Presentation/Assigment
TinaF
Module8HomeworkPoetryintheClassroomInstruction.docxInstruction:
Poetry Slam in the Classroom Website – http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/assets/0001/6013/Write_On_poetry_slam_toolkit_v2.pdf Links to an external site. Purposes for Students – • to explore creative ideas to incorporate the use of poetry in the classroom. • exposure to the types of resources available for teachers on the Internet Procedures – 1. Locate the Teacher Tube website and poetry slam videos. Here is but one example that might be used to engage students in poetry slams using relatable content like gaming. http://www.teachertube.com/video/poetry-slam-121685 Links to an external site. 2. Use the information in chapter 12 and resources on the Internet to design a creative way to incorporate poetry in a (k-2) classroom. (please make sure this is your original work Ideas borrowed from blogs or websites without being referenced will not be accepted). If you would like to include your own poem that would be terrific as well. The assignment should be two pages at a minimum.
Rubric For Weekly Homework
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Rubric For Weekly Homework |
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Criteria |
Ratings |
Pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuality |
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4 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization |
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4 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReadings |
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4 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar and Mechanics |
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3 pts |
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Total Points: 15 |
EXAMPLE:
Incorporating Poetry into the Classroom
Introduction
One of the most important aspects of teaching children how to read is improving fluency; in fact, it is reasonable to argue that this is the most important aspect of teaching reading. Erekson et. al point out that there are a wide range of effective ways to improve the fluency of a child’s reading, particularly at a younger age. One of the best ways to help children really break down a passage, analyze it for devices and content, and apply it to their own lives is to promote poetry in the classroom. The process of reading poetry is often easier for children, as poems tend to be more creative and whimsical compared to reading dry passages from a book. This paper will put forth one of the many ways that a teacher could utilize poetry in the classroom, geared towards the second grade.
Using Poetry in the Classroom
One creative way that teachers can utilize poetry in the classroom is by assigning a poem, breaking it down with the class, and then having the students write their own version of the poem. There are plenty of options for age and content appropriate poems; for the purposes of this paper, “The Dentist and the Crocodile” by Roald Dahl is a strong choice. This poem contains numerous poetic devices, a plot with multiple layers, and an ending that is ambiguous and allows the teacher to ask open-ended questions, bringing forth each student’s unique interpretation. In addition, the poem’s main theme of misplaced fear is widely applicable to most second graders. This is important because it will help each student connect with the poem’s central point when they are asked to write their own version of it. Once each student writes their own version of “The Dentist and the Crocodile” they can read it aloud to the class, for the purposes of discussion and analysis.
There are several reasons why this approach can help students improve fluency, while using poetry as the foundation for that learning. First, it forces the students to really drill down on the purpose of the poem and what the author is trying to say, in order to complete their own version. The theme of fear and surprise in this particular poem are widely relatable to students in the second grade, so they should have no trouble finding subject matter that resonates with them when they are creating their own version of the poem. Since the students are required to develop their own version of the poem, they are forced to work to understand the original helping teach fluency. A second reason why this tactic will improve reading fluency amongst the students is that it encourages them to pair critical thinking with creativity during the process of the assignment. Understanding the original poem is the first step, and then the creation of their own poem requires them to be creative. Promoting creativity can be a powerful tool in the pursuit of fluency, as it gives the students that chance to apply the subject matter on their terms. Students could write about a wide range of topics related to this particular poem (or whatever poem is chosen by the teacher), giving them the opportunity to inject their lived experience into the assignment, making it their own. When a student is able to read a poem, comprehend its purpose, and then generate their own version of that poem, they will clearly have taken a giant step in their efforts to become a fluent reader.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a poem for the class to read and analyze, and then having the students write their own version of the poem is a great way to improve reading fluency. This approach teaches the students critical thinking and reading, as well as promotes creativity as they apply the poem to their own lives and create their own version. Implementing this approach is one of the many ways that teachers can help their children become better readers, while having fun at the same time.
References
Opitz, M. F., Erekson, J. A., & Schendel, R. K. (2018). Understanding, assessing, and teaching reading : a diagnostic approach. Pearson.
