Lesson Plan: Rhyming Scheme in Ballads

Objective: Students will understand the concept of rhyming scheme in ballads and be able to identify and analyze different types of rhyming schemes in ballad poems.

Materials: - Whiteboard or chart paper - Markers - Handout with examples of ballad poems - Individual copies of ballad poems for each student - Rhyming scheme worksheet

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes): a. Begin the lesson by asking students if they are familiar with ballad poems. Allow a few students to share their understanding of what a ballad is. b. Explain that ballads are narrative poems that tell a story and are often set to music. They typically have a specific rhyming scheme that helps create a rhythmic and melodic quality. c. Write the definition of a ballad on the board or chart paper for students to refer to throughout the lesson.

2. Rhyming Scheme Explanation (15 minutes): a. Explain that the rhyming scheme in a ballad refers to the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line. b. Discuss the different types of rhyming schemes commonly found in ballads, such as AABB, ABAB, ABCB, and AABBA. c. Write each rhyming scheme on the board and explain how it works using examples.

3. Rhyming Scheme Analysis (20 minutes): a. Distribute individual copies of ballad poems to each student. b. Instruct students to read the ballad silently and identify the rhyming scheme used in the poem. c. After reading, ask students to share their findings with a partner or in small groups. d. Select a few students to share their analysis with the whole class, discussing the rhyming scheme they identified and how it contributes to the overall rhythm and flow of the poem.

4. Example Analysis (15 minutes): a. Provide a handout with examples of ballad poems, each with a different rhyming scheme. b. Instruct students to read each poem and identify the rhyming scheme used. c. Discuss the examples as a class, allowing students to share their analysis and observations. d. Emphasize how the different rhyming schemes create different effects and contribute to the overall tone and mood of the poem.

5. Rhyming Scheme Worksheet (15 minutes): a. Distribute the rhyming scheme worksheet to each student. b. Instruct students to analyze the given ballad poem and identify its rhyming scheme. c. Allow students to work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet. d. Review the answers as a class, discussing any questions or difficulties students may have encountered.

6. Conclusion (5 minutes): a. Summarize the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of rhyming scheme in ballads. b. Encourage students to continue exploring ballad poems and analyzing their rhyming schemes independently.

Example Rhyming Scheme: Title: “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Rhyming Scheme: ABABCB

Example: It is an ancient Mariner, And he stoppeth one of three. ‘By thy long grey beard and glittering eye, Now wherefore stopp’st thou me?

The Bridegroom’s doors are opened wide, And I have rooms within The guests are met, the feast is set: May’st hear the merry din.