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https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/your-world-by-georgia-douglas-johnson/poem-structure
Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


In this activity students will identify the structural components of the poem, including stanzas and lines. Students will also determine the rhyme scheme and the meaning of the stanza.



Structure Analysis for "Your World": Stanza One
Linesfour
Rhyme SchemeABCB
  • A "it"
  • B "abide"
  • C "corner"
  • B "aside"
MeaningThe poet tells about being constrained to something and not being able to succeed in life. The 'wings' (bird) symbolize the person's abilities and how they are not being utilized.

After determining the meaning of the poem, students can create visuals in a narrative that apply to their own lives.


Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Student Instructions

Identify the structural components of the poem including lines, rhyme scheme, and meaning.

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Complete the description boxes.
  3. Create images that depict each description box. Be sure to use appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
  4. Save and Exit

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTexasUtah

Rubric Accordion Arrow

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Structure/Elements of a Poem
Proficient
33 Points
Emerging
25 Points
Beginning
17 Points
Elements
The three common elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give context to the scene, and are accurate and appropriate.
Two elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give some context to the scene, and are somewhat accurate and appropriate.
One or none of the elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give little context to the scene, and are somewhat or are inaccurate or inappropriate.
Illustrations
The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative.
The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations.
The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited.
English Conventions
Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.
Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.
Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading.


Activity Overview


In this activity students will identify the structural components of the poem, including stanzas and lines. Students will also determine the rhyme scheme and the meaning of the stanza.



Structure Analysis for "Your World": Stanza One
Linesfour
Rhyme SchemeABCB
  • A "it"
  • B "abide"
  • C "corner"
  • B "aside"
MeaningThe poet tells about being constrained to something and not being able to succeed in life. The 'wings' (bird) symbolize the person's abilities and how they are not being utilized.

After determining the meaning of the poem, students can create visuals in a narrative that apply to their own lives.


Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Student Instructions

Identify the structural components of the poem including lines, rhyme scheme, and meaning.

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Complete the description boxes.
  3. Create images that depict each description box. Be sure to use appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
  4. Save and Exit

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTexasUtah

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Structure/Elements of a Poem
Proficient
33 Points
Emerging
25 Points
Beginning
17 Points
Elements
The three common elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give context to the scene, and are accurate and appropriate.
Two elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give some context to the scene, and are somewhat accurate and appropriate.
One or none of the elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give little context to the scene, and are somewhat or are inaccurate or inappropriate.
Illustrations
The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative.
The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations.
The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited.
English Conventions
Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.
Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors.
Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading.


How Tos about Structure and Meaning of \"Your World\"

1

Incorporate Student Voice with Poetry Journals

Invite students to reflect on their personal connections to the poem by keeping poetry journals. After reading "Your World," ask them to write or draw how the poem's message relates to their own experiences. This deepens comprehension and encourages self-expression.

2

Model How to Analyze Poetic Structure Out Loud

Think aloud as you identify stanzas, lines, and rhyme schemes with your class. Point to each part and explain your reasoning, so students see the analysis process in action. Hearing your thought process builds their confidence in tackling new poems.

3

Guide Students in Collaborative Meaning-Making

Facilitate small group discussions where students share their interpretations of the poem’s meaning. Encourage respectful debate and support them in using evidence from the text. Collaboration helps students see multiple perspectives and strengthens critical thinking.

4

Use Visuals to Reinforce Poetic Concepts

Have students create drawings or digital images that represent the poem’s structure and meaning. Visual activities make abstract ideas more concrete and memorable. This supports diverse learners and boosts engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Structure and Meaning of \"Your World\"

What is the structure of the poem 'Your World' by Georgia Douglas Johnson?

The poem 'Your World' by Georgia Douglas Johnson is structured with stanzas and lines. The first stanza contains four lines with a rhyme scheme of ABCBA. Each line contributes to the overall meaning of the poem.

How can I teach students to identify rhyme schemes in poems?

To teach students to identify rhyme schemes, have them read each line aloud and listen for ending sounds. Assign a letter (A, B, C, etc.) to each unique sound, and mark patterns such as ABCBA to help students recognize the rhyme scheme.

What does the first stanza of 'Your World' mean?

The first stanza of 'Your World' describes feeling constrained and unable to succeed, using the metaphor of a bird’s wings not being used. It encourages students to think about personal limitations and potential.

How do I create a lesson plan for analyzing poem structure with grade 2-3 students?

Start by reading the poem together. Guide students to identify lines, stanzas, and the rhyme scheme. Use visuals or drawings to help them understand the poem's meaning, and let them create their own illustrations connecting the poem to their lives.

What activities help students connect poetry structure to personal experiences?

Ask students to draw or create stories that relate to the poem’s themes. For 'Your World,' encourage them to think of times they felt limited and how they overcame it, using visuals, dialogue, or creative assignments.




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