Poem Analysis and Author Research: We Wear the Mask

This set of activities is not intended to be a packet of work for students. Instead, this poem analysis should happen over the course of 4 days, with students engaging in discussion and working together to understand the poem, the author, the time period. This is a culturally responsive activity and should be handled as such. It is important to note that this poem represents the plight of Black people at the turn of the century. Unfortunately, many of those plights are still present today. Differing opinions, backgrounds, and experiences will receive the poem differently and answer some of the questions from their personal lens. 

What You Will Need: A copy of the poem - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/paul-laurence-dunbar

What’s Included: 

1. Activity 1: Reading Comprehension (First and Second Read): Requires students to use a reading comprehension strategy to break down the poem.
2. Activity 2: Research the Author - Paul Laurence Dunbar: Requires students to use Google to research information about the author and the time period. Students make connections to the poem.
3. Activity 3: Reading Comprehension (Second Read) - Requires students to read the poem again, now with more context, and answer comprehension questions.
4. Activity 4: Reflection - Students reflect on what they've learned and how it applies, or does not apply, to them.
5. Activity 5: Examining the work of Paul Laurence Dunbar - Students work in a small group to analyze an additional poem of choice by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

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For additional culturally responsive and culturally relevant activities, see below:

Black History Month: A Brief History

Black History in the Making: Marley Dias

Black History: Misty Copeland

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Need vocabulary?

HIGH SCHOOL

- NO PREP: High School Vocabulary (4 weeks) Unit 1

- NO PREP: High School Vocabulary (4 weeks) Unit 2

- NO PREP: High School Vocabulary (4 weeks) Unit 3

- NO PREP: High School Vocabulary (4 weeks) Unit 4

These units build and can be used consecutively.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

- NO PREP Middle School Vocabulary (4 Weeks)

For additional practice with vocabulary words, check out my Vocabulary Graphic Organizers.

Got Sub Plans?

Emergency ELA Sub Plans - 6th Grade

Emergency ELA Sub Plans - 7th Grade

Emergency ELA Sub Plans - 8th Grade

Emergency ELA Sub Plans - 9th/10th Grade

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