YEAR 9 POETRY & IDENTITY

WHAT DOES IDENTITY MEAN?  THINK, PAIR, SHARE activity: - You have been asked to write the definition of identity for the Oxford dictionary. You are not allowed to use any words that are similar to identity (i.e. “identify”).  We will share some ideas as a class and try to come up with an agreed definition.

HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF?  Make a list of all of the things that you think are “identifying features” about yourself: Some ideas may include - age - gender - ethnicity- hair colour - where you live - eye colour…. Etc

DISCUSSION CARDS  In groups (7), you will work through answering a series of questions on the discussion cards. These are to help you start talking about YOURSELF and WHO YOU ARE

CONNECTIONS – POETRY & IDENTITY  What are the connections between poetry and identity? Why are these two ideas combined for this unit?

BIOPOEM  One of the most basic forms of identity poetry is a BIOPOEM  This has a set FORMAT – 11 lines are used to describe a person, answering specific questions about them.  Today we are going to be writing our own BIOPOEMS… but first, let’s look at an example:

BIOPOEM FORMAT First name: Sister (daughter, son, brother, wife, friend etc etc) of... Lover of... (3 things/people/animals etc you love) Who feels... (3 feelings or opinions) Who needs... (3 needs) Who gives... (3 gifts) Who fears... (3 fears) Who would like... (3 wishes) Resident of... (place) Street name: Last name:

BIOPOEM EXAMPLE Katniss Sister of Primrose Lover of nature, physical things, and music Who feels anger towards the capitol, protective of her family and friends, and confused about love. Who needs support, faith and breathing space Who gives all for her family, her friends, and her community. Who fears the loss of those she loves, falling in love, and having children who would be put through the Capitol’s torture. Who longs for freedom, protection and justice. Resident of District 12 Everdeen

HOMEWORK TASK..  Write a BIOPOEM (using the same format) for a character in your favourite novel or film…  Write a PARAGRAPH that describes the book that you have been reading so far for our library sessions. Discuss the main themes and ideas in the book.

POETRY IN MUSIC…  So many music artists use SONGS the same way that poets use POETRY (for expressing their identity, self, thoughts and feelings, etc…)  Listen to this song. Your task is to try and find as many LANGUAGE FEATURES as possible within the song (e.g. simile, metaphor, repetition, alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhyme). 