Teacher Instructions & Lesson Resources:
Pre-step…before sharing the song: Discuss with students that we all have a life’s story to tell and that there are many ways to tell that story. Ask the class to brainstorm all the things in their possession that could help tell that story. For example their eyes have seen the world, their ears have heard it and their feet have carried them through the world.
Since this lesson will have them practice personification, ask them to take it one step deeper and find other things that have been with them for all or parts of the journey. Some examples might include; their cell phone which has recorded interactions and relationships, their iPod which has provided the soundtrack to their life, backpacks, diaries or something symbolic like a “mask” that hides their true thoughts/feelings…or things they have worn like glasses/contacts(sunglasses?), or SHOES!
Step one…sharing the song and other inspiring media: Share the song My Adidas by Run D.M.C in which they tell their story through the journeys of their sneakers. Students should listen and follow along with the lyrics. This song is light-hearted and fun, so as students listen, they should be thinking about whether they want to model that tone or tell a more serious story.
When they have heard the song, have a brief discussion about what they liked and found effective about this format. Obviously the song is a bit humorous, but a critical eye can see some deeper stories or truths embedded within. Have them fill out the first half of the graphic organizer, which has them interact with the song.
Step two…introducing student models of writing: In small groups, have your students read and respond to any or all of the student models that come with this lesson. The groups will certainly talk about the idea development, since it's the focus of the lesson, but y ou might prompt your students to talk about each model's organization as well.
- Because this is a new lesson at WritingFix, we're looking for student samples for all grade levels for this prompt! Help us get some, and we'll send you a free resource for your classroom! Visit our student samples page for information.
Step three…thinking, talking, and pre-writing: The second half of the graphic organizer guides students through some thinking and pre-writing. Students can write from the perspective of any possession, and if they browse the "interactive button” on the student instructions page, they might find be inspired by one of our collected ideas.
Facilitate their work and remind them of the traits of idea development and organization which will drive their final product. When they have finished the graphic organizer, they are ready to carry their poem idea through the rest of the writing process.
Students can write about the perspective of their character using a variety of formats. Browse the interactive button” on the student instructions page and see if there are any formats that you might recommend for your students.
To promote deeper thinking about the trait of idea development as they write, you might have your students use this idea development drafting sheet, which requires them to think specifically about idea development qualities before, during, and after writing.
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