The stated goal of this unit is to use poetry to "improve the emotional health of young people." Budding poets read and then supply their own lines for poems that deal with alienation, loneliness, and rejection.

Concepts

emotional development, mental health, poetry

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Before beginning the unit, research the emotional and mental health support systems available at your school and in your community for students and their families

Classroom Considerations

• The unit requires that a protocol for a safe and respectful discussion of emotionally charged issues has been established
• Read the entire packet and carefully consider the kinds of situations you may have to deal with before choosing to use the unit

Pros

• The 23-page packet includes tips for how to safely conduct the discussions, detailed plans, activities, and poems

Cons

• While the focus of each lesson is a safe and positive approach to the topics, some class members may feel pressured by the assignments