!["If" Poem Analysis](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-srcsets/lauren/if--analysis.png ""If" Poem Analysis")
Activity Overview
For this activity, students will choose 3 different parts/lines of the poem to analyze. Students should think about what Kipling means to say in these lines, in more “kid friendly” terms. Their analysis should illustrate examples from the poem.
"If" Poem Analysis Examples
First Stanza
“Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies.” This means that just because others may lie about you, it doesn’t mean you should lie in return.
“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, and blaming it on you.” This means that you have to keep your cool if others are losing their cool and saying it’s your fault.
Second Stanza
“If you can dream and not make dreams your master.” This means that of course you should have your dreams, but don’t let those dreams control all aspects of your life.
“Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, and stoop, and build them up with worn out tools.” This means that you have to be able to put together pieces of your life and build yourself up, even if it seems difficult or impossible.
Third Stanza
“If you can make one heap of all of your winnings, and risk it all on one turn of pitch and toss, and lose, and start again at your beginnings, and never breathe a word about your loss.” This means that you have to be able to take risks and even if things don’t go your way, you need to start anew and not complain about it.
Fourth Stanza“If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings, nor lose the common touch.” This means that you should not be a follower. It also means that you cannot forget who you are if you are among the rich and powerful.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Make a 3 cell storyboard that analyzes and illustrates 3 parts of the poem.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the headings, write the line or lines of the poem.
- Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
- In the description boxes, write what you think the line or lines mean.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
For this activity, students will choose 3 different parts/lines of the poem to analyze. Students should think about what Kipling means to say in these lines, in more “kid friendly” terms. Their analysis should illustrate examples from the poem.
"If" Poem Analysis Examples
First Stanza
“Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies.” This means that just because others may lie about you, it doesn’t mean you should lie in return.
“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, and blaming it on you.” This means that you have to keep your cool if others are losing their cool and saying it’s your fault.
Second Stanza
“If you can dream and not make dreams your master.” This means that of course you should have your dreams, but don’t let those dreams control all aspects of your life.
“Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, and stoop, and build them up with worn out tools.” This means that you have to be able to put together pieces of your life and build yourself up, even if it seems difficult or impossible.
Third Stanza
“If you can make one heap of all of your winnings, and risk it all on one turn of pitch and toss, and lose, and start again at your beginnings, and never breathe a word about your loss.” This means that you have to be able to take risks and even if things don’t go your way, you need to start anew and not complain about it.
Fourth Stanza“If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings, nor lose the common touch.” This means that you should not be a follower. It also means that you cannot forget who you are if you are among the rich and powerful.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Make a 3 cell storyboard that analyzes and illustrates 3 parts of the poem.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the headings, write the line or lines of the poem.
- Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
- In the description boxes, write what you think the line or lines mean.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about "If" Poem Analysis
Organize a class discussion about the meaning of 'If' by Rudyard Kipling
Invite students to share their interpretations of each stanza. This helps create an open, respectful atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas about the poem’s message.
Encourage students to connect the poem’s lessons to their own lives
Ask students to identify situations where they faced challenges similar to those in the poem. This personal connection deepens understanding and makes the poem more relevant for them.
Facilitate small group illustration sessions
Divide students into small groups and have them illustrate one line from the poem. Working together encourages collaboration and creativity while reinforcing comprehension.
Guide students to create a classroom display of their storyboard projects
Display completed storyboards around the room. This celebrates student work and allows everyone to learn from each other’s perspectives on the poem.
Frequently Asked Questions about \"If\" Poem Analysis
What is a simple analysis of the poem 'If' by Rudyard Kipling for middle school students?
'If' by Rudyard Kipling encourages readers to stay calm, honest, and persistent, even when things get tough. For middle school students, it means handling challenges with resilience, not giving in to negative behavior, and always trying your best, no matter what others do or say.
How can students analyze lines from 'If' in kid-friendly terms?
Students can break down each line by explaining what it means in their own words and giving examples from real life or the poem. Using scenes or storyboards helps make abstract ideas more understandable for kids.
What are some examples of 'If' poem lines and their meanings?
Examples include: “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs” means staying calm under pressure, and “If you can dream and not make dreams your master” means having goals but not letting them control you.
What is the best way to create a storyboard analyzing the poem 'If'?
The best way is to choose three lines from the poem, write each in a heading, illustrate each with a drawing or scene, and add a short explanation in kid-friendly language about what each line means.
Why is it important for students to relate 'If' poem lines to real-life situations?
Relating lines to real life helps students understand and remember the poem’s lessons. It makes the message more personal and meaningful, encouraging students to apply these values in their own lives.
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