A Craving

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Craving

Step 1

Ask your students, “What is something that you currently crave? Why? In what ways do you crave it?” Then briefly discuss.

Step 2

Read “A Craving” by Miguel Espiritu. When you’re done, briefly discuss the poem. What does the speaker crave? And how do they go about depicting that craving?

Step 3

Say, “Choose something you crave, whether that be a place, a person, an object, or even a television show that’s no longer on the air. Then write down as many reasons as you can that best describe how and why you have this craving. Take a few minutes to brainstorm.”

Step 4

Have your students compose a poem similar in sentiment to “A Craving” in which they express their craving toward something.

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: Imagery

Step 1

If your students are not familiar with the concept of “imagery,” go through the introductory lesson.

Step 2

Project the following image on the board. Have your students utilize imagery, in as much specificity as possible, to describe the object.

Step 3

When they’re done sharing, reveal that the image is an AI generated piece of “art.” Then share the prompt used to generate that image:

• Create an image where a vibrant rubber duck joyfully indulges in a delectable Five Guys burger. Set the scene in a whimsical environment, like a floating pond with rainbow lily pads. The duck, with mischievous eyes and tiny arms, playfully holds the burger or takes a bite. Surround it with cheering animated French fries or witty soda cans as spectators. Condense the elements to evoke a sense of imaginative delight and the enchantment of unexpected culinary adventures.

Step 4

Show the following video to briefly go over the process of using specific language to create a quality piece of AI art.

Step 5

Read “A Craving” by Miguel Espiritu. As you’re reading, ask your students to think of the imagery that comes to mind as they’re listening to the piece.

Step 6

Have your students open the following document and go over the introduction and directions with them. In this assignment, your students are going to choose several images and elaborate upon them – in the form of a prompt for an AI Art Generator – to capture the emotions of the speaker in the poem. When you’ve covered the parameters of the assignment, give your students time to work.

Step 7

When your students are done, have a few of them share their pieces with the rest of the class. They should briefly discuss the prompts (and rationale) behind their images.