Welcome to Humanities 9

1. Welcome to Humanities 9 Please take out your binder and work from yesterday.

2. Survey Results

3. Rules

4. Do Now • What is your favorite poem? Why?

5. Poetry Introductions Dear students, I love this poem, Pheomenal Woman. When I read it as a teenager felt so validated as an African American woman. As an adult, it really spoke to me. Often we see a certain body type and image of beauty. This poem tells all women, especially African American women that we are beautiful, phenomenal and powerful. She affirmed our beauty and swag. -Ms. Reeves Dear students, My favorite poem is Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken.  I love this poem because I learned it when I was about 12 and it was the first time I remember being proud of my own uniqueness.  I remember thinking, I am like the person in this poem, I don't like to follow the crowd, I like to do my own thing.  This poem validated my individuality and every time I am faced with a decision, even in my adult life, I think about this poem and ask myself, do I want to follow the road that is popular or choose the road that fits who I am? -Ms. HIbbs

6. Dear students, This poem/song speaks to me because it is clear evidence that Nas understands who he is and where he came from. He breaks down the history of African American people including in the third verse of this song. Nas refers to the history of West African empires that were some of the most thriving civilizations on the face of the earth 1,000 years ago.  It is important that young African-Americans know that their ancestry extends far beyond American slavery to understand their own power.    The first two verses contain powerful messages for young poeple to encourage them to make good choices.  As someone who loves hip-hop music, I wish more rappers had positive messages in their songs for young people. -Mr. Camarillo Dear Students, The poem, “Land of Lost Content,” makes me think back to the happy times of youth, to remember how great were those joys because they will never come again. -Mr. Wong

7. Dear students, “Puerto Rican Obituary” is one of my favorite poems because it reflects a sad reality of the Latino community and our tragic complacency. But at the same time it is also call to action.  -Ms. Ruiz Dear students, The poem,“Wild Geese,” speaks to me. I like how the poet gives me permission to not be perfect, and how by sharing ourselves with each other, life won't always feel so hard. "Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on.” Mary Oliver writes beautifully. She creates an emotional landscape that is both compelling and simple.  -Ms. McDonald

8. More poem selections from Misla, Ms. Castillon, Ms. Lee, Ms. Mar, Ms. Kia, Mr. Montelongo, Ms. Perkins,and Ms. Arle. • Read through the poems. Choose one you like and read it aloud to yourself or your table partner.

9. Write a 5-10 sentence note to the teacher who chose the poem. Answer 1 or more of the following questions: • Did you like their poem? Why or why not? • What do you think it means? • Any favorite lines?

10. Share outs! • Find a partner. Share your poem and note with your partner.

11. Share outs! XS points for reading a poem to the class. Double XS for sharing your note!

12. Poem Analysis

13. Learning Log • Use the objective on the board to write about what you learned today. • For example, I liked the poem, “In a Graveyard,” because I connected to the optimism the poet expresses.