Lesson Plan Title:
Grade 7 English Lesson Plan: Introduction to Poetry
Materials Needed:
– Grade 7 English textbook
– Selected poem (print or digital)
– Whiteboard and markers
– Notebooks and pens
– Multimedia projector (if using digital resources)
– Worksheet with poetry analysis questions
– Highlighters
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Identify and explain basic poetic devices such as metaphor, simile, and alliteration.
2. Analyse a poem’s structure, theme, and tone.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the poem through discussion and written responses.
4. Appreciate the emotional and aesthetic qualities of poetry.
Vocabulary:
1. Metaphor – A figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.
2. Simile – A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as.
3. Alliteration – The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
4. Theme – The central topic, subject, or message that is being discussed or described in the text.
5. Tone – The general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, etc.
Previous Learning:
Students have previously explored short story elements such as plot, character, and setting. They have also been introduced to figurative language in prose.
Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
1. Challenge: Students may struggle to identify poetic devices within the text.
– Solution: Use clear examples and practice with simpler poems before moving to more complex ones.
2. Challenge: Students might find it difficult to articulate their thoughts about the poem.
– Solution: Provide sentence starters to help them begin their analysis and discussion.
Beginning Activities (10% – 4 minutes):
1. Introduction: Briefly introduce the learning objectives for the lesson.
2. Activate Prior Knowledge: Ask students to recall and share their understanding of figurative language from previous lessons.
Middle Activities (80% – 32 minutes):
1. Read Aloud: The teacher reads the selected poem aloud while students follow along in their textbooks.
2. Direct Instruction: Explain and illustrate key poetic devices (metaphor, simile, alliteration) using examples from the poem.
3. Guided Practice: Break down the poem together, identifying examples of the poetic devices discussed. Use a multimedia projector to highlight parts of the text.
4. Group Discussion: In small groups, have students discuss the poem’s theme, tone, and overall message. Provide guiding questions to facilitate discussion.
5. Independent Practice: Students complete a worksheet with questions about the poem’s structure, theme, and poetic devices.
End Activities (10% – 8 minutes):
1. Exit Ticket: Each student writes a short paragraph summarising their understanding of the poem and identifying one poetic device used in it.
2. Class Discussion: Share some of these responses with the class to reinforce learning.
Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Observation during group discussions
– Worksheet with analysis questions
– Exit ticket paragraphs
– Participation in class discussions
Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
– For struggling learners: Provide additional examples of poetic devices and one-on-one guidance during group work.
– For advanced learners: Challenge them to create their own short poems using the poetic devices discussed.
– Visual learners: Use a multimedia projector to visually highlight portions of the text.
– English language learners: Pair them with supportive peers and use visuals to aid comprehension.
Teaching Notes:
– Emphasise the emotional and aesthetic experience of poetry to help students appreciate its value.
– Encourage students to express their personal interpretations and feelings about the poem.
– Assess accessibility needs and ensure all students, including those with disabilities, can engage meaningfully with the materials provided.
End your lesson on a motivating note by inviting students to bring in their favourite poems for the next lesson to share with the class, fostering a love for poetry and personal connection to the material.