Why Do We Write Poetry?

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Poem: The Mountain and the Squirrel

DAY :1 Exploring the World of Poetry ExptWoPoetry

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to discuss why poetry is written, identify key poetic devices, and explain how language choices create meaning in poems.

What do you already know about poetry?

Reading: The Mountain and the Squirrel

We will read ‘The Mountain and the Squirrel’ by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Listen for rhyme, rhythm, and imagery.

page no: 17

PAGE NO: 17

Page no : 18

Activity: Read aloud; focus on rhyme and rhythm.

Bubble Map Activity

Let’s brainstorm reasons why people write poetry. Think of feelings, stories, rhythm, sharing ideas, and creativity

On the whiteboard, help create a bubble map around 'Poetry’ with all the reasons we think of for writing poems.

Poetry Features

Let’s discuss rhyme, rhythm, and imagery. These features make poems unique and interesting.

Main Activity: Parts of Speech

Written Work:

Find the Nouns

1-Underline all the nouns in the poem and share why you think the poet used them.

2- Circle the rhyming words.

Reflect: Poem’s Message

What is the main message of the poem? Write your answer as your exit ticket before leaving.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Day 2

Today we’ll compare facts about the mountain and the squirrel and explore their ideas further.

Topic: Mountains vs. Squirrels | Focus: Facts and Poetic Devices -Time:15 min

Teacher: Read Allama Iqbal’s version of The Mountain and the Squirrel.

Students: Compare the tone and language of the two poets.

Poetic Devices Chart Activity: Create a chart identifying metaphors, personification, and rhyme schemes in both poems.

link: https://www.allamaiqbal.com/poetry.php?bookbup=22&orderno=7&lang_code=en&lang=2&conType=en

A mountain and a squirrel by Allam Iqbal

A mountain was saying this to a squirrel
"Commit suicide if you have self-respect

You are insignificant, still so arrogant, how strange!
You are neither wise, nor intelligent! not even shrewd!

It is strange when the insignificant pose as important!
When the stupid ones like you pose as intelligent!

You are no match in comparison with my splendor
Even the earth is low compared with my splendor

The grandeur of mine does not fall to your lot
The poor animal cannot equal the great mountain!"

On hearing this the squirrel said, "Hold your tongue!
These are immature thoughts, expel them from your heart!

I do not care if I am not large like you!
You are not a pretty little thing like me

Everything shows the Omni-potence of God
Some large, some small, is the wisdom of God

He has created you large in the world
And He has taught me climbing large trees

You are unable to walk a single step
Only large size! What other greatness have you?

If you are large show me some of the skills I have
Show me how you break this beetle nut as I can

Nothing is useless in this world
Nothing is bad in God's creation

The grandeur of mine does not fall to your lot
The poor animal cannot equal the great mountain!"

On hearing this the squirrel said, "Hold your tongue!
These are immature thoughts, expel them from your heart!

I do not care if I am not large like you!
You are not a pretty little thing like me

Everything shows the Omni-potence of God
Some large, some small, is the wisdom of God

He has created you large in the world
And He has taught me climbing large trees

You are unable to walk a single step
Only large size! What other greatness have you?

If you are large show me some of the skills I have
Show me how you break this beetle nut as I can

Nothing is useless in this world
Nothing is bad in God's creation

You are unable to walk a single step
Only large size! What other greatness have you?

If you are large show me some of the skills I have
Show me how you break this beetle nut as I can

Nothing is useless in this world
Nothing is bad in God's creation

Comparison of Poems

Q1.Compare both poems and write the difference in columns.

Allama Iqbal's Poem Ralph's Poem

The Mountain and Squirrel The Mountain and Squirrel

1.Who is more "honorable"? 1.Who is more "important"

2.feels a bit more spiritual. 2. feels like a "Fable"

3.Uses words like "Wisdom" and "Divine." 3.words like "Spry" and "Bun.

4.The mountain shames squirrel 4. The mountain calls the squirrel a for being so small "Little Prig"

in both mountain is proud and boastful, while the squirrel is wise and clever.

Written work -Time 20 min

Students: Create a two-column chart in Creative Notebooks.

Col 1: Facts about Allama Iqbal;'s poem

Col 2: Facts about Ralph's poem

Wrap up : 5min

Reflection: Shared findings:

Why are both characters important

to the world?

Ans.

Day 3: Synthesis and Writing

Topic: Paragraph Writing | Focus: Transitions and Sentence Variety

Attainment Targets: E.04.W.F.02 (Planning and writing connected sentences)

Written work ----Creative notebooks

The Big Write

Task: Write 2 paragraphs, explaining how the mountain and squirrel are different yet equally important. Word limit :150-170 words.

The "Sentence Glue" Word Bank:

To show they are Different, To Show they are both important, to connect ideas

However, Similarly,

First, On the other hand, Also,

In addition,

In contrast,

Both of them

Therefore,

But just as... so does...Finally,

Reflective Wrap-up:

The teacher will ask them to read: "Talent differs; all is well and wisely put." Discuss this quote from the poem.