How to Teach Poetry: Lesson Plan 4 (Democratize the Classroom)

Course: How to Teach Poetry

Lecture 4: Democratize the Classroom (4 of 15)

 

TEACHER GOALS

  • Who runs the classroom? Who runs the world?
  • Use PowerPoetry's model for a student-lead, democratized poetry class
  • Encourage student participation in the classroom
  • Create a safe classroom space for students to participate and express themselves
  • Teach students to apply leadership and poetry-writing skills to real-world situations

STUDENT GOALS

  • Learn how to direct a class
  • Encourage peers to participate
  • Gain tools for social engagement/interacting with authority figures
  • Use writing skills to make real-world changes

TEACHER DO NOW

  • Have students break off into groups of 3

STUDENT DO NOW

MINI-LESSON/ACTIVITY

  • Students will use PowerPoetry's Speech Tip Guide to write a mock speech arguing for a change having to do with an area of interest from PowerPoetry's Action Guides
  • The first 3/4 of class will be devoted to constructing the speech
  • The last 1/4 of clas is reserved to students to present their speech to the class

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

HOMEWORK

  • Using the tools for speech/argumentative-writing learned in class, students will write a letter to any public figure (e.g. Mayor, principal, etc.) about a change they wish to see put in action

PRINTABLE WORKSHEET

How to Teach Poetry Teacher Lesson Plan 4