Poetry

Poetry:
Standard 6 (Jeffco) Literary Elements and Techniques: Comprehend, Analyze, and Discuss Text: Read and respond to poetry that represents perspectives from people that are familiar and unfamiliar. Understand HOW FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE SUPPORTS MEANING in a given text. Identify, analyze, and explain theme/essential message/main idea.

Read each of the following poems: · Because I Look Like Where I’m From (Maria Testa) · I Am Who I Am, So What (Raquel Yalle Senties) · I Am a Black (Gwendolyn Brooks) Analyze these poems with your partner. · What is the author’s attitude about themselves? · What phrases reveal this? Underline the words that show the authors feelings. · What is the tone of this poem? (Positive, depressed, hopeful) · Circle the most important phrases within the poem. · Highlight the phrases that use figurative language. · What is the main message of this poem? Class Discussion: How are these three poems alike and different?

Read //Myself// by Edgar Guest · What is the author’s message in this poem? · Underline: Figurative or repetitive language · Highlight: Phrases that are the most important Write a response to the message of this poem. Explain how friends, family or your community support you or present obstacles to being who you want to be. Use at least 3 phrases from this poem to make connections to your own life.