What Is Our Goal?
Can poetry open new perspectives for readers about the past, present and future? How do artists transform and adhere to the genres of past literature? During our second unit, we will explore these questions as we analyze the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy. By the end of this unit, each student will thoroughly analyze a dozen poems, complete two SSCASI summery sheets, create a final project, take a vocab quiz, and complete a reflection on their learner’s portfolio.
What Will We Be Doing?
In our second unit this year, we’ll close read and analyze poems by Carol Ann Duffy, who is from Scotland and was formerly the Poet Laurette of England. This unit will constitute a literary unit, which students may use for the individual oral exams in February or their paper two exams in April. In order to prepare for those exams, students will learn over a dozen literary terms and practice close reading and annotating texts in class. At the end of our unit, students will have final project options, including publishing a podcast, writing a book review, or transforming one of Duffy’s poems through a new creative medium. All final projects will be published on student’s IB portfolios and shared in class.
How Will I Be Graded?
Every day in class, we will be practicing reading, writing, and speaking. Students will receive constructive feedback and daily in-class assignments, including their annotations of poems and two summary sheets. All student poems and annotations will be completed in their unit packet (see the link below). Students will receive multiple prep scores for completing thorough and detailed analysis sheets, known in class as SSCASI summaries, which should be written on two pages of notebook paper and turned into our homework bin in class.
Additionally, students will earn a “proof” grade for two assessments: a final project that includes a multi-paragraph analysis of Duffy’s poetry (click here to learn more); and a vocabulary quiz. Prior to receiving a final on their final projects, students will have peers leave constructive criticism and will be given the opportunity to boost their grade after receiving initial feedback and a grade from Mr. Edwards on Google Classroom. Once students revise their final projects, their grades will be final. Students may take a retake of our vocabulary quiz. All proofs will be on a 6 point scale using the IB rubrics, with 6 signifying “mastery,” or an “A+,” and a 4 signifying “proficient” (B).
There will be time in class to complete our daily reading, annotations, and final projects. That being said, students may need to revise, review, and complete their work at home. Below, I’ve included several examples of the assignments students will be completing during this unit.
With our new lit terms, you’ll be empowered to analyze poetry and lead small group discussions.
By the end of our unit, you’ll have analyzed approximately a dozen poems.
Grade Distribution
Prep:
Reading and Writing Assignments: (20%) Complete thoughtful and detailed SSCASI summary sheets for two poems you’ve annotated in class, including a thesis statement, line of inquiry, and global issues.
Proofs
Final Projects: (60%) Due Tuesday, November 21st, you’ll select one of three project options, including: recording a 15-20 minutes podcast that includes a line of inquiry, thesis statement, and thorough analysis of a poem and Duffy’s body of work; a five to eight paragraph book review of The World’s Wife or The Other Country; or, an art project that transforms one of Duffy’s poems through a new medium, like a collage or poem, accompanied by a multi-paragraph reflection on how your art adheres to and reimagines Duffy’s poem. All projects will be shared in class and published on your IB learner’s portfolio.
Reading Quizzes: (20%) Throughout our year, we will have vocabulary on the stylistic elements we analyze in each unit. Our second quiz will focus on literary and poetry devices and will take place during the 3rd week of November. Study guides will be available in class and on Google Classroom. Retakes will be available.
Classroom Resources
1. Unit Materials: Students will primarily use a color-printed and spiral bound packet, which is included below. Given the need to reference materials throughout the year, it is imperative that all students keep their packet work in good condition. Below, I’ve included a PDF copy of our packet and our vocabulary list:
2. Weekly PowerPoints: Weekly PowerPoint slides will be posted on Google Classroom. However, if you’d like to learn more about our class -or preview the work students will engage in, then please feel free to click the links below. Aside from the first two weeks of lessons, this page will not include the later half of our unit. Contact Mr. E. directly for more info.
