Exploring Identity through Poetry

Poetry is an important reflection of American culture. For centuries, it has been a way for writers to reflect on what it means to be American.

One tradition we have had in this country is having a poet chosen to read at the inauguration of the President. This tradition started in 1961 with Robert Frost reading at President John F. Kennedy's swearing in.

On Monday, Richard Blanco will read at the ceremony for President Obama. He will be the first Latino and openly-gay poet to participate in this event. We will be reading one of his poems in class.

In-class activity:

1. What does America mean to you? Write a poem or song or just freewrite and make a long list of ideas of what it means to be American.
2. Read the poem "America" to yourself, and underline favorite lines. 
3. In small groups:
1. Read the poem together then prepare a performance/reading of it; each person must have a part.
2. Answer these questions on the sheet:
1. What does the poem make you feel, think, and know?
2. What are some writing techniques and details you noticed in the poem?
3. Finally, perform and present the part of the poem to the class.
4. Conclusion: 
1. What is the narrator's point of view on what America is? How is this similar and different from the other people in the poem? How are these points of view similar and/or different to your own?
2. Review writing techniques used in the poem. 
5. Go back to your original brainstorm/list and add more thoughts and ideas about what America means.
6. Write a 1st draft of a poem about identity and/or America in your notebook or type it. Due tomorrow.