1. Do I Dare? Defining Identity Through Poetry
Unit 4 Overview and Introduction

2. Today’s Goals: Preview the upcoming unit Understand the purpose
Begin thinking about what poetry means

3. I ask them to take a poem and hold it up to the light like a color slide[…] But all they want to do is tie the poem to a chair with rope and torture a confession out of it…. From “Introduction to Poetry” by Billy Collins

4. Unit 4 Overview Worksheet
Read the overview. Write a summary.
The point: Students will gain appreciation for poetry while also learning valuable skills in analyzing through reading, speaking, and explicating poems.

5. Standards:
RL Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
L Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L A Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context and analyze their role in the text.
L B Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.

6. How do poets express themes of self and identity?
Essential Questions
How do poets express themes of self and identity?
How can I express myself through poetry… do I dare?

7. CORE VOCABULARY

8. Focus Questions What is poetry? What is a poem?
How do we make meaning of poetry?
What strategies can we use to understand poetry?
What is the difference between the speaker in the poem and the poet?
How does word choice help readers experience poetry?
What devices do poets use?
How do poets express themes of self and identity in their work?
What makes a poet’s voice intense, unique and memorable?
What are some different poetic forms and structures and how do they affect meaning?
How does performance affect the meaning of the written word in a poem?
How are song lyrics and poetry alike and different?
What is poetry? What is a poem? What do all poems have in common?

9. Student Outcomes
What will students know, understand and be able to do by the end of this unit?
read, discuss, perform and appreciate a variety of poems
analyze poems and identify different poetic forms and devices
create original poetry using various forms and incorporate various poetic devices
compare, contrast and evaluate poetry
know and understand the body of work and cultural/historical context of at least one poet

10. Enduring Understandings
What are the big ideas?
Poetry can be interpreted in many ways
Poets make deliberate and thoughtful decisions about style, tone, rhythm, structure and word choice
Poetry can take many forms
All poetry has meaning
Poetry is about the use of carefully chosen language
Poetry is an important and valued literary genre

11. Complete questions 1-4 on “Day 2, What is poetry” worksheet.