Candidate Name Laura Henderson

TAG Strategy in this lesson: Mystery (Using a variation/extension of the strategy as mentioned in
The Strategic Teacher)
UNIT NAME Analyzing Poetic Elements

LESSON NAME Solve the Mystery! Use the Clues of Poetic Elements to Unscramble the Lines of a Poem

Time Needed (Hours/Days) One 50 minute class period

Grade 6th

Subject Language Arts - Poetry

Course ELA

STANDARDS/ELEMENTS: CCGPS, GPS/GSE (where applicable) and TAG Standards

ELA GSE:
Craft and Structure:
ELAGSE6RL4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative
and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
ELAGSE6RL5: Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a
text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot

Key Ideas and Details:

ELAGSE6RL2: Determine a theme and/or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular
details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

TAG Standards: Higher Order Critical Thinking Skills:

1. The student makes and evaluates decisions using criteria.
11. The student draws conclusions based upon relevant information while discarding irrelevant information.
14. The student identifies and illustrates basic principles and the foundational concepts that are central to understanding the
essence of a field of study.

ENDURING UNDERSTANDING(s):
The elements a poet uses in a poem are intentionally chosen and utilized to create meaning for the reader.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION(s)
EQ: How can I use the clues in a poem (represented as poetic elements) to solve the mystery of unscrambling the lines
of a poem?

Know: Poetic Elements such as rhyme, rhythm, meter, stanza, similes, metaphors, hyperboles, sensory details

Understand: How poets use poetic elements to create narrative continuity and meaning.

Do: Use the clues from narrative elements to solve the mystery of unscrambling the lines of a poem.

TEACHER LESSON PREPARATION

Prior to this lesson, students should already be knowledgeable about poetic elements. This is intended to be
one of the culminating activities in a poetry unit.
 Prepare a copy of the poem, The Moon Was But a Chin of Gold by Emily Dickinson. Cut the second and fourth stanzas
apart. Leave the other stanzas in tact.
Prepare Clues Organizer

ACTIVATING STRATEGY
Hand out a white board & dry erase marker to each small group. The teacher will give the name of an event, and groups
will be instructed to list clues that would help someone guess the event. Remind students to think about sensory details,
the tone of the event, the way people might dress or act, materials that you might see, etc. Examples:
Wedding
Professional Baseball Game
Test Day in a Class
P.E. Class
Fire Drill

Share and discuss the clues. Remind students that in much the same way, poetic elements are CLUES TO MEANING
IN POETRY!

Instructional Sequence and Activities including use of technology

1. Arrange student in small groups.
2. Review and discuss the EQ.
3. Create excitement: You are going to be detectives today, so get out your magnifying glasses! Think back to all you
have learned about poetic elements. Share one thing you remember with the person next to you.
4. Explain the task. You have before you a mystery to solve! A wonderful poem is waiting to be read, but the someone
has cut some of the lines apart! Put the poem back together and glue it to you blank sheet. As you work, record the
clues that helped you and explain HOW they helped you. Good luck!
5. Summarizing Task: On the back of your clues sheet, summarize how poetic elements serve as clues to a poems
meaning or message.

Assessment Strategies
Teacher will rotate around the room and make anecdotal notes.
Teacher will assess clues, rationales, summaries, and finished poems completed by student groups.

Differentiation
This lesson is an extension of the knowledge students have gained throughout this poetry unit.
Another way this lesson can be differentiated is through the use of poems at varying levels.

Materials/Links/Text References/Resources
Clues & Explanations Organizer
Blank sheet for the gluing of poem
Dry erase boards and markers
The Moon Was But a Chin of Gold by Emily Dickinson
If differentiating through the use of poems at varying levels, copies of poems at varying levels.