Grades 6–12
PoetrySparksStudents will learn about Poem in Your Pocket Day and discover how zines can be a powerful medium for self-expression.
Students will create poetry zines inspired by a favorite poem.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Make an example zine by following the directions for Poem in Your Pocket Day Zine: Querido/a Presidente — Mentor Text. Or, you can make your own using the provided zine template. Either way, have a completed zine ready to share with students in STEP 3.
STEP 1
Begin by asking students a somewhat personal question: What do they carry in their pockets?
This could be things that they keep in their pocket, generally, or things that are in their pocket, right now—you’ll wait while they check. There are no wrong answers here, so embrace whatever objects they come up with. . . phone, student ID, gum wrapper, lint, etc. Record a running list on the board.
When students have exhausted all ideas, ask: why do you carry these things? Student responses will likely center on the idea of purpose or frequency of...
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