詩を探求し、物語を書く: ウォルター・デ・ラ・メアの『The Listeners』。

'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare is a fascinating poem, often studied in schools. It’s a poem that raises more questions than it answers and so provides some exciting opportunities to engage our imaginations and decide what we think is really happening.

In this one-time class, the poem will be read aloud with students following. The poem will be on the screen but a printout of the poem will be attached with class supplies and available on enrolment.
It’s will be useful for students to have the printout so that they can make notes on it, highlight, etc. 
Students without copies will be able to participate with no problem, though. 

After I’ve read it aloud, we’ll take a more in-depth look at the poem. We’ll explore the rhythm, rhyme, subject matter, imagery, mood, etc and how the poet has created the atmosphere.

The poem makes us ask some interesting questions and we’ll talk about our opinions on who we think the Listeners are, and who the traveller could be. 

After that, students will be able to use some of the ideas that they’ve explored and the descriptive techniques and will write a short story based on the poem; covering who they think the main characters are and what has happened, or will happen next. 

If time allows, students will be encouraged to share their writing in class, but if they haven’t yet finished or prefer not to read their work, there is no pressure to do so.
If they like, students may upload their work to the class afterwards, or send it directly to me, but they don’t have to share at all if they would rather not.