I think Amani's advice to Kira was really helpful. By comparing rap music to poetry, Amani made it easier for Kira to connect with the idea of writing poems since she already enjoys rap. The explanation of iambic pentameter and the suggestion to use walking as a rhythm helped Kira break down the process and make it less intimidating. Overall, Amani's encouragement seemed to give Kira the motivation she needed to give poetry a try, which is awesome! It shows how sometimes you just need a different perspective to feel inspired.
Read the following:
KIRA: So, we have to write two poems. I don't know. I don't think I'm any good at poetry. I just don't get it. Do you, Amani?
AMANI: Poetry is not so hard, Kira. You like rap music, right?
KIRA: Yeah, why?
AMANI: A rap is just a poem! Think about it. It has a rhyme scheme, a rhythm, a beat. And, just like other poetry— probably even more so-it's meant to be read aloud
KIRA: Hmm. Maybe one of the forms I'll choose will be rap.
AMANI: OK, Kira. Check this out:
In faith I do not love thee with mine eyes;
For they in thee a thousand errors note;
But 'tis my heart that loves what they despise, Who, in despite of view, is pleased to dote.
KIRA: Amazing, Amani! Isn't that .. Shakespeare?
AMANI: Yup, Sonnet 141
KIRA: Who knew iambic pentameter had such a good beat?
AMANI: 1 know, right?
KIRA: Now, I want to write a sonnet! A sonnet has fourteen lines, right?
AMANI: Right. Each set of four lines follows a rhyme scheme, could be AABB, ABAB, ABBA, and then the last two lines are always a couplet.
KIRA: But, that iambic pentameter thing ..
AMANI: It's not that hard, Kira. All it means is that there are five accented syllables per line. I wrote a sonnet for one of my poems and the thing that actually helped me the most was going for a walk. I started trying to think in time with my footsteps: a STEP, a STEP, a STEP, a STEP, a STEP.
KIRA: Wow, I'm going to try that.
AMANI: Plus, something about being outside helps get the poetry juices flowing.
KIRA: You know, Amani, I'm all inspired now. I'm going to try it on my walk home. See you later!
Write a few sentences to reflect on the above Ask yourself in a 10th grader response : Do you think Amani's advice to Kira was helpful? Why or why not?
1 answer