National Poetry Month is the Largest Literary Celebration in the World!
Let's read about - National Poetry Month
Let's read & listen to - A Playlist of Poets for National Poetry Month - 2020
Let's read & listen to - A Playlist of Poets for National Poetry Month - 2020
This lesson was adapted from PBS NEWSHOUR EXTRA - Lesson Plan: Discuss 22-year-old Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb”
In this lesson, you will examine the poetry of Amanda Gorman, who was chosen to read her poem "The Hill We Climb" at President Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2021. Gorman's poem complemented Biden's inaugural address and was written to reflect on "the history that we stand on, and the future that we stand for."
Fun Fact:
Amanda Gorman was gifted a ring from Oprah in honor of Maya Angelou, which she wore at the inauguration. The ring alludes to Angelou’s book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” (and poem: “Caged Bird”). Oprah also gifted her some gold earrings. See jewelry here.
Amanda Gorman was gifted a ring from Oprah in honor of Maya Angelou, which she wore at the inauguration. The ring alludes to Angelou’s book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” (and poem: “Caged Bird”). Oprah also gifted her some gold earrings. See jewelry here.
Fun Fact:
She's a twin. In addition to an older brother, Spencer, Gorman has a twin sister Gabrielle. Gabrielle Gorman has also dedicated her life to making waves: She’s a filmmaker and activist.
She's a twin. In addition to an older brother, Spencer, Gorman has a twin sister Gabrielle. Gabrielle Gorman has also dedicated her life to making waves: She’s a filmmaker and activist.
Learn more about Amanda Gorman, Read the Reader's Digest article, Meet Amanda Gorman: The History-Mkaing Poet the World is Talking About here.
Objectives of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the message and goals of poet Amanda Gorman through her inaugral poem and other work.
- Observe the message, meaning, tone or impact of "The Hill We Climb" and another poem by Gorman, "The Miracle of Morning."
- Write a response in the spirit of Gorman's poem, "The Hill we Climb."
- Draw Connections between the moment in history, the poet's message and student' own lives.
Main activities:
- Listen & learn more about Amanda Gorman: Poet Amanda Gorman on how she prepared for Inauguration Day - PBS NEWSHOUR
- Read the Los Angeles Times, How a 22-year-old L.A. native became Biden’s inauguration poet here
- Read a copy of her inaugural poem here
- Watch Gorman deliver her inaugural poem here
- As you watch Gorman deliver her inaugural poem think about the following questions (take notes);
- What do you notice?
- What do you wonder?
- What stands out to you?
- Why might poets be tapped to read or speak at presidential inaugurations?
- As you watch Gorman deliver her inaugural poem think about the following questions (take notes);
- Write (in a Google Doc) 3 paragraphs about your thoughts and opinions about Gorman's inauguration poem, and why other poets might like to read or speak at a presidential inauguration. Use dtails to support your writing. Use MLA citation. Upload to Google Classroom.
- Watch/listen/read another one of Gorman's poems, "The Miracle of Morning." written in 2020 here.
- Write your own poem (in a Google Doc) in reply to Gorman's Poem "The Miracle of Morning" and/or "The Hill We Climb.". Upload to Google Classroom.
- Choose a line, vibe or a moment from the poem to inspire your poem response. What are you waking up to today? What is the miracle in your morning ? What hill do you - we - climb?
- or
- Write a poem as a tribute in honor of, in memory of, in praise of, or in appreciation of everyday heroes through the pandemic that have touched your life or others.
- Watch Amanda Gorman's TED-ED Student talk, "Using Your Voice is a Political Choice" here
Assessment: See rubric attached to Google Classroom