Education Standards
‘New Day's Lyric’ by Amanda Gorman
Rubric for Imagery Poem (1)
It's a New Day
Overview
This is a poetry lesson that centers around Amanda Gorman's poem, New Day's Lyric. She published this poem near the end of 2021 (Covid-19). Filled with hope and gratitude, the poem is ideal for introducing the use of imagery as well as other poetic elements. It's an amazing poetic piece that ushers students into jumpstarting reflections through poetry. Expect writers to creatively ignite positive vibes that will disseminate throughout the classroom and beyond. What a great way to begin the new year!
Although the focus for this lesson is imagery, a variety of standards can be addressed using this poem. Feel free to make adjustments.
Lesson Plan
1. Activate Prior Knowledge: Ask students to share their New Year's Eve family traditions. For example, some may travel to a special place, partake in a traditional meal, or stay home and watch the ball drop in New York City at midnight. Students can also do this in their physical journals, via Padlet, or Google Jamboard.
2. Vocabulary: Introduce the term resolution. Confirm that students understand a resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something.
3. Introduction of Concept: Introduce the use of imagery in poetry using the Imagery video created by Red Room Poetry. Be sure to reiterate how and why a poet uses this poetic element.
4. Text: Next, distribute Amanda Gorman's poem, New Day's Lyric, or share the video using this link ( New Day's Lyric ) so that students have digital access. Provide background information about the young poet laureate. Information can be found on her website, Amanda Gorman.
5. Guided Practice: After listening to the poet as she recites her poem, read it aloud to students. This time, invite students to underline or highlight the poet's use of imagery. Students can also post their findings on sticky notes (physical notes or Google). Check for understanding at this point.
6. Collaborative Discussion: Discuss the findings using Think-Pair-Share or some other collaborative activity. Use this opportunity to also dig deeper. Be sure to address tone, theme, mood, etc. if they have already been taught.
7. Next, introduce this writing activity: A. Students will write their own poems reflecting on their feelings about the passing year and expectations for the new year. The poem must include imagery throughout (like Gorman's poem) and express a similar theme/tone. B. Via Flipgrid, students will share their poems.
8. To encourage interaction, instruct students to view at least three Flipgrid videos and include the following in the comments section: a compliment, a comment, and a question.
Assessment:
* Use the rubrics for the imagery poem and the Flipgrid video below to assess students.