An American Love Poem

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Cancel

Step 1

Have your students watch the embedded video. Then ask them to share their thoughts.

Step 2

Read “An American Love Poem” by Kwame Alexander. When you’re done, briefly discuss the poet’s thoughts and feelings toward the banning of books in public schools and spaces.

Step 3

Say, “Think of the ramifications of having books banned in schools. And think of your experience reading books as a younger student. What books stood out? Why? Jot down as many ideas as you can.” Then give your students time to brainstorm.

Step 4

Ask your students to compose a poem similar in sentiment to “An American Love Poem” in which they discuss their feelings toward those who wish to ban books from public spaces.

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 video. Then ask your students why – in their opinion – parents are opposing the instruction of certain content in classrooms. What do all of these forms of literature have in common with one another?

Step 3

Read “An American Love Poem” by Kwame Alexander. Then briefly discuss how the poet makes their case against those who seek to ban books.

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 craft a series of rebuttal paragraphs (using textual evidence from the poem) to combat the arguments made to justify the banning of books from school curriculums. When you’ve gone through the directions, give your students time to work.

Step 5

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