Green Beret Conflict Poetry

Lesson Objectives At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

Starter Using a dictionary, please find and record the definitions of the following words: Guerrilla Mercenary What do you know about the Vietnam War? Who was involved? What was the outcome?

In 1961 the United States became involved in the war in Vietnam In 1961 the United States became involved in the war in Vietnam. Failure to defeat the guerrilla forces and opposition at home led to a US withdrawal in 1973. The USA had suffered 200,000 casualties, with 58,000 killed or missing.

Green Beret As a group, let’s read through Ho Thien’s poem ‘Green Beret’. Work through the worksheet provided to you.

Extending your learning The way a narrative poem tells a story can influence a reader’s response. Use what you have learnt about this poem to help you decide whose side the poet wants you to be on. Give at least four clear reasons, based on the poem, for your answer.