Lesson Plan: Exploring Self through Poetry
Grade Level: 4th-5th grade
Duration: 2-3 class periods
Materials: - BIO poem template - “I AM” poem template - Exemplars of BIO and “I AM” poems - Sentence frames and starters - Writing utensils - Feedback forms - Final draft paper and art supplies for designing
Lesson Objectives: 1. Students will expand their knowledge of themselves by writing BIO poems. 2. Students will communicate about themselves by writing an “I AM” poem. 3. Students will demonstrate their understanding by following directions, using exemplars, using feedback, editing rough drafts, and completing and designing a final draft of their choice.
Language Objective: Students will inform about themselves in writing using parts of speech such as adjectives, verbs, nouns, and pronouns with the support of sentence frames and starters.
Procedure:
- Introduction (10 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by explaining the learning intentions and success criteria to the students.
- Discuss the importance of self-expression and self-awareness through writing.
- Show exemplars of BIO and “I AM” poems to provide a visual representation of the final product.
- Explain the language objective and how students will use sentence frames and starters to support their writing.
- BIO Poem Activity (30 minutes):
- Distribute the BIO poem template and writing utensils to each student.
- Instruct students to fill in the template with information about themselves, using adjectives, verbs, nouns, and pronouns.
- Encourage students to be creative and thoughtful in their responses.
- Provide sentence frames and starters for students who may need additional support.
- Circulate the classroom to provide assistance and answer any questions.
- Peer Feedback and Editing (20 minutes):
- Pair students up and have them exchange their BIO poems.
- Instruct students to read their partner’s poem and provide constructive feedback using feedback forms.
- Encourage students to focus on areas such as clarity, descriptive language, and grammar.
- After receiving feedback, students should revise and edit their rough drafts accordingly.
- “I AM” Poem Activity (30 minutes):
- Distribute the “I AM” poem template and writing utensils to each student.
- Instruct students to write an “I AM” poem about themselves, focusing on their identity, interests, and aspirations.
- Remind students to use adjectives, verbs, nouns, and pronouns to inform about themselves.
- Provide sentence frames and starters for students who may need additional support.
- Circulate the classroom to provide assistance and answer any questions.
- Final Draft and Design (30 minutes):
- Distribute final draft paper and art supplies to each student.
- Instruct students to transfer their revised “I AM” poem onto the final draft paper.
- Encourage students to add illustrations or decorations that reflect their poem and personality.
- Remind students to use their exemplars and feedback to guide their final design.
- Allow time for students to share their final drafts with their peers if desired.
- Conclusion (10 minutes):
- Gather the students together and have a brief discussion about the process of writing BIO and “I AM” poems.
- Ask students to reflect on how they expanded their knowledge of themselves through this activity.
- Review the success criteria and ask students to self-assess their work based on the criteria.
- Provide positive feedback and praise for their efforts and creativity.
Extension Activity: For students who finish early or want an additional challenge, encourage them to write a third poem using a different format, such as a haiku or acrostic poem, to further explore their identity and self-expression.
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