Scholars engage in a role-play exercise, compare their demonstration to a time-lapse video, and to a poem by E.E. Cummings. The ensuing discussion asks learners to consider the similarities among the three.

Concepts

poetry analysis, poetry, making observations, observational skills, close reading, compare and contrast, textual evidence, metaphors

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the lesson during April's National Poetry Month
• If class members are unfamiliar with the work of E.E. Cummings, project images of several of his poems and have pupils use their observation skills to create a list of what they notice about his poems

Classroom Considerations

• Copies of the poem and a projection device for the video is required

Pros

• The noticing approach builds readers' confidence in their ability to analyze poetry

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.11-12.10a RL.11-12.10b