Lesson Plan
Academy of American Poets

Teach This Poem: "The Shapes of Leaves" by Arthur Sze

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Arthur Sze's poem, "The Shapes of Leaves," encourages young scholars to notice and speak for others who "do not speak." The instructional activity begins with pupils writing about a tree that they really like. The class then examines an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spoken Word Poetry

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the spoken work poetry of Abiodun Oyewole. They discuss the West African Griot tradition, listen to spoken word poetry, write and perform a poem, and watch a video excerpt of a poetry workshop.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lawson Fusao Inada

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students read and analyze poetry written by Lawson Fusao Inada. They read and discuss the executive order issued to Japanese Americans during WWII, take a field trip to the Nikkei Legacy Center, and read and discuss poems.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shakespeare: Performance First

For Teachers All
This lesson plan invites students to interact with the play from their first encounter, determine actions implied from the text and better comprehend Shakespeare's language.
Activity
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Interactive Forum

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
Read two poems and follow the prompts to interpret them using four approaches: reader response, inquiry, cultural studies, and critical pedagogy. Use the prompts to guide personal reflection, launch a lesson with students, or join an...