You walk up to the park and there's one Chinese guy

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Walking Up

Step 1

Say, “Watch the video and discuss why someone would write a poem about Jeremy Lin and the significance of his ascent.”

Step 2

Read “You walk up to the park and there’s one Chinese guy” by Andy Chen and ask your students to consider how it overlaps with G Yamazawa’s poem.

Step 3

Tell your students, “Brainstorm someone or something that exceeds expectations and describe what makes it striking or unexpected.” Then give them a few minutes to brainstorm.

Step 4

Ask your students to write a poem that, like Andy Chen’s, portrays someone or something that rises above assumptions or preconceived beliefs.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses with one another.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Various

Step 1

This lesson allows students to analyze various concepts and skills, so it is recommended that you have covered several of the “standalone” lessons before assigning this one.

Step 2

Start by showing your students the following image. Ask them to assemble the strongest team with the money they are allotted ($15).

Step 3

Now read “You walk up to the park and there’s one Chinese guy” by Andy Chen. When you’re done, ask your students to briefly discuss the theme(s) of the text. What was the poet trying to convey?

Step 4

Now read the poem one more time. Before you read, ask your students to think of the words or phrases that are MOST important to the meaning of the text, as was discussed earlier.

Step 5

Have your students open the following document and go over the instructions with them. In this assignment, your students are going to have to “assemble a team” of the words/phrases that – to them – are the most significant to the piece as a whole. The catch, however, is that they only have $10 to spend on the words provided for them. When you’re done going through directions, give your students time to work.

Step 6

When your students are done, ask them to share the text that they chose and have them share why.

Step 7

If time permits, share the exemplar essay.