2.+Poetry+Unit



Mr. Murphy Creative Writing, Grade: 11-12 Poetry Unit: 3-5 Weeks (depending on time restrictions).

__Unit Overview: A Summary__

This poetry unit is meant to instill an appreciation of poetry in students. To do this, the unit is focused on developing not only an understanding of the poems covered in class, but also of the poets themselves and the historical contexts around their poems. Additionally, students will study the art and practice of literary criticism in order to determine how, if at all possible, a person can determine the quality of art. Finally, after introducing many of the canonical poets covered in the lesson plans, the final WebQuest asks students to use their newly-acquired knowledge and/or appreciation of poetry to seek out their favorite non-canonical poems to share with their classmates.

__Essential Questions Addressed in the Unit__


 * What is poetry?
 * How has poetry changed over time?
 * How does a person interpret poetry?
 * How is poetry related to other art forms?
 * What is the theory behind the criticism of poetry and of art in general?

__Illinois Learning Standards:__
 * 1) Illinois Reading Standards: 1.A,B,C
 * 2) Illinois Literature Standards: 2.A,B
 * 3) Illinois Writing Standards: 3.A,B,C

__National Educational Technology Standards:__

**1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity**

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:
 * a. || promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness. ||
 * c. || promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes. ||
 * d. || model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments. ||


 * 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments**

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers:
 * a. || design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. ||
 * b. || develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress. ||
 * d. || provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching. ||


 * 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning**

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teachers:
 * a. || demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. ||
 * c. || communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats. ||
 * d. || model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning. ||


 * 4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility**

Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices. Teachers:
 * a. || advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources. ||
 * b. || address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources. ||
 * c. || promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information. ||
 * d. || develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools. ||

Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers:
 * 5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership**
 * a. || participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. ||
 * b. || exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others. ||
 * c. || evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning. ||
 * d. || contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community. ||

__Assessments__:
 * Please note the unit calendar and WebQuest for information regarding homework and assessments.

__Technology Used:__ -Mr. Murphy’s Class Wiki Page containing :
 * 1) All Handouts
 * 2) Class Exercises
 * 3) Multimedia Clips
 * 4) Creative Writing Forum
 * 5) Copies of PowerPoint presentations
 * 6) Links to pertinent websites

Discovering Poetry Webquest: Please see corresponding Wiki page for more information.