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Learning About Poetry With Taylor Swift Lyrics

In this ongoing class, students will learn about poetic devices and figurative language by examining Taylor Swift lyrics.
Sherry Miller
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(263)
Class

What's included

5 live meetings
3 hrs 45 mins in-class hours
Assessment
Informal assessment.

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 8
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Does your learner love Taylor Swift?  Has your learner ever said they are afraid of poetry?  
By the end of this class, students will not only enjoy reading and analyzing poetry, but will be writing their own.  Why?  Because song writers use the same types of figurative language and sound devices as poets do.   So if your learner loves music, chances are they will also love poetry.  And what better songwriter to study than Taylor Swift?

In each session, I will present a quote on Google Slides from Taylor to set the tone for the day's lesson.  I will allow students time to react to the quote and discuss with their fellow Swifties. 

I will then display a few lyrics from a Swift song and read them aloud.  Students will have the opportunity to share their ideas and opinions about the lyrics.  Next, I will ask them to explain the song's theme, in other words, the message or lesson Taylor is trying to convey to her listeners.

Finally, I will point out and explain Taylor's use of poetic devices and figurative language in the song, as follows:

October 16: “Anti-Hero," "Willow," "I Knew You Were Trouble" -- personification, internal rhyme, similes
October 23: “22" and "You Belong to Me" -- alliteration
October 30: "Red" and “Blank Space” -- symbolism of color, similes, hyperbole
November 6: “Love Story,” "Tim McGraw,” “Style” and “Getaway Car” — allusion, imagery,  hyperbole, extended metaphor
November 13: “All Too Well" and "Bad Blood" -- imagery, similes, repetition, idiom

With the time remaining, students will be able to create lines, for a song or a poem, using the techniques learned in that session.

This class is meant to be fun, educational, and discussion-based.
Learning Goals
Students will increase their understanding of poetic devices and figurative language, while enjoying discussions with fellow Taylor Swift fans.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Students should have paper and pencil available in class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
lyrics.com
Joined May, 2020
5.0
263reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a certified English Language Arts teacher and self-proclaimed Swiftie.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$12

weekly or $60 for 5 classes
1x per week, 5 weeks
45 min

Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-8 learners per class

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