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What Is Poetry and Where Can You Find It?

Grades: 
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Keywords & Concepts: 
Music
Poetry
Philanthropy

Develop an understanding that you can find poetry everywhere: from lyrics to songs, commercials and rap. Investigate the philanthropic themes are often found in poetry.

Duration 
PrintOne Fifty-Five Minute Session
Objectives 
  • define “poetry”
  • identify elements of poetry in musical lyrics, printed materials, commercials and rap songs.
  • define “philanthropy” and find examples of philanthropic themes in poetry.
Materials 
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set: Pose the question, “What is poetry and where do you find it?” Allow about five minutes for youth to think about this and respond in writing. While students are writing, you may choose to play “Let's Play Ball!" as heard on NPR's Morning Edition.

  2. As a group, discuss the definition of poetry and ask them to name different places where they would find poetry. Share the poet Marianne Moore's definition of poetry: “imaginary gardens with real toads in them.” Discuss what this means. Poetry is painting pictures and creating sounds with words.

    • Distribute Where Do We Find Poetry? (Handout One) and discuss the poems found in the handout. In small groups, brainstorm a list of names or words from lyrics and poems that they can recall. Allow about ten minutes for them to work together and then share as a whole group.
    • Define philanthropy (giving of one’s time, treasure or talent for the common good). Philanthropy is a common theme found in poetry. Display the following Emily Dickinson poem:

      "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain."

  3. Ask youth to turn and talk with a partner as to how this quote relates to philanthropy.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Define philanthropy as individuals and organizations providing their time, talent, and/or treasures intended for the common good throughout history and around the world. Give examples.