Poetry Connection
Preparation
Have students bring in a poem related to the unit of study. Group students into pairs or small groups (3-4) . Select two poems for modeling.
Activity Steps
1
Introduce Poetry Connection.
Share the purpose of the activity with students.
2
Conduct whole-class read-aloud.
The class reads the two model poems.
3
Model compare-and-contrast.
Think aloud as you model compare-and-contrast using the two sample poems. Model any new learning that emerged from the compare-and-contrast.
4
Share poems within groups.
Each student will share their poem with their group. This can be through a read- aloud or copies can be made for each group member.
4
Compare poems.
Using a graphic organizer, students compare all of the poems in their group. · What similarities do you see? · Why might those similarities be important? It is essential here that the comparison ties to the unit of study. Poems may have similarities that do not relate to the unit.
6
Contrast poems.
Using a graphic organizer, students contrast all of the poems in their group. · What differences or contradictions do you see? · Why might those be important? Again, it is essential here that the work ties to the unit of study.
4
Identify new learning.
After completing the compare-and-contrast exercise, students step back and identify any new learning. · Did the compare-and-contrast reinforce your thinking about this unit or did you learn something new?
8
Conduct group share-out.
Each group will share one or two examples for each compare-and-contrast and any new learning.
9
Reflect.
Students reflect on their learning individually or as a group, in writing or orally. · How did this activity help you have a deeper understanding of the concept under study? · How could you apply the use of compare-and-contrast to your life inside or outside of school? · When could this skill be useful? Why?
