Introduction to the Concrete Poem and Paul Laurence Dunbar
This one-time class mixes poetry reading with poetry writing, as students learn about Paul Laurence Dunbar, his poem "We Wear the Mask," and write their own concrete poem.
Sherri Mehta, Ph.D.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(75)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 1 - 4
Come learn about Paul Laurence Dunbar - the first African American male poet to gain national and international acclaim and to earn a living from his works! In this class, we will learn about his early life and read his poem "We Wear the Mask." As a class, will review Dunbar's use of rhyme scheme in his poem and discuss his use of the "mask" through guided questions. During this class, learners will be introduced to the concrete poem (also called the shape poem), view a concrete poem using Dunbar's "We Wear the Mask," and, using guided questions to develop each line, create their own concrete poem. Learners will have an opportunity at the end of class to share their poems. This is a great class for budding poets and those interested in learning more about varying styles of poetry!
Learning Goals
Students will learn about the first African American poet to gain national and international acclaim. Students will review poetic devices like "stanza," "rhyme scheme," and review literary devices to include "metaphor" and "personification." Learners in this class will be introduced to the concrete poem. In creating their own concrete poem, student will use similes, metaphors, and personification. The end goal is for all learners to have written their first concrete poem.
Other Details
Supply List
A two-page handout will be available in the classroom. Students will need the handout, and a writing utensil. Colored pencils are optional.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
5.0
75reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello! My name is Sherri Mehta, but my students affectionately call me Dr. M. I am a Maryland-based researcher, presenter, homeschooling mom, and wife with over twenty years of English teaching experience . I hold both a Ph.D. and an M.A. in English Literature and a B.A. in Mass Media Arts.
My areas of specialization include African American Civil War letters and nineteenth-century African American and American Literature. I most recently transcribed twenty-one letters written by a soldier who served in the 102nd United States Colored Troops. This transcription work is housed alongside the original handwritten letters at Duke University's David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library. I have several published articles and encyclopedia entries; have presented at various local, state, and national conferences; and have presented at local museums, research centers, and universities.
Additionally, my research afforded me the opportunity to serve as a historical consultant on the Grammy Award winning song "Juneteenth" by Fyutch and the Alphabet Rockers.
My goal as an educator has always been to bring literature to life using a cross-curricular, experiential approach. Having worked with learners of all abilities, I am able to pull on a variety of methods to address the academic needs of a diverse student population. I believe that incorporating history, music, art, film, and even cuisine into a literary lesson allows student interests to overlap with content. This creates a learning atmosphere where all students have the opportunity to engage, grow, and succeed.
My approach to literature has, in many ways, mimicked my approach to life. I have worked in radio, been a performance poet, been the lead singer in a band, and served in two branches of our country's military. I want my students to lead rich and diverse lives. My hope is to expand student horizons through literature and writing, to provide a multi-faceted lens through which to view the world, and ultimately to enable students to see themselves as an important part of their local and global communities.
I welcome the opportunity to teach your child and hope you join me for a class!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-9
3-6 learners per class
