I Am A Rock - Self Metaphor Lesson SWBAT: understand Simon and Garfunkels use of metaphor to evoke self; understand narrative

of song; create a metaphor for self; use pattern of song to create a self metaphor song/poem Aim: How does I Am A Rock portray its speakers state of mind and point of view? Do Now: Create a list of objects that represent you right now. Why do these objects connect to you? What do they reveal about your state of mind right now? Mini-Lesson: Annotation/Explication Annotation is the process of marking up a text. You can mark up a text for any purpose. When we read poetry, its a good idea to mark a few things: patterns or interesting vocabulary; questions; visual or sensory imagery. The idea is to have a written conversation with the poem. Talk to it. Ask questions, make sense of things. Though we are listening to a song, a song is essentially poetry set to music. Show model of The Road Less Taken Collaborative Annotation Practice: Play I Am A Rock and ask students to annotate. Trade papers with a partner. This time we will annotate another persons poem. Play song again. Trade papers back. Look at what was written. Discussion: What did you notice about the song? Discuss annotations. Use the following questions to move towards the Aim: What is the state of mind of the speaker? How do you know? What images or metaphors does the speaker use? What do these images evoke or reveal? Does the song tell a story? How does it tell that story? What happens in each verse? How does I Am A Rock portray its speakers state of mind and point of view? Mini-Lesson: Creating chorus Lets go back to our Do Now responses. Think about your state of mind today. How do you feel? Now, skim through your writing and do some goldmining. Find an item that speaks to you and would make a good chorus. If you do not find an item you like, brainstorm. Focus on your state of mind today. Are you empowered? Depressed? Smart? Overwhelmed? Student Work with Teacher Help Mini-Lesson: Creating narrative

Look at how Paul Simon creates the narrative. He first sets the scene. He uses the winter (maybe as a metaphor) for the state of mind he is in. Then he begins to go back in time and show you why he feels that way. He does not, however, clearly tell you what happens. He alludes to it (friendship causes pain). Can you try to create a narrative that reveals your state of mind? Student work Writing mini-lessons might focus on rhythm, rhyme, pattern, or use of figurative language

I Am A Rock
By Paul Simon (Performed by Simon & Garfunkel) A winter's day In a deep and dark December; I am alone, Gazing from my window to the streets below On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow. I am a rock, I am an island. I've built walls, A fortress deep and mighty, That none may penetrate. I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain. It's laughter and it's loving I disdain. I am a rock, I am an island. Don't talk of love, But I've heard the words before; It's sleeping in my memory. I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died. If I never loved I never would have cried. I am a rock, I am an island. I have my books And my poetry to protect me; I am shielded in my armor, Hiding in my room, safe within my womb. I touch no one and no one touches me. I am a rock, I am an island. And a rock feels no pain; And an island never cries.

Ms. Healy English Songwriting Rubric, I Am A Rock

Criteria Structure A Song includes a central metaphor, a chorus, three verses and a bridge. The point of view of the song is clear and the voice performing the song sounds authentic and true. In addition to the central metaphor, more than three metaphors, similes or images are used to evoke the mood or character. These support the central metaphor of the song and move the narrative. The narrative of the song is clear, highlighting the key issue or topic well in the chorus, moving through reasoning or action in the verses and using the bridge to build tension. B Song includes all but one required structural element. The point of view of the song is clear and consistent, though may not ring true to listener. In addition to the central metaphor, three metaphors, similes or images are used to evoke the mood or character. These add to the mood or understanding of character. C Song is missing two structural elements. D Song is incomplete.

Point of View

The point of view of the song is inconsistent or somewhat unclear.

The point of view is unclear.

Use of Figurative Language

Two examples of figurative language are present in addition to the central metaphor. These may not be helpful in understanding character or narrative.

One or no examples of figurative language.

Narrative

The narrative of the song is mostly clear with the chorus highlighting an idea and verses discussing the idea in detail. The sequence may not be logical or may be repetitive.

The narrative of the song is muddled in places, but the song is on topic. Either the chorus does not highlight the main idea or the verses do not move the listener logically through the action or

The narrative is unclear. The chorus and verses do not reveal a key idea and move through a narrative.

ideas.

Overall Grade: ________ Comments: