America

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: America

Step 1

Have the students write down the first three words that come to mind when they hear the word “America.” Then discuss.

Step 2

Considering the circumstances that are taking place in the world at the moment, this conversation should be somewhat robust. Allow them to talk for 10 minutes or so.

Step 3

Read the sonnet “America” by Claude McKay. Talk about his conflicting feelings toward America and what he says in the poem to express those feelings. Then talk about if and/or how his feelings would relate to the America of today.

Step 4

Tell the students that they will be writing a poem, not necessarily a sonnet, that encapsulates the way they feel living in America right now.

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: Structure & Form (Sonnets)

Step 1

If your students are not familiar with the fundamental characteristics of a sonnet, go through the introductory lesson with them.

Step 2

Read the sonnet “America” by Claude McKay. Then discuss the author’s purpose and how he went about conveying his complex attitude toward the America he knows.

Step 3

Tell the students that they will be deconstructing a sonnet – stanza by stanza – by both summarizing and analyzing its content.

Step 4

Have the students partner up and work in the following document. Directions can be found at the top of the page.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses. If time permits, share the exemplar essay so they can see if their responses are similar in scope.