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Black Poetry

In this class, students will read from the canon of Black/African poets around the diaspora and learn to write their own poetry.

Ms. Sydney

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(44)

What's included

5 live meetings

5 in-class hours

Homework

included

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12

Welcome to this Blacknificent Poetry 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! 

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: Responses to the Maafa

Week 4: Ayi Kwei Armah-poetry as narratives

Week 5: Sonia Sanchez



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:

Ms. Sydney

Joined September, 2021

5.0

44reviews

Profile

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.