Finna

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: My Word

Step 1

Have your students come up with a list of 10 of their favorite school-appropriate words. Then have them share some of those words with one another and explain why they chose their words.

Step 2

Briefly address the class and discuss the meaning(s) of the word “finna.”

Step 3

Read the poem “Finna” by Nate Marshall, then discuss why the word “finna” means so much to him.

Step 4

Have the students write a poem in the same fashion as “Finna” in which they explain their relationship and appreciation toward their favorite word.

Step 5

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

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Tone

Step 1

If your students are not familiar with the concept of tone or tonal shifts, go through the introductory lesson.

Step 2

Briefly address the class and discuss the meaning(s) of the word “finna.”

Step 3

Read the poem “Finna” by Nate Marshall, paying close attention to the meanings and feelings he associates with the word.

Step 4

Explain that they will be tracking the shifts in tone throughout the poem and creating a visual to reinforce their understanding of them. Have the students open the document in which they’ll be working in and read through the instructions with them.

Step 5

When the students are done, share a few of their responses with the class.

Step 6

If time permits, read through the exemplar essay so they can see if their responses are somewhat similar in scope.