POETRY MEMORIZATION PROJECT

YCDS- MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH

 

       Fostering an appreciation of poetry as a literary form is an important aspect of understanding our language. In order to enhance that appreciation, students will participate in the Poetry Memorization Project. Each month, students will select, memorize, summarize the poet’s message, and then orally present their poems. Students will also be encouraged to write and to present their own original works throughout the year. Direct instruction will focus on the types and elements of poetry.

 

Procedure

  1. Each month select a published poem and poet from resources in the English room, library or on the internet. Poems must be at least (12-7th /16-8th) lines in length.
  2. Memorize the poem, and be able to interpret the poem’s meaning.
  3. Type a response (3-7th/5-8th paragraphs) (a paragraph is 4 to 5 complete sentences minimum) about what you believe the poet was attempting to communicate.
  4. On the designated day, present a typed copy (see format below) of your poem and summary response to the teacher. Then, using good public speaking form, orally deliver your poem to the class. Finally, be able to discuss the results of your summary upon questioning.

Format

          Refer to my Final Draft/Project Requirements handout. Please include the title and author’s name.

Grading

          All presentations (weighted at 30%) will be graded on a rubric that will assess:

  1. Length of poem
  2. Accuracy of format
  3. Accuracy of memorization
  4. Quality of presentation (eye contact, posture, volume, tone)
  5. Quality of written summary to the poet’s message
  6. Ability to express your personal interpretation and respond to questions from teacher and classmates.

Due Dates

Poems should be selected by the first week of each month. (Excluding December, March, and June.) All students should be prepared to submit their typed summaries and oral presentations during the last week of each month. Specific days will be posted in class.