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Teach This Poem: "On Being Brought from Africa to America" by Phillis Wheatley Lesson PlanTeach This Poem: "On Being Brought from Africa to America" by Phillis Wheatley Lesson Plan
Publisher
Academy of American Poets
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
6th - 12th
Subjects
English Language Arts
5 more...
Resource Type
Lesson Plans
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
1 hr
Instructional Strategies
Collaborative Learning
2 more...
Technology
Video
Projection
Internet Access
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Lesson Plan

Teach This Poem: "On Being Brought from Africa to America" by Phillis Wheatley

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Teach This Poem: "On Being Brought from Africa to America" by Phillis Wheatley lesson plan also includes:
  • Image of Phillis Wheatley (.jpg)
  • "On Being Brought from Africa to America" by Phillis Wheatley
  • Biography of Phillis Wheatley
  • Camille T. Dungy on "On Being Brought from Africa to America" by Phillis Wheatley
  • Bob Marley & The Wailers - Buffalo Soldier (Official Music Video)
  • Activity
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Phillis Wheatley's poem, "On Being Brought from Africa to America" is the focus of a lesson that asks readers to consider how the poem is a critique of slavery. Groups comprise a list of words and phrases they notice as well as questions they may have. Class members then read an article about the poem and discuss the elements that criticize slavery and religion.

4 Views 3 Downloads
CCSS: Adaptable

Concepts

poetry analysis, poetry, african americans, famous african americans, african american history, close reading, compare and contrast, black history month, slavery, tone

Instructional Ideas

  • After middle schoolers have listened to the song several times, provide groups with the lyrics to Marley's song "Buffalo Soldier"
  • Instructors should read the "Let's Talk" guide which offers tools for leading critical conversations

Classroom Considerations

  • A New York Times subscription is required to view Eve Ewing's poem "1773" using the provided link
  • The lesson can be used for remote or hybrid learning as well as in-class instruction
  • The Dungy essay is complex and most appropriate for high school level classes

Pros

  • Includes extension activities for grades 7 and 8 as well as activities for grades 9 through 12

Cons

  • None

Common Core

RL.6.1 RL.6.4 RL.7.1 RL.7.4 RL.8.1 RL.8.4 RL.9-10.1 RL.9-10.4 RL.11-12.1 RL.11-12.2 RL.11-12.4 RH.6-8.2 RH.9-10.2 RH.11-12.2

View 70,722 other resources for 6th - 12th Grade English Language Arts

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