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First-Day Lesson Plan for American Literature: Poems about "America"
By Rigorous Resources for High School English
This lesson was designed to be used on the first day of a year-long 11th-grade American Literature course. The lesson includes a poetry packet with 7 poems by diverse American authors. Each of the poems raises important questions about what "America" represents. A land of freedom and equality? A refuge for immigrants? A diverse and inclusive nation? Or a land with entrenched inequality? A saber-rattling evil empire?
Here is a list of the poems:
1. Ada Limón, "A New National Anthem" (2018) — our new Poet Laureate!
2. Emma Lazarus, "The New Colossus" (1883)
3. Walt Whitman, "I Hear America Singing" (1860)
4. Langston Hughes, "I, Too" (1923) — responding directly to Whitman!
5. Claude McKay, "America" (1921)
6. James Lasdun, "The Question" (2012) — is America "good or bad"?
7. Tony Hoagland, "America" (2003)
This resource also comes with a classwork packet that features discussion questions on the poems by Ada Limôn, Emma Lazarus, and Langston Hughes. The discussion questions come on three handouts, each of which contains 7 questions about a particular poem. Each handout also has a quick write where students can answer one of the questions in writing.
How might the concept of "America" represent a set of ideals and promises? Has this nation lived up to its ideals and promises? How might the idea of America be different from the reality?
Thank you for choosing Rigorous Resources!
Happy teaching!
Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.
P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!
Rigorous Resources is your one-stop shop for resources on American literature. Every unit was designed by a Ph.D. with a research specialization in American literature. Feel free to check out these complete units on canonical texts by diverse American authors:
Complete Unit on Tommy Orange's There There
Complete Unit on Arthur Miller's The Crucible
Complete Unit on Frederick Douglass's Narrative
Complete Unit on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby
Complete Unit on Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God
Complete Unit on Nella Larsen's Passing
Complete Unit on J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye
Complete Unit on Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun
Complete Unit on Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye
Complete Unit on Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese
Free product: PEACE poetry template for International Peace Day
By Caramel Bear Classroom
International Peace Day on September 21st is an important day. By celebrating, we can bring student awareness of the diversity of our world. Teachers can use International Peace Day as a meaningful lesson in their classrooms. It is an opportunity for students to learn about the importance of peace and how they can contribute to a better world.
* This free product includes an acrostic poem template.
Generate some ideas with your class on how we can promote peace!
Valentine's Haiku: February Poetry Haiku: Ground Hog Day Haiku
By E•Fish•ient Teaching
A perfect Valentine's Day or Ground Hog Day poetry activity. You can use this anytime in February! Students will be given direction on how to write a Haiku with the proper syllables. Then they will read two examples and write their own Haiku. They can write about anything that reminds them of February: Ground Hog Day, Valentine's Day, winter, etc. This is great for a writing center or just for a fun creative writing activity as a whole class.
If you enjoyed this product, please leave a review and follow my store. If you would like to see more products by me follow the link Finding the Fish. Thank you for your purchase and I hope you enjoy!
By E•Fish•ient Teaching
Have your students practice writing Haikus about some of their favorite jobs. They can choose a job or pick from a list of jobs. They then get to brainstorm and create their own Haikus about the job. A fun way to incorporate poetry and Haikus.
I hope that you enjoy this product. If you did love it, please leave a review. Also visit my store at Finding The Fish.
Valentine's Day Cinquain: February Cinquain: Printable Poetry
By E•Fish•ient Teaching
This is a perfect poetry assignment for students to practice their creative writing skills. This Cinquain theme is February. This means students can write a cinquain about anything that reminds them of the month of February: Ground Hog Day, Valentine's Day, Winter, etc. There are instructions on how to write the Cinquain, with an example Cinquain. Then students are responsible for writing their own.
If you enjoyed this product, please leave a review and follow my store. If you would like to see more products by me follow the link Finding the Fish. Thank you for your purchase and I hope you enjoy!
Halloween Haikus: Creative Writing: Poetry
By E•Fish•ient Teaching
This is a spooktacular creative writing activity for Halloween. Create your own Halloween Haiku. Students will create their own Haiku about a Halloween topic. They will follow the 5, 7, 5 rule of a haiku and use their imagination to create a fun Halloween Haiku.
There are instructions on how to properly form a haiku and then there are two Halloween haiku examples. There is space for students to create two of their own haikus.
This activity is perfect for:
Celebrate Halloween this year while learning a new poetic skill.
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Holiday Cinquain: Winter/Christmas/Hanukkah Cinquain: Printable Poetry Writing
By E•Fish•ient Teaching
This is a holiday word Cinquain. Have students choose a holiday subject or focus on words around the month of December. Then they use the instructions to write their own word Cinquain. This is a fun poetry printable that you can add to a writing center or have each student do individually.
If you enjoyed this product, please leave a review and follow my store. If you would like to see more products by me follow the link Finding the Fish. Thank you for your purchase and I hope you enjoy!
Thanksgiving Cinquain: Autumn/Fall Cinquain Poetry Writing with examples
By E•Fish•ient Teaching
This Thanksgiving Cinquain has students create their own Cinquain using the month of November, Thanksgiving, or Autumn as their topic. The worksheet has examples of Cinquains and how to write a Cinquain. This is a fun poetry activity for your students.
If you enjoyed this product, please leave a review and follow my store. If you would like to see more products by me follow the link Finding the Fish. Thank you for your purchase and I hope you enjoy!
Halloween Cinquain: Halloween Theme Poetry & Creative Writing
By E•Fish•ient Teaching
This is a fun, creative writing assignment you could give to your students during the month of October. Students will get to choose their own Halloween topic and then follow the instructions to write their own Cinquain.
If you enjoyed this product, please leave a review and follow my store. If you would like to see more products by me follow the link Finding the Fish. Thank you for your purchase and I hope you enjoy!
Holiday Haiku: Creative Haiku about Christmas/Hanukkah: Printable Poetry Writing
By E•Fish•ient Teaching
This is a fun and easy activity for your classroom. Students will write two holiday Haikus. They can write about Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Winter, December, etc. The instructions tell them how to correctly write their own Haiku and then there are two examples. Students then will write 2 of their own Haikus.
If you enjoyed this product, please leave a review and follow my store. If you would like to see more products by me follow the link Finding the Fish. Thank you for your purchase and I hope you enjoy!
Valentine's Day Acrostic Poems: Valentine & Love Bug: Poetry & Creative Writing
By E•Fish•ient Teaching
These two acrostic poems are perfect for the month of February and Valentine's Day. Students will create their own acrostic poems using the words Valentine & Love Bug. They can be as creative as they like. This is a perfect idea for a writing center or for a cute poem to hang up on a bulletin board.
If you enjoyed this product, please leave a review and follow my store. If you would like to see more products by me follow the link Finding the Fish. Thank you for your purchase and I hope you enjoy!
Text Message Poetry: Craft Creative Poems!
By Inspired By MlG
Craft creative text message poems instantly! Your friend's in a pinch, tasked with writing a self-poem due in 10 minutes. Don't let them down—help them shine with our quick, witty, and unique text message poetry ideas. Get inspired and rescue your friend's grade with our rapid-fire poetic solutions. Dive into the world of spontaneous verse crafting and save the day with clever lines and heartfelt sentiments. Instant text message poetry for last-minute rescue missions!
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Creative Kids Poetry: Inspire Young Minds with Fun and Imaginative Writing!
By Inspired By MlG
Is your child a budding wordsmith or just discovering the magic of language? Creative Kids Poetry is the ultimate creative playground designed to ignite young minds and cultivate a lifelong love for writing!
Here's how your child thrives with Creative Kids Poetry:
Don't wait! Watch your child's writing take flight and witness the joy of self-expression unfold. Join Creative Kids Poetry today and empower your young poet!
☺ Earn TeachShare credits for future purchases by providing feedback for paid products. (Feedback on free products is also greatly appreciated!)
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☺ Don’t quite see what you are looking for? Leave me a note in the “Ask a Question” tab. I would be happy to create a product to meet the needs of you and your students.
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Thanksgiving Turkey Craft with Poem
By Inspired By MlG
Engage young learners in a festive and educational Thanksgiving craft! This hands-on activity combines creative expression with literacy skills as students transform their hands into colorful turkeys using paint. Adding finishing touches with markers and pasting their creations onto paper with a Thanksgiving-themed poem encourages fine motor development, artistic exploration, and appreciation for the holiday season.
Benefits for students:
This fun and engaging craft is perfect for classrooms, after-school programs, or family activities.
☺ Earn TeachShare credits for future purchases by providing feedback for paid products. (Feedback on free products is also greatly appreciated!)
☺ Follow me to receive notifications when new products are posted. You will also receive occasional messages alerting you to sales, promotions, and other exciting news.
☺ Don’t quite see what you are looking for? Leave me a note in the “Ask a Question” tab. I would be happy to create a product to meet the needs of you and your students.
⭐Questions? Send me an email at
Emily Dickinson National Poetry Month Reading Comprehension Passage & Questions
By Lia
Poetry Month Biography: Emily Dickinson Reading Comprehension & Questions
Embark on a fascinating journey into the mysterious world of Emily Dickinson with this reading passage! In this resource, students will uncover the life, poetry, and enduring influence of Dickinson, a talented poet whose works continue to captivate readers with their depth and beauty.
What's Included:
There are so many ways to use this resource:
This reading is perfect for students in 2nd to 4th grade.
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Robert Frost National Poetry Month Reading Comprehension Passage & Questions
By Lia
Poetry Month Biography: Robert Frost Reading Comprehension & Questions
Introduce your students to the enchanting world of Robert Frost with this engaging reading passage! In this resource, students will embark on a journey through the life and poetry of Robert Frost, one of America's most beloved poets known for his captivating portrayals of nature and the human experience.
What's Included:
There are so many ways to use this resource:
This activity is perfect for students in 2nd to 4th grade.
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Langston Hughes National Poetry Month Reading Comprehension Passage & Questions
By Lia
Poetry Month Biography: Langston Hughes Reading Comprehension & Questions
Introduce your students to the captivating world of Langston Hughes with this engaging reading passage! In this resource, students will discover the life and legacy of Langston Hughes, a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance and a pioneer of African American literature.
What's Included:
There are so many ways to use this resource:
This activity is perfect for students in 2nd to 4th grade.
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4th Grade Poetry Reading Comprehension Passages & Questions With Answers
By The Teaching Resources Company
Our Poetry Reading Comprehension Passages & Questions solve the problem of making poetry accessible and engaging for students. Featuring beloved poems like Mr. Nobody, The Spider and the Fly, and Hickory-Dickory-Dock, this resource helps students improve their comprehension while enjoying classic verses. Thoughtfully crafted questions enhance critical thinking and understanding, perfect for classroom or home learning!
What is included :
- Passages & Questions
- Comprehension question
- Review
- Answers key
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Acrostic Poem Example and Templates
By Sign with me TOD
Writing an Acrostic Poem can be a fun and interesting project for your students. Students can use their name, a season, holiday, or use someone else's name for a gift. This packet includes information to share with your students about what an acrostic poem is, the steps taken to write an acrostic poem, and why we write one.
Students will learn about the following before writing an acrostic poem - what an acrostic poem is, what makes up an acrostic poem is, what they can be about, how they are written, what makes up an acrostic poem, and a list of positive adjectives are also included in this product to help students if they are going to write an acrostic poem about themselves.
An example of three possible poem theme ideas, an acrostic poem example, a an acrostic poem brainstorming chart, and three acrostic poem templates are included in this product.
At the end of the product, there is a reminder checklist, to help remind students to go back and check their work once it is completed.
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A Bad Kitty Christmas Reading Word Search Spelling Activities 9 Page Fun Packet
By April S Bash
A Bad Kitty Christmas Spelling Activities, 9 Page NO PREP Packet
* All pages using Lined Paper for easy handwriting practice:
9 Pages Total Include:
1. Word Search page (20 words)
2. Word Scramble page (10 words)
3. Spelling Words : 10 words plus 1 Bonus, from the book, on lined paper
4. * * * Spelling Test : blank, lined paper
5. ABC Order : 20 words from the book
6. * * * ABC Order : Answer sheet
7. Syllables : Divide the 20 words into syllables
8. * * * Syllables : Answer Sheet
9. Rhyme Time :15 homophone words from the book, to match up to 15 rhyming words
*******************
Or see my full 55-page BOOK COMPANION in my store!
A Bad Kitty Christmas Read Aloud Book Study Companion Reading Comprehension
** See my other Christmas Packets in my store here: Teaching Inclusion Christmas Packets
** Be sure to visit my store for many comprehension packets, and other activity worksheets! My packets strive for inclusion of all students. I provide lined paper, a choice of comprehension, simple activities, and answer sheets. I also take requests!
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This purchase is for the use of one teacher. It is not intended to be shared. Please use the 'additional license' purchase if more than one teacher will be using it. Thank you!
Copyright © 2022 Teaching Inclusion
All rights reserved by author.
Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.
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