Hulk Smash

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Superhero

Step 1

Ask your students, “What do you think a day in the life would be for the Incredible Hulk? Talk about it in detail.”

Step 2

Read the poem “Hulk Smash” by Greg Santos. When you’re done reading, briefly discuss how the poem, as told from the perspective of the Incredible Hulk, conveys a larger truth about society.

Step 3

Say, “Think of a superhero whom you find particularly interesting. Then simply write down all of the activities you think this superhero would partake in in their day to day life.” Give your students 5-10 minutes to brainstorm.

Step 4

Have your students compose a poem similar in sentiment to “Hulk Smash” in which they depict a “day in the life” of a superhero.

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 clip from The Avengers, a movie most of them have probably seen before. After you show the scene, ask them to disregard everything they know about the plot of the movies. Based on that one scene alone, ask them what they think they know about the Hulk. Why do they think that way?

Step 3

Watch the following clip, a short compilation of the misconceptions about the Hulk’s character.

Step 4

Read “Hulk Smash” by Greg Santos. When you’re done reading, ask your students to discuss how the poem reflects or reinforces the misconceptions of the Hulk that many people hold.

Step 5

Have your students open the following document. In this assignment, your students are going to compare/contrast “Hulk Smash” to “What I Learned From the Incredible Hulk” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil and determine how the similarities express a larger truth or message about the human condition. Then give your students time to work.

Step 6

When your students are done, have them share their response aloud with the rest of the class.