What's included
10 live meetings
10 in-class hoursHomework
Learners can finish up their poems from each week's session if they don't finish in class.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Welcome to this Blacknificent Poetry 2.0 course! If you are looking for your learners to study from the greats AND write their own poetry weekly, then this course is for you! This is a new-updated version of the Black Poetry course offered last school year (2022-2023). Each week learners will learn about 1-3 different Black/Afrikan poets across time and space. We will view a short biography of the person and cover where in the diaspora they are from. Then we will introduce poems to choose from by the authors and spend time analyzing, critiquing and discussing. Critical thinking is a necessity, and instruction will be geared to facilitate this skill. The last portion of class will be spent writing our own poems in the style of the author we are learning about. This can consist of learning rhyme schemes, form and structure, looking at a rhyming dictionary, brainstorming topics, song writing and covering literary devices. Ms. Sydney likes to use google slides, videos, and pictures to support lessons. Week 1: Black Afrika Week 2: Poems from Ancient Kemet (Egypt) Week 3: Oral Tradition during colonial Afrika Week 4: Ayi Kwei Armah-poetry as narratives Week 5: Watts Prophets and Immortal Technique Week 6: Aja Monet and Jill Scott Week 7: Poetry for the Warriors (Contemporary) Week 8: The cries of Sonia Sanchez (spoken word) Week 9: Local LA artists (spoken word) Week 10: Children's books Don't miss out on this jam packed poetry season!
Learning Goals
Students will learn about and from Black poets across the diaspora and continent while learning to write their own poetry.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Instructor will display google slides during class. Students may need access to google slides and google docs for their assignments. Parent advisory needed. Instructor may use images, text, and videos to supplement learning about specific poets. Parents will be able to see the calendar ahead of time to know what subject matters may be discussed. We will access Kahoot and YouTube during class, parent consent is needed for both.
Poems will be selected across time and regions and may include sensitive topics. Teacher will take care to navigate these topics with compassion and research and allow enough time for discussion.
Supply List
Paper, pencil, and access to keyboard, google slides and docs.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
I've taught several Black/African history courses to ages 6-16. I continue to study and research the canon of Black literature and have taken several college level courses in Africana studies. I navigate sensitive topics with care and understand that some content may bring on emotional experiences for young learners. Parents will know ahead of time what subject matters may be discussed so that they can prepare. I will allow enough time for learner discussion and will continue to create a safe space for learners.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$14
weekly or $140 for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
60 min
Completed by 13 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
3-10 learners per class