My students are of mixed ability levels in a rural school setting. Our school literally looks out over a cow pasture. Literature is a way to have these students see beyond what is in our immediate surroundings. I want them all to see the importance of being an effective communicator through reading, writing, and speaking no matter where their paths lead them following high school.
My students are both high-achievers and struggling readers.
They all deserve my best, every single day.
My Project
The classroom set of Clint Smith's Counting Descent will be used by both Advanced Placement Literature students and students in a below grade-level 11th grade class. Instead of studying only the same dead white guys, students will be exposed to poetry written by a living writer of color about contemporary issues. Also, by reading an entire collection of poetry, students will see the genre in a new light.
Poetry can be the great equalizer.
Students will study the poems in various ways (small groups, independent exploration, large group discussion) and will use the work as a mentor text to write their own poetry. This poetry will be shared and celebrated among all of the classes.
Clint Smith is also active on Twitter and students will be encouraged to interact with a poet who has a voice for their generation.
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