Assessment
ASW understand and articulate the relationship between a kwansaba poem and the celebration of Kwanzaa.
ASW demonstrate comprehension of the structure of the kwansaba by creating a kwansaba that correctly follows the 7 line, 7 word, 7 letter rule.
ASW recognize and show appreciation for the kwansaba as a uniquely African American literary form.
ASW demonstrate sysnthesis of knowledge through the creation of a kwansaba poem which speaks to the seven principles, and in so doing share the values that are representative of a continued tradition of creativity and excellence within the African American community.
ASW create a poem that meets all the above criteria, along with a short biography to sumit to a poetry contest.
Method & Procedures:
Teacher will introduce the kwansaba poem explaining the history and orign of the poetic form.
Emphasis will be placed on the 7 line, 7 word, 7 letter structure of the kwansaba.
Using a kwansaba she has created, the teacher will model both the form and philosophical nature of the kwansaba.
Teacher will observe and guide students as they begin to create their kwansabas to ensure adherence to criteria.
Michigan Standards, Benchmarks, & GLCEs
Content Standard1: All students will read and comprehend general and technical material.
Benchmark 2 - Read with developing fluency a variety of texts, such as short stories, novels, poetry, plays, textbooks, manuals and periodicals. GLCEs: R.WS.06.02 - Use structural syntactic, and semantic analysis to recognize unfamiliar words in context (e.g., origins and meanings of foreign words, words with multiple meanings, knowledge of major word chunks/rimes, syllabication).
Benchmark 3 - Employ multiple strategies to construct meaning, such as generating questions, studying vocabulary, analyzing mood and tone, recognizing how authors use information, generalizing ideas, matching form to content and developingf reference skills. GLCEs: R.CM.06.01 - Connect personal knowledge, experience, and understanding of the world to themes and perspectives in the text.
Content Standard3: All students will focus on meaning and communication as they listen, speak, view, read, and write in personal, social, occupational and civic contexts.
Benchmark 7 - Recognize and use varied techniques to construct text, convey meaning, and express feelings to influence an audience. Examples include identification with characters and multiple points of view. GLCEs: W.PS.06.01 - Exhibit individual style to enhance the written message (e.g., in narrative text: personification, humor, element of surprise, in informational text: emotional appeal, strong opinion, credible support).
Content Standard11: All students will define and investigate important issues and problems using a variety of resources, including technology, to explore and create text. Benchmark 4 - Use different means of developing and presenting conclusions based on the investigations of an issue or problem to an identified audience. Examples include election ballots, hypertext and magazine and booklets including graphics. GLCEs: S.CN.06.02 - Use rhyme, cadence, and word play for effect when presenting.