Lesson Plan: Understanding Poetry and Prose

Grade Level: Senior High School (12th)

Duration: 6 Class Periods (1 hour)

Objective:

Students will be able to differentiate between poetry and prose, analyze the characteristics of each
genre, and apply their understanding to interpret selected literary works.

Materials:

1. Copies of selected poetry and prose texts (e.g., "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot, "The
Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe, and "To Kill a Mockingbird"
by Harper Lee)

2. Whiteboard/blackboard and markers

3. Handouts with background information on poetry and prose, guiding questions, and worksheet for
analyzing literary devices

4. Computer with internet access (for research and multimedia resources)

Lesson Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Poetry and Prose

1. Begin with a class discussion about students' familiarity with poetry and prose.

2. Provide background information on the two genres, emphasizing their definitions, historical context,
and general characteristics.

3. Discuss the purpose and function of each genre in literature and society.

4. Assign the selected poetry and prose texts as homework reading for the next class period.

Day 2: Analyzing Poetry

1. Begin with a brief review of the assigned poetry readings and ask students to share their initial
impressions.
2. Introduce and discuss the characteristics of poetry, such as form, rhythm, meter, and the use of
figurative language.

3. Explain the importance of literary devices like imagery, metaphor, simile, personification, and
symbolism in poetry.

4. Provide students with a worksheet to analyze the literary devices used in the assigned poetry texts.

5. Instruct students to complete the worksheet as homework.

Day 3: Analyzing Prose

1. Begin with a brief review of the assigned prose readings and ask students to share their initial
impressions.

2. Introduce and discuss the characteristics of prose, such as sentence structure, tone, style, and the use
of figurative language.

3. Explain the importance of literary devices like imagery, metaphor, simile, and symbolism in prose.

4. Provide students with a worksheet to analyze the literary devices used in the assigned prose texts.

5. Instruct students to complete the worksheet as homework.

Day 4: Comparing Poetry and Prose

1. Begin with a class discussion on the similarities and differences between poetry and prose, focusing
on the literary devices used in each genre.

2. Divide students into groups and assign each group a specific literary device (e.g., metaphor, imagery,
or symbolism).

3. Instruct students to research the chosen literary device in both poetry and prose, using examples
from the assigned readings.

4. Ask students to prepare a brief presentation on their assigned literary device, highlighting how it is
used in poetry and prose.

Day 5: Group Presentations and Class Discussion

1. Have each group present their findings on the literary device, discussing how it contributes to the
overall understanding of poetry and prose.

2. Encourage class participation by asking students to share their thoughts and connections to the
presented topics.

3. Facilitate a class discussion on the significance of these literary devices in shaping the reader's
experience and understanding of the texts.
Day 6: Applying Understanding to Interpret Literary Works

1. Begin with a brief review of the previous day's discussions.

2. Divide students into groups and assign each group a specific literary text (one poetry and one prose).

3. Instruct students to analyze the chosen text, focusing on its genre-specific characteristics and the
literary devices used.

4. Ask students to prepare a brief analysis of their assigned text, discussing how the genre and literary
devices contribute to its meaning and impact.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed based on their active participation in class discussions, the quality of their
group presentations, and their ability to analyze the assigned literary texts in terms of poetry and prose
characteristics and literary devices. Additionally, students can be asked to write a reflective essay on
their learning experience and the importance of understanding poetry and prose in interpreting
literature.