A Conversation With Siri About Death

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: A Conversation

Step 1

Start by reading “A Conversation With Siri About Death” by Karla Cordero. When you’re done, briefly discuss the feelings of the speaker throughout the piece.

Step 2

Now ask your students, “What are your thoughts or feelings on the matter? About life? Death? Mortality?” Briefly discuss.

Step 3

Say, “Jot down the range of feelings you hold toward fear, mortality, resilience, and/or the human condition. Write down as many different emotions or feelings that immediately come to mind.” Then give your students a few minutes to brainstorm.

Step 4

Ask your students to compose a poem similar in sentiment to “A Conversation With Siri About Death” in which they hold a conversation with someone/something about one’s mortality or any facet of the human condition.

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

Simply start by reading “A Conversation with Siri About Death” by Karla Cordero, paying close attention to the attitude the speaker holds toward their own death.

Step 3

When you’re done reading, what questions does the poem raise about fear, mortality, resilience, and the human condition? And to what extent does the poet offer an answer to it? Briefly discuss.

Step 4

Have your students open the following document and go over the introduction and directions with them. In this assignment, your students are going to, as best as possible, assemble the “puzzle pieces” of the speaker’s emotions as they pertain to death. When you’ve gone over the instructions, give your students time to work.

Step 5

When your students are done, ask your students to discuss their groups of words/phrases. Why did they choose those specific words and how do they contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole?