“Your World”, written by American poet Georgia Douglas Johnson, is a remarkable poem with a message of perseverance. This poem describes the journey of a person recognizing their potential in the world, using a bird in flight as a metaphor to represent a person “flying” free from the limitations that would keep them from reaching their fullest potential.
Student Activities for Your World
![Your World by Georgia Douglas Johnson - Identifying Symbols in "Your World"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/973753/cell-col-1-row-0-w400.png "Your World by Georgia Douglas Johnson - Identifying Symbols in "Your World"")
![Your World by Georgia Douglas Johnson - Literary Elements in "Your World"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/974991/cell-col-3-row-0-w400.png "Your World by Georgia Douglas Johnson - Literary Elements in "Your World"")
Essential Questions for "Your World"
- What idea is the author trying to convey?
- What are the parts of a poem, and how can identifying them aid in analysis?
A Quick Synopsis of "Your World"
The first stanza describes how the narrator would follow the “norm” in life and how she never really felt accomplished. The second stanza describes how the narrator decides that she will push to succeed in her goal, no matter what it may be. The last stanza describes how the narrator let nothing stand in her way, and she describes how liberating it feels to be free and able to succeed. The poem starts and finishes in a hopeful, encouraging way. The narrator says that only you can decide how your life should be.
How Tos about Your World by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Engage students with a creative poem illustration activity
Invite students to visually represent key themes from “Your World” by drawing, painting, or collaging their interpretation of the poem’s metaphors. Encourage them to include symbols of perseverance or freedom to deepen their connection to the text and spark creative thinking.
Guide students to identify metaphors and imagery in the poem
Ask students to highlight words or lines that use figurative language. Then, have them discuss how these literary devices help convey the poem’s message of breaking free and reaching potential.
Facilitate a class discussion on overcoming limitations
Lead a conversation where students share times they felt limited and how they overcame challenges. Relate these experiences to the poem’s central theme of perseverance and personal growth.
Encourage students to write a personal reflection
Have students write a short reflection about a goal they want to achieve and what obstacles they might face. Connect their reflections to the journey described in “Your World”—emphasizing how determination can help them succeed.
Display and celebrate student work in the classroom
Showcase students’ illustrated poems and reflections on a class bulletin board. This not only reinforces the lesson but also boosts student confidence by celebrating their insights and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Your World by Georgia Douglas Johnson
What is the poem 'Your World' by Georgia Douglas Johnson about?
'Your World' by Georgia Douglas Johnson is about perseverance and discovering your potential. The poem uses a bird in flight as a metaphor for breaking free from limitations and encourages readers to pursue their dreams.
How can teachers use 'Your World' in quick and easy lesson plans?
Teachers can use 'Your World' for short reading activities, discussion prompts about perseverance, and analyzing metaphors. It's ideal for encouraging students to reflect on personal growth and goal setting in a single class period.
What are some essential questions to ask when teaching 'Your World'?
Essential questions include: What idea is the author trying to convey? and What are the parts of a poem, and how does identifying them help with analysis? These guide deeper understanding and critical thinking.
Why is 'Your World' a good poem for teaching perseverance to students?
'Your World' uses vivid imagery and metaphor to show how determination leads to freedom and success. Its hopeful message makes it a powerful tool for discussing perseverance and resilience with students.
What activities can students do with the poem 'Your World'?
Students can analyze the poem's structure, create storyboards of the narrator's journey, write their own perseverance-themed poetry, and discuss the metaphor of flight as personal growth.
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