Language Arts (English)

11-12

Students will familiarize themselves with similes, metaphors, and the poetic form. Students will learn to use poetry as a means of expressing their reactions to literature.

1. Teacher plays "Killing an Arab" (a song based on "The Stranger") by The Cure to the class.
2. Teacher tells the students they too "can create art inspired by literature."
3. Teacher gives brief lecture on similes and metaphors, defining and illustrating with examples. Students are to take notes.
4. Students put into groups of five, and each group is assigned a different short passage from "The Stranger."
5. Students instructed to read through selected short passage their group is assigned, picking out at least 10 adjectives or adverbs.
6. Students are to pick 3 of their adjectives/adverbs, and create similes and/or metaphors using their selections.
7. Students select their favorite simile/metaphor from the 3 they've created.
8. Students instructed to complete, in their groups, a group poem. Each student will contribute their favorite simile/metaphor to the poem, which will be at least 15 lines in length.

1 class period. 1 Hr per class.

Homework/ Follow Up: As a follow up activity, students will assemble their group poem onto construction paper, with artwork, for display in the classroom.

1. Albert Camus' "The Stranger."
2. Portable stereo.
3. Recording of "Killing an Arab."
4. Construction paper and other art supplies (for follow-up activity).

Assessment: Students will be graded individually on selection of adverbs/adjectives, and creation of metaphors/similes. Group will receive credit/no-credit grade for poem and follow-up activity.