Lesson Plan

Portions adapted from Teacher's Resource Guide

Jennifer Tedder

A tenth grade English class has been studying multicultural literature. IN MY OWN VOICE is an excellent resource for this unit. Students are able to hear the poets speak, and more importantly, hear the poets read their own work. There is one computer in the room. The teacher will lead the lesson and students will hear and see the program used with a LCD projector. Students will work individually at the end of the presentation. Students will have time in class to work on this project. This assignment is due the next day, when students will share their work in class.

1. Software-IN MY OWN VOICE, MULTICULTURAL POETS ON IDENTITY
2. Macintosh computer with speakers
3. LCD panel
4. Movie screen
5. Copies of poem
6. Writing assignment worksheet
7. Blank lined paper

Students will be able to:

• understand the personal significance of a name.
• state the origin of their own names.
• state how their name is reflective of their personality.

1. Explain introduction segment of software
2. Listen to the introduction of Lucille Clifton's poem "light."
3. Discuss the Latin origin of the name Lucille (lucere-to shine).
4. Play the poem "light" on the CD-ROM.
5. Discuss the poem "light."
6. Distribute writing assignment handouts.
7. Discuss writing assignment.
8. Allow remainder of class time for independent writing.

Student evaluation is based on the following:

• evidence of some research of name origin
• reflection about what their name means to them
• statement of why names are important.

Lucille Clifton's "light"

Writing Assignment

You have listened to Lucille Clifton introduce and read her poem "light." Please write a short essay on the significance of your own name. State the origin of your name, if you were named after someone and if so, the impact that person has had on you. Include why you think names are important. What does your own name mean to you? If you could pick your own name, what would it be? Why?

Lucille Clifton