose their poets. Students will receive a lesson on how to create and edit a wiki. There will also be a brief lesson on using RefWorks, the proper methods of citing materials and why it is important to cite. Students will also be shown where the resources are located in the library. Day 2: Students will begin research using computers and materials located in the library. Day 3: Research continues. Day 4: Students begin to put together their wiki. Day 5: Students finalize their wiki and prepare for their presentations. Day 6: Student presentations begin (this can take place in the library or classroom, depending on technology limitations). Day 7: Student presentations finish.

Goal & Role of the Library and Library Teacher:  a) Instructional Role to Students: The Library Teacher should offer encouragement and support at all times, while also asking questions and challenging the students to think critically. The Library Teacher should also be there to answer questions about the project and about library materials. The Library Teacher should also be available for questions about editing a wiki. b) Collaborative Role to Teachers: The Library Teacher and Classroom Teacher can work together to figure out the details of the project. There are many ways this project can be altered to fit the exact needs of a particular class, and the Library Teacher and Classroom Teacher can work together to make this project work for any and every classroom.