Mrs.

Vittie 1

English 9 Poetry Unit Syllabus P1

Big idea:

Provide students with a deeper understanding of language and how it can be

used to play, express emotion, create ambiguity, and make meaning.

Student Portfolios:
This unit will be evaluated based on a student portfolio. Portfolios will consist of a Poetry
Analysis, Poems with Reflections, an Oral Presentation, In-class Participation, and a
Personal Definition of Poetry.
Poetry Analysis: 40% (30% Analysis + 10% Outline)
Each portfolio will include one essay analyzing a poem from another author. Poems used
can be from authors we have studied in class, from another student, or other poem of your
choosing (if not a poem from class, approval must be granted from Mrs. Vittie).
Analysis should be 400-600 words (1.5 - 2.5 pages double spaced), and include
vocabulary of poetic terms and devices that will be gone over in class.
Poems & Reflections: 30%
Your portfolio should include 5 poems that you have written over the unit (in at least 3
different genres). In-class assignments can be used in the portfolios, as well as work done
independently from class. Each poem submitted requires a reflection written about the
process of making the poem, thoughts about the genre of poem, and any changes in
thinking or understanding poetry as a result of the making of this poem. Reflections should
be 250 words (1 page double spaced).
Oral Presentation: 5%
Your portfolio will include an oral performance of a poem of your choosing (approved by
Mrs. Vittie). Students should be able to demonstrate understanding of how the reading of a
poem can affect the understanding, with special attention to rhythm, emotional shifts,
meter, etc.
Definition of Poetry: 10%
In your own words, define what poetry is. Provide explanation. 100-200 words.
In-class participation: 15%
This class relies heavily on class participation for shared learning. Students are expected
to contribute to class discussions, projects, peer editing and group assignments.

Mrs. Vittie 2
Resources and information about this unit can be found online at:

http://www.vittieenglish.weebly.com
Date / Lesson #

Readings

Assignments

Tues. March 31
1) Pop Music

In Class Reading of Song Lyrics

Wed. April 1
2) Intro to unit/ assignments
Thurs. April 2
3) Terms and Devices/ Tin
Angel 1
Tues. April 7
4) Terms and Devices/ Tin
Angel 2
Wed April 8
5) Word Power/ Context

Things to Notice When Reading

a poem sheet
Tin Angel (Mitchell)
How to Analyze a Poem sheet
Terms and Devices sheet
Tin Angel (Mitchell)
How to Analyze a Poem sheet
Terms and Devices sheet
The Animals in that Country
(Atwood),
We are Different(Wah).

Participation
Chart Vocabulary needs

Thurs April 9
6) Word Power 2/ Structure

Student Agenda Text

Participation
In class prose to poem
assignment
BRING ART/CRAFT SUPPLIES
FOR NEXT CLASS

Friday April 10
7) Visual Power

Exxon Valdez, (WershlerHenry)

Posy (Cabri)
Easter Wings (Herbert)

Participation
Found Poetry assignment
BRING ART/CRAFT SUPPLIES
FOR NEXT CLASS

Peer Editing

Found Poetry assignment

Poems for Analysis and Oral
presentation DUE to be
approved by MRS Vittie
Participation

Peer Editing

Participation

Peer Editing

OUTLINE DUe

CHRISTIAN BOK video

Participation

Monday April 13
8) Visual Power 2 / Work
Class / Student meetings
Tuesday April 14
TBD/ Work Class / Student
meetings
Wed April 15
TBD/ Work Class / Student
meetings
Thurs April 16
TBD/ Work Class / Student
meetings
Monday April 20

Participation
In class completion of poetry
autobiography
Participation

Participation
In class individual analysis of
Tin Angel (Mitchell)
Participation
In class Poem Translations
BRING STUDENT AGENDAS
FOR NEXT CLASS

Mrs. Vittie 3
9) Oral Power

Eunoia (Bok)
Oral practice handout

Tuesday April 21
10) Oral Power 2

Sonnet 29 (Shakespeare)
Handout of discussion questions
and sonnet information
Peer Editing

Wed. April 22
TBD/ Work Class / Student
meetings
Thursday April 23
Friday April 24
Monday April 27
Tuesday April 28

Participation

Participation

Orals
Orals
Orals
portfolios due