Grade 9 English FAL Lesson: "The Will" by Sipho Sepamla

# **Grade 9 Poetry Lesson Plan** ## **"The Will" by Sipho Sepamla** ### **Content Area: Poetry** #### **CAPS Page Number** Refer to the latest CAPS document for Grade 9 English First Additional Language. Poetry is typically covered in Term 3, see the specifics in the CAPS document. ### **Specific Aims** 1. Develop skills in reading and understanding poetry. 2. Foster an appreciation for literary texts. 3. Encourage critical thinking and personal responses to texts. 4. Improve vocabulary and language awareness. ### **Lesson Objectives** - **Knowledge:** - Understand the premise and themes of "The Will" by Sipho Sepamla. - Identify poetic devices used in the poem, such as metaphor, simile, and imagery. - **Skills:** - Analyze and interpret the poem’s content and language. - Express individual interpretations and thoughts verbally and in writing. - Develop the ability to answer comprehension and analytical questions based on the poem. - **Values/Attitudes:** - Appreciate the cultural and emotional depth of the poem. - Respect diverse opinions and interpretations of the poem. - Cultivate a love for reading and engaging with poetry. ### **Approach/Teaching Strategy** - Interactive reading session - Group discussion and analysis - Pair and share activities - Written exercises and formative assessment ### **Introduction of the Lesson (10 minutes)** 1. **Greeting and Settling:** Greet the students and allow them to settle down. Ensure they have the poem "The Will" in front of them. 2. **Context Introduction:** Provide a brief background on Sipho Sepamla and his contributions to South African literature. Explain any necessary historical and social context. 3. **Initial Engagement:** Read the poem aloud to the class, or play a recording of the poem being read by a voice actor or the poet himself (if available). This helps to set the tone and mood. ### **Development of the Lesson** #### **1. Reading and Initial Reactions (15 minutes)** - **Individual Reading:** Ask students to read the poem silently to themselves after the initial read-aloud. - **First Impressions:** Take quick verbal feedback from students about their initial thoughts and feelings about the poem. - **Vocabulary Check:** Address any difficult words or phrases and provide explanations or synonyms. #### **2. Group Discussion and Analysis (20 minutes)** - **Divide the Class:** Split students into small groups, assigning each group specific aspects of the poem to discuss (e.g., themes, emotions, poetic devices, structure). - **Guiding Questions:** - What is the central theme or message of "The Will"? - How does the poet express emotions through language and imagery? - What poetic devices can you identify, and what effect do they have? - **Group Presentations:** Each group presents their findings to the class, encouraging other students to ask questions or add comments. #### **3. Pair and Share Activities (15 minutes)** - **Metaphor and Simile Exploration:** In pairs, students find examples of metaphors and similes in the poem and discuss their meanings and effects. - **Emotional Response Writing:** Each student writes a short paragraph about how the poem makes them feel and why. Share these responses with their partners. ### **Conclusion of the Lesson (10 minutes)** 1. **Summarization:** Recap the key points discussed during the lesson, highlighting common themes, significant lines, and effective use of poetic devices. 2. **Individual Reflections:** Ask a few students to share their reflections on what they learned and found most interesting about the poem. 3. **Homework Assignment:** Instruct students to write a brief essay on their personal interpretation of the poem and how it relates to their understanding of the poet's context. 4. **Closing Remarks:** Encourage students to read more poems by Sipho Sepamla or other contemporary South African poets to broaden their literary horizons. **Materials Needed:** - Copies of "The Will" by Sipho Sepamla for each student. - Whiteboard and markers or smartboard. - Recording device (if using a recorded reading). **Assessment:** - Monitoring participation during group discussions and pair activities. - Reviewing the emotional response paragraphs. - Evaluating the homework essays for comprehension and engagement with the poem. **Extension Activities:** - Watch a documentary or interview featuring Sipho Sepamla. - Organize a poetry reading event where students can recite their favorite poems, including those they’ve written themselves. **Note:** Adjust timing and activities based on student comprehension levels and engagement. Always be prepared with extra resources or activities to enrich the lesson if time allows.