Title: Exploring the Poem “Heraklieon”

Grade Level: 6th Grade

Objective: - Students will analyze and interpret the poem “Heraklieon” by Bibi Katz. - Students will identify and discuss the themes and literary devices used in the poem. - Students will create their own poem inspired by “Heraklieon.”

Materials: - Copies of the poem “Heraklieon” by Bibi Katz - Chart paper or whiteboard - Markers or chalk - Paper and pencils for students

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever read or heard a poem before.
   • Discuss what they know about poems and their purpose.
   • Explain that today, they will be exploring a poem called “Heraklieon” by Bibi Katz.
2. Reading and Analysis (15 minutes):
   • Distribute copies of the poem “Heraklieon” to each student.
   • Read the poem aloud as a class, or have students take turns reading.
   • Ask students to underline or highlight any words or phrases that stand out to them.
   • Discuss the meaning of the poem as a class, encouraging students to share their interpretations.
   • Write down key themes and literary devices on the chart paper or whiteboard as they are identified.
3. Theme Discussion (10 minutes):
   • Review the themes identified in the poem with the students.
   • Facilitate a class discussion on the significance of these themes and how they relate to the overall message of the poem.
   • Encourage students to provide evidence from the text to support their ideas.
4. Literary Devices (10 minutes):
   • Review the literary devices identified in the poem with the students.
   • Discuss how these devices contribute to the poem’s meaning and impact.
   • Provide examples from the poem to illustrate each device.
5. Writing Activity (15 minutes):
   • Instruct students to write their own poem inspired by “Heraklieon.”
   • Encourage them to incorporate some of the themes and literary devices discussed earlier.
   • Remind students to be creative and express their own thoughts and emotions.
   • Allow time for students to share their poems with the class, if desired.
6. Conclusion (5 minutes):
   • Wrap up the lesson by having a brief class discussion about the experience of writing their own poems.
   • Ask students to reflect on what they learned about poetry and how it can be used to convey emotions and messages.
   • Thank the students for their participation and effort.

Extension Activity: - Have students create visual representations of their poems using art supplies or digital tools. - Organize a poetry reading event where students can share their poems with other classes or parents. - Encourage students to explore other poems by Bibi Katz or other poets and compare them to “Heraklieon.”