Analyzing "The Will" by Sipho Sepamla

# Grade 9 English FAL Poetry Lesson Plan: "The Will" by Sipho Sepamla ## Content Area: - Poetry ## CAPS Page Number: - Refer to CAPS document, Pages 59-61, Poetry Guidelines. ## Specific Aims: 1. To enable learners to appreciate and enjoy poetry as a literary form. 2. To develop skills in reading, interpreting, and analyzing poetry. 3. To foster an understanding and appreciation of South African poetry and culture. ## Lesson Objectives: ### Knowledge: - Learners will understand the themes, structure, and literary devices used in "The Will." - Learners will gain background knowledge of Sipho Sepamla as a poet and context of his writing. ### Skills: - Learners will develop the ability to analyze and interpret the poem. - Learners will enhance their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. - Learners will practice expressing their interpretations and reflections both orally and in writing. ### Values/Attitudes: - Learners will appreciate the cultural and historical context of the poem. - Learners will show respect and sensitivity towards diverse perspectives and themes explored in the poem. - Learners will be encouraged to reflect on personal values and societal issues. ## Approach/Teaching Strategy: - Interactive and learner-centered approach. - Combination of discussion, group work, and individual activities. - Use of multimedia and visual aids to enhance understanding and engagement. ## Introduction of the Lesson (10 minutes): 1. **Greeting and Settling Down** (2 minutes) - Greet the learners and ensure they are settled and focused. 2. **Trigger Activity/Hook** (3 minutes) - Show a brief video or play an audio recording of Sipho Sepamla reciting "The Will" or another of his poems to capture learners' interest. 3. **Contextual Background** (5 minutes) - Provide some background on Sipho Sepamla, his life, and the historical and social context in which he wrote. Explain the significance of his work in South African literature. ## Development of the Lesson (35 minutes): ### Step 1: Read the Poem (5 minutes) - Distribute copies of "The Will" to learners. - Read the poem aloud to the class while learners follow along. ### Step 2: First Impressions (5 minutes) - Ask learners for their initial thoughts and feelings about the poem. - Discuss any immediate themes or images that stand out. ### Step 3: Detailed Analysis (15 minutes) #### Group Work: - Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a stanza or section of the poem. - Each group analyzes their assigned section, focusing on: - Theme and message - Imagery and symbolism - Literary devices (e.g., metaphors, similes, personification) - Tone and mood #### Class Discussion: - Reconvene as a class and have each group present their findings. - Encourage questions and deeper discussions based on the group presentations. ### Step 4: Personal Reflection (10 minutes) - Ask learners to reflect on how the poem relates to their own lives or the world around them. - Provide prompts for reflection, such as: - What message do you think the poet is trying to convey? - How does the poem make you feel and why? - Can you relate any part of the poem to your personal experiences or society today? ## Conclusion of the Lesson (5 minutes): 1. **Summarizing Key Points** (3 minutes) - Summarize the main themes, literary techniques, and messages discussed during the lesson. - Reinforce the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of poetry. 2. **Assigning Homework** (2 minutes) - Ask learners to write a short essay (150-200 words) on the following: - What is the significance of the title "The Will"? How does it relate to the poem's message? - How does Sipho Sepamla's background influence the themes of his poem? 3. **Closing Remarks** - Encourage learners to read more poems by Sipho Sepamla or other South African poets to broaden their understanding and appreciation of local poetry. Thank them for their participation and engagement. ### Materials Needed: - Copies of the poem "The Will" by Sipho Sepamla - Multimedia equipment for video/audio presentation - Whiteboard and markers ### Assessment: - Informal assessment through class discussion and group presentations. - Formal assessment of the homework essay. This concludes the lesson plan for teaching the poem "The Will" by Sipho Sepamla in a Grade 9 English FAL classroom.