More Slam Poems on Political Events
These slam poems are also direct commentaries on a modern-day political event. Therefore, they could be considered alternatives for the unit's use of Mike Rosen's "When God Happens." Andrea Gibson's "Fo Eli" raises awareness anout the effect of the Iraq War on soldiers. Zachary Caballero's poem comments on the prevalence of school shootings. OMGomgOMGuGuys (2010). Andrea Gibson - for Eli [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com /watch?feature=player_embedded&v=14zbC-AwM1Y
Milkriverfilm (2011). 201 Austin slam championship ~ Zachary CaballeroRetrieved from https://www.youtube.com /watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yNLbNMTctDs |
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21 Thoughts on the Stereotype that all Brown People are Terrorists
Anis Mojgani Anis Mojgani delivers a slam poem about the negative association between terrorists and all people of Middle-Eastern descent. In a light-hearted, but engaging and thought-provoking, performance, this poem could extend and expand the concept of "racism" beyond just African-Americans for students. So its integration into this interdisciplinary unit would not only modernize racism, but show another branch of it. Racism is not just applicable to African-Americans, and it may be important to show that to students. With 9/11 still a relevant issue with the War on Terror, this commentary offers a poetic stance on modern-day racism fit for the ELA section of this unit. |
Homgsh (2012). Anis Mojgani - 21 thoughts on the stereotype that all brown people are terrorists [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3Qa05rxQXE |
The Importance of the Cat
in Meditation Paulo Coelho This is a blog post in which Paulo Coelho presents a Japanese tale from his book, Like a Flowing River, entitled "The Importance of the Cat in Mediation." In the story, Mayu Kagi - a Zen Buddhist master - brings his cat to mediate with him. When he dies, his disciples allow the cat to stay in the mediatation room. The news of the cat soon spreads, and other monasteries introduce cats to their meditation sessions. Soon academic institutions issue articles and reports on the ability of felines to increase human concentration. Because of a monk who is allergic to cats and removes the cat from his meditation room, that trend catches on and the presence of cats in meditation rooms soon fades. The short tale is a commentary on the importance of questioning societal norms, condemning passive acceptance. It relates to this interdisciplinary unit because the African-American Civil Rights Movement only occurred because African-Americans questioned the dominant culture, the correctness of segregation. |
Coelho, P. (2012, September 5). The importance of the cat in meditation. Retrieved from http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2012/09/05/cat- in-meditation-3/ |
How to Read a Poem:
And Fall in Love with Poetry Edward Hirsch In line with the critical literacy focus on poetry in this interdisciplinary unit, Edward Hirsch's book, How to Read a Poem, describes "why poetry matters and tells us how we can open up our imaginations so that its message can make a difference." Since students are introduced to the possibility of poetry as a powerful means of expression and political activism in this unit, quotes could be pulled from this book to support that overarching theme. Early on, Hirsch quotes poet Emily Dickinson - "If I read a book [and] it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me I know that is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry..." The quote embodies the point of Day 2 in ELA: prose can count as poetry and a specific form is not a criteria for the poetry genre. Simiarly, with chapters explaining how poetry is a "soul in action" and "a hand, a hook, a prayer," Hirsch's view of poetry aligns with the one in this unit: poetry is an agent of change, a form that has social and political power. Although it is a dense read, the book is abundant in poetry examples and Hirsch's thoughtful and engaging commentary on them. |
Hirsch, E. (1999). How to read a poem: And fall in love with poetry. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, Inc. |
Writing Poetry
Barbara Drake As a landmark work on poetry composition, Barbara Drake's 1983 guide, Writing Poetry, is a valuable resource for the teacher throughout the ELA section of this interdisciplinary unit. With student creation of a slam poem as part of the summative assessment for English, students may need the easy, doable, quick writing prompts that the book provides to help them get started on the poetry writing. If students are stuck during the classes set aside for poetry writing (2 in English and 1 in social studies), this book could easily be pulled out of the class library. Therefore, the book can be a highly valuable (as evident by its timelessness), last-minute resource if students express frustration. Since the writing prompts are easy and general (i.e. list-making, write from a picture, focus on a small detail, answer a question, write to an emotion, etc.), the book enables students to realize that everyone can be a poet, decreasing the intimidating form and making it accessible to the class's diverse learners. |
Drake, B. (1994). Writing poetry (2nd ed.). Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace & Company.
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Websites useful for teachers in relation to this Unit Plan:
http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/civilrights/external.html
This website is a compilation of other websites and resources that deal with the Civil Rights Movement of African Americans. Many primary sources can be located through the links on this website, and many important historical events are detailed.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/unit/black-history-month-everything-you-need
This website includes an interactive slideshow that allows students to follow the path of a slave in 1860 as he travels the Underground Railroad to freedom. Activities for teachers to use to celebrate Black History Month, as well as books about exceptional African Americans are also included on this site. Also includes important documents, photo galleries, interactive timelines, etc. dealing with the Civil Rights Movement of African Americans.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/civil-rights-movement-overview
Gives an overview of the Civil Rights Movement for African Americans, as well as its lasting impact.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/civil-rights-movement-overview
This is a resource that can be used by educators to teach African American Civil Rights through art. This shows the many works of art at the Smithsonian created by African Americans during the Civil Rights movement, and offers lesson plans that incorporate this artwork.
http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/civilrights/external.html
This website is a compilation of other websites and resources that deal with the Civil Rights Movement of African Americans. Many primary sources can be located through the links on this website, and many important historical events are detailed.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/unit/black-history-month-everything-you-need
This website includes an interactive slideshow that allows students to follow the path of a slave in 1860 as he travels the Underground Railroad to freedom. Activities for teachers to use to celebrate Black History Month, as well as books about exceptional African Americans are also included on this site. Also includes important documents, photo galleries, interactive timelines, etc. dealing with the Civil Rights Movement of African Americans.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/civil-rights-movement-overview
Gives an overview of the Civil Rights Movement for African Americans, as well as its lasting impact.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/civil-rights-movement-overview
This is a resource that can be used by educators to teach African American Civil Rights through art. This shows the many works of art at the Smithsonian created by African Americans during the Civil Rights movement, and offers lesson plans that incorporate this artwork.