Mini Lessons for the Age of Anxiety Unit

Lesson Plan 1: Poetry Analysis

Grade: 12
Subject Area: English
Standard: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text,
including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices
on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is
particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)
(11‐12.RL.4)
Objective: SWBAT annotate a poem in order to analyze its theme and significance.
Materials:
 Copies of “Suicide in the Trenches” by Siegfried Sassoon (Link:
http://www.greatwar.nl/children/suicide.html)
 Writing utensils
 Projector/doc camera

Opening Introduce poetry analysis 3.5 minutes

guide

Model Read through poem once 3 minutes

with class
Model first few steps of
poetry analysis

Practice Have students continue to 5.5 minutes

analyze poem

Closing Share ideas, connect to 3 minutes

larger project
Have students finish
analysis for HW

Lesson Plan 2: Compare/Contrast Essay

(see full lesson plan on separate document)

Lesson Plan 3: The Metamorphosis Analysis Essay

Grade: 12
Subject Area: English
Standard: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the
text leaves matters uncertain. (11-12.RL.1)
Objective: SWBAT brainstorm ideas for each essay prompt in order to determine the most
ideal topic for their The Metamorphosis analysis essay.
Materials:
 Copies of The Metamorphosis
 Unit materials (i.e. notes, The Metamorphosis reading guide, etc.)
 Essay topic handouts
 Writing utensils

Opening Introduce essay prompts 3 minutes

Explain rationale for
brainstorming

Model Model brainstorming 2.5 minutes

methods (e.g. bullet points,
outlines, etc.)

Practice Have students brainstorm 6.5 minutes

possible things they can
write about for each prompt

Closing Survey: Take note of which 3 minutes

students are doing which
prompt (*initial decision—
can be changed later)
Preview: Writing workshop
schedule/expectations