Voices of Peace: Anti-War Poetry Journey

11th Grade

Project
6 weeks

Voices of Peace: Anti-War Poetry Journey

KaTrina Wentzel

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.4

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.6

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10

+ 8 more

Purpose

This project aims to deepen students' understanding of anti-war poetry by exploring its historical context and thematic significance. Through analysis and creative expression, students will examine how poetry reflects societal attitudes toward conflict and challenges perceptions of war. The project encourages students to use their analytical skills to interpret complex texts and articulate their insights, culminating in a poetry cafe exhibition where they share their interpretations and receive feedback.

Learning goals

Students will analyze and interpret anti-war poetry to deepen their understanding of the human experience and societal impacts of conflict. They will develop skills in close reading, historical context analysis, and English language conventions. Learners will craft and share insightful analyses, engage in meaningful discussions, and refine their work through peer feedback and reflection. The project will culminate in a poetry café exhibition, where students will present their interpretations and original poems, demonstrating their ability to convey complex themes and influence public opinion.

Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.4 - Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.6 - Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2 - Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

Competencies

Express Ideas - Define audience, purpose, and format (EXI.1)
Express Ideas - Select and develop my message (EXI.2)
Express Ideas - Develop my craft (EXI.3)
Express Ideas - Finalize and share my product or performance (EXI.4)
Learn with Purpose - Give and receive feedback (LI.3)
Learn with Purpose - Engage in discussion (LI.4)
Learn with Purpose - Reflect (LI.5)

Products

Students will create a comprehensive essay analyzing a chosen anti-war poem, connecting its themes to historical contexts and societal impacts. They will also prepare and present a live performance of their selected poem at a poetry café, demonstrating their understanding and interpretation. Throughout the project, students will engage in peer feedback sessions to refine their analyses and performances, culminating in a reflective piece on their growth and insights gained.

Launch

Begin the project with an immersive poetry reading session where students listen to and analyze a selection of anti-war poems from different historical periods. Invite a local poet or actor to perform these poems, emphasizing the emotional and thematic elements. Follow the performance with a guided discussion on the themes and historical contexts of each poem, encouraging students to share their initial thoughts and questions. This sets the stage for deeper exploration and analysis throughout the project.

Exhibition

Host a Poetry Cafe where students perform their chosen anti-war poems, showcasing their analysis and personal interpretations. Invite peers, teachers, and community members to engage in a dialogue about the themes and historical contexts of the poems. Create an interactive experience with stations where attendees can explore the historical background of each poem and provide feedback on the performances.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Introduction to Anti-War Poetry - Begin with an immersive poetry reading session featuring a selection of anti-war poems from various historical periods, followed by a guided discussion to identify central themes and initial impressions (60 min)	Historical Context Exploration - Research the historical background of selected anti-war poems and discuss how these contexts influenced the poets' perspectives and themes (30 min) Close Reading Exercise - Conduct a close reading of one anti-war poem, annotating for literary devices and thematic elements (30 min)	Vocabulary Development - Identify and clarify unknown words and phrases from the poem using context clues and reference materials to enhance comprehension (20 min) Theme Analysis Workshop - Collaboratively analyze the development of central themes within the poem and how they relate to historical events and societal impacts (40 min)	Poetry Performance Techniques - Introduce expressive reading techniques and practice performing the chosen poem with attention to delivery and expression (30 min) Reflective Writing - Write a reflective piece on the initial understanding of the poem's themes and how historical context has influenced personal interpretations (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Personal Reflection: Written reflection on initial impressions of anti-war poetry, including insights gained from the performance and discussion. 2. Close Reading Graphic Organizer: Completed organizer detailing themes, literary devices, and historical context of the chosen poem. 3. Vocabulary List: Compiled list of domain-specific vocabulary with definitions and usage examples. 4. Historical Context Summary: Written summary connecting the poem to its historical context and societal attitudes.
Preparation	1. Arrange for a local poet or actor to perform selected poems. 2. Select a diverse range of anti-war poems from different historical periods for analysis. 3. Prepare graphic organizers for close reading activities. 4. Gather reference materials and resources for vocabulary exploration. 5. Provide access to library and online resources for historical research.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Poetic Devices Exploration - Identify and analyze the use of poetic devices in anti-war poems, understanding their impact on tone and meaning (30 min) Peer Discussion on Poetic Devices - Engage in a peer-led discussion to share insights and interpretations of the identified poetic devices (30 min)	Historical Context Deep Dive - Conduct deeper research into a specific historical period related to an anti-war poem, exploring how historical events influenced the poem's themes (30 min) Group Presentation Preparation - Collaboratively prepare a presentation that connects the poem's themes to its historical context (30 min)	Group Presentation - Present findings on the historical context and thematic connections of the chosen poem to the class, followed by a Q&A session (40 min) Reflective Journal Entry - Write a journal entry reflecting on new insights gained from the presentation and peer feedback (20 min)	Poetry Performance Practice - Practice expressive reading and delivery techniques for the poetry cafe exhibition, focusing on emotional impact (30 min) Feedback Session - Participate in a peer feedback session, providing and receiving constructive critiques on poetry performance techniques (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Annotated copy of 'Dulce et Decorum Est' with identified literary devices and notes on historical context. 2. Draft of an analytical essay on a selected anti-war poem, focusing on central themes, literary devices, and historical context. 3. Peer feedback form completed with comments on a classmate's draft essay.
Preparation	1. Compile a list of diverse anti-war poems from various historical contexts for students to choose from. 2. Prepare a close reading guide with focus questions and annotation tips for 'Dulce et Decorum Est.' 3. Create a structured essay outline template to assist students in organizing their analysis. 4. Develop a peer feedback rubric to guide students in providing constructive comments.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Poetry Analysis Deep Dive - Conduct an in-depth analysis of a selected anti-war poem, focusing on literary devices and their impact on themes (30 min) Historical Context Group Discussion - Engage in a group discussion to explore how historical events shaped the perspectives within the poem (30 min)	Peer Review Exchange - Exchange essay drafts with peers for written feedback on clarity and depth of analysis (20 min) Essay Drafting Session - Begin drafting an analytical essay connecting the poem's themes to its historical context, ensuring proper use of English conventions (40 min)	Revising Essay Drafts - Incorporate peer feedback to refine essay drafts, focusing on enhancing arguments and correcting language mechanics (30 min) Vocabulary Enrichment Exercise - Identify and explore domain-specific vocabulary related to the poem and its context, using reference materials to clarify meanings (30 min)	Poetry Performance Rehearsal - Practice delivering the chosen poem with expressive techniques, aiming for emotional impact and clarity (30 min) Reflective Feedback Session - Present poem performance to a peer group for immediate verbal feedback, followed by a written reflection on the experience (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Group visual representation of poem analysis 2. Draft of individual analysis essay with historical context
Preparation	1. Select a diverse range of anti-war poems from different historical periods for group analysis. 2. Prepare materials for creating visual representations, such as large paper, markers, and online mind-mapping tools. 3. Create a checklist for peer review that emphasizes clarity, insight depth, and English conventions. 4. Organize a digital or physical archive of reference materials for students to research the historical context of their chosen poems.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Comparative Poetry Analysis - Conduct a side-by-side analysis of two anti-war poems from different historical periods, identifying similarities and differences in themes and techniques (30 min) Peer Discussion on Comparative Analysis - Engage in a small group discussion to share insights from the comparative analysis, focusing on how each poem reflects its historical context (30 min)	Drafting Comparative Analysis Essay - Begin drafting an essay that compares the two poems analyzed, focusing on thematic development and historical context (40 min) Peer Feedback Exchange - Exchange essay drafts with peers for feedback on clarity of argument and adherence to English conventions (20 min)	Revise Comparative Essay - Incorporate peer feedback to refine the comparative essay, ensuring a strong thesis and cohesive structure (30 min) Vocabulary and Grammar Review - Use reference materials to clarify any complex vocabulary and review grammar usage in the essay (30 min)	Poetry Performance Refinement - Practice delivering the selected poem with enhanced expressive techniques, focusing on emotional resonance and clarity (30 min) Reflective Journal Entry - Write a reflection on the growth in understanding of anti-war poetry themes and the impact of historical context on interpretations (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Revised essay analysis of a chosen anti-war poem, incorporating peer feedback and demonstrating command of English conventions. 2. Reflective piece documenting personal growth and insights gained from peer feedback and performance rehearsal.
Preparation	1. Prepare peer feedback forms with guiding questions focused on thematic analysis and historical context. 2. Gather reference materials for mini-lessons on English conventions, including grammar and punctuation guides. 3. Set up a space conducive to rehearsal, ensuring equipment for poem performances such as microphones if needed. 4. Provide reflection prompts to guide student self-assessment based on feedback received.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Personal Poem Selection - Choose an anti-war poem for individual analysis and exhibition, considering personal connection and thematic resonance (20 min) Poem Analysis Outline - Create a detailed outline for the essay, focusing on how the poem's themes and historical context relate to the essential questions (40 min)	Essay Drafting - Develop the first draft of the essay based on the outline, ensuring adherence to English conventions and incorporation of historical research (30 min) Peer Review Session - Exchange essay drafts with peers for written feedback on clarity, depth, and language mechanics (30 min)	Essay Revision Workshop - Revise the essay using peer feedback, focusing on improving arguments, thematic connections, and language accuracy (30 min) Vocabulary Expansion - Identify and integrate domain-specific vocabulary related to the poem and its context, enhancing the essay's precision (30 min)	Poetry Performance Refinement - Rehearse the chosen poem with enhanced expressive techniques, focusing on emotional impact and delivery (30 min) Reflective Feedback Session - Perform the poem for peers, receiving immediate verbal feedback, followed by a reflective journal entry on growth and insights (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Revised essay draft incorporating peer feedback. 2. Performance rehearsal notes highlighting areas for improvement in poem delivery.
Preparation	1. Arrange for a suitable space for peer review sessions to facilitate focused discussions. 2. Prepare feedback guidelines and templates to ensure constructive peer reviews. 3. Coordinate with students to select their performance groupings for the rehearsal. 4. Set up a rehearsal space with necessary audio-visual equipment to simulate the final exhibition conditions.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Final Essay Review - Conduct a thorough review of the final essay draft, focusing on language mechanics, thematic clarity, and historical context accuracy (30 min) Peer Feedback Integration - Integrate feedback from previous peer reviews into the final essay, enhancing arguments and correcting language (30 min)	Poetry Performance Final Rehearsal - Practice delivering the chosen poem with refined expressive techniques, ensuring emotional impact and clarity of themes (30 min) Peer Feedback Session - Perform the poem for peers, receiving immediate verbal feedback to make final adjustments to delivery and expression (30 min)	Exhibition Preparation - Organize materials and finalize the performance setup for the poetry cafe, ensuring readiness for the exhibition (30 min) Reflective Writing - Write a reflection on personal growth throughout the project, focusing on insights gained from poetry analysis and feedback sessions (30 min)	Poetry Cafe Exhibition - Host the poetry cafe where students perform their chosen anti-war poems and share their analyses, engaging with peers and community members in discussions (60 min)
Deliverables	1. Revised essay analyzing a chosen anti-war poem, connecting its themes to historical contexts and societal impacts. 2. Live performance of the selected poem at the Poetry Cafe, demonstrating understanding and interpretation.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the Poetry Cafe, including a microphone, seating arrangements, and refreshments. 2. Coordinate with school administration for venue setup and logistical support for the Poetry Cafe. 3. Organize a schedule and program for the performances to ensure smooth transitions between students. 4. Prepare feedback forms for attendees to provide constructive feedback on student performances. 5. Ensure access to historical and thematic resources that students might reference to refine their essays.