Interpretation of Learning Gains

The students achieved all of the unit goals. They have a thorough understanding of alliteration, rhyme and rhythm. They went on to write not only the assigned poem, but many are now writing poetry in their journals and for fun as well. Many of the students checked out books of poetry at the school library and have been reading poetry to each other and to themselves. They have gained an appreciation for poetry. At this age, it is developmentally appropriate to be fairly rigid in ideas of what art is. It was amazing to see the students open up and embrace the idea that art, and specifically poetry, could be more fluid and accepting than they had previously thought. The lessons were delivered in a way that was meaningful and recognizable to the students. GLAD methods were used and the students are familiar with this method. Because we made consequential connections to the students lives, the lessons were meaningful to the students and they were able to carry the lessons we did together as a class into their own writing and reading of poetry.