Last term I attended one of Glen Pearsall's sessions
on Module C: Representation and Text, Elective 1: Representing People and
Politics. The session, provided by Teacher Training Australia (TTA), gave me so
many great ideas that I was immediately struck by how much time I wanted to put
into the unit, how much time I wanted to spend on each poem, how much I could
do!
I am not sure I have done the Module justice so far
and I could honestly spend a year studying Auden but I thought I would share a
few ideas that I think assisted students with their understanding of the
poetry.
The first idea I utilised with ‘Shield of Achilles’ a
beautiful poem about the horrors of war and the impact upon the people. This
was one of the ideas from the TTA Workshop but you can find it, and many other
great ideas in Glen Pearsall’s ‘The Literature Toolbox’ book. The ‘Instant
Picture Book’ was an instant success with my students. They really engaged with
the ideas in the poem and chose poignant moments from each stanza to illustrate.
I decided I would also complete one as an example for those struggling, but
also for myself – as this is the first time I have taught the poetry. Students
sometimes dislike drawing in English class, I tell them that we are doing
‘English’ drawing, rather than ‘Art drawing’ and they need to focus on
developing the symbols and ideas in their work. This usually works and helps
them overcome their reluctance.
So far I have found that students are enjoying the
ideas in the poetry and are making connections between the poems and the rubric
requirements as well.
I have no affiliation with TTA or Glen Pearsall - I am
just thankful for their existence! I have attached a few links; to the TTA
Module C course outline, the link to 'The Top 10 Strategic Questions for
Teachers' - a free Glen Pearsall publication, and a link to other texts that I
have found helpful.
TTA Course Outline:
http://tta.edu.au/products/1530/3219
Glen Pearsall's FREE eBook - available for TTA
Members:
http://tta.edu.au/free-ebook
Publications from the Teacher Learning Network:
http://www.tln.org.au/tlnshop
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