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All grades  Project 5 weeks

Poetry Jam: Verses & Versatility Cafe!

Missy L
L.7.1
L.7.5
W.7.4
RL.7.7
Self Directed Learning
+ 2 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse 7th-grade students in the world of poetry by connecting it to their everyday learning experiences across various subjects. Through creative expression, students will deepen their understanding of academic concepts while honing their writing and communication skills. By participating in a Poetry Café Night, students will showcase their work and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Learning goals

Students will create original poems in various forms, utilizing figurative language to express ideas from their current math, science, and social studies units. They will collaborate with peers to integrate cross-disciplinary vocabulary and concepts into their poetry. Through digital tools, students will produce multimedia presentations of their poems, enhancing their understanding of how different mediums impact storytelling. The project will culminate in a Poetry Café Night, where students will perform their poems, fostering a sense of community and reflection on the transformative power of poetry.
Standards
  • [North Carolina] L.7.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking; demonstrate proficiency within the 6-8 grammar continuum.
  • [North Carolina] L.7.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language and nuances in word meanings.
  • [North Carolina] W.7.4 - Use digital tools resources to produce and publish writing, link to and cite sources, and to interact and collaborate with others.
  • [North Carolina] RL.7.7 - Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a portfolio of original poems in various styles, such as sonnets, haikus, and free verse, each reflecting themes from their math, science, and social studies units. They will produce multimedia poetry presentations that combine their written work with visual and audio elements, to be showcased on a class blog. Additionally, students will participate in a live 'Poetry Café Night,' performing their poems and engaging in discussions about the themes and techniques used. Throughout the project, students will collaborate on cross-disciplinary poems and receive feedback, refining their work for the final exhibition.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic 'Poetry Slam Workshop' where students work in small groups to create and perform spontaneous poems based on prompts tied to their current academic subjects. This interactive session encourages creativity, builds teamwork, and sets the stage for exploring poetry's connection to real-world concepts. Students will rotate through stations, each focusing on a different subject area, and present their creations to the class, sparking excitement and curiosity for the weeks ahead.

Exhibition

Create an inviting 'Poetry Café Night' where students perform their original poems in a cozy, café-like setting. Invite parents, teachers, and students from other grades to enjoy the performances and engage in meaningful discussions about the themes explored. Decorate the space with soft lighting and comfortable seating to enhance the atmosphere, and offer light refreshments to create a welcoming environment. Encourage students to use multimedia elements in their presentations, showcasing their digital poetry projects on a screen for a dynamic experience.