Introduction to Poetry by Billy Collins
Our goal in this final unit is to experience poetry in a multifaceted way and thus to develop a deeper sense and appreciation of the power of poetry to move us, give us voice, and unite us as humans.
For our poetry unit, each student will choose a poem both to analyse in writing (in a CRT) and read aloud (perform) for the class, and will be responsible to discuss and annotate poems that other students have chosen. Additionally, you will compose your own original poem and accompany this with an analysis of your poem. To start you off, Ms. Friesen will read the poem "Warren Pryor" by Canadian poet, Alden Nowlan, and will model annotating and analysing the poem.
1. Select a poem from Poetry in Voice. Important: the link has filtered the entire database of poem to limit your selection to poems that are appropriate for grades 9-12. Ensure that the poem you choose fits this criterion. You may also choose to search by Tag or Mood. When you open a poem, you will notice along the right which literary devices and tones/moods to be on the lookout for, and many will have questions to guide your analysis and discussion.
When choosing your poem, you will want to pick a one that:
You are encouraged, but not required, to choose a Canadian poet or a poet who shares your cultural background.
2. Make a printed copy of your poem for yourself, your teachers, and each member of your group. Copy and paste the poem (including title and author!) into a Google Doc and adjust the line spacing to 1.5 or 2 to allow room for marking up and adding notes.
3. Sign up for one of the slots available in the signup and indicate your poem's title and author: Poetry Reading Signup. No repeat poems are allowed. First come, first served.
4. Discuss and annotate the poem with your group. You may choose your group members. You must have a group of 5-6 people and will be responsible for discussing and annotating everyone's poems.
5. Prepare to write an in-class CRT on your poem.