T.S.A.

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Again

Step 1

Have your students watch the embedded video to give them a bit of context to the poem they are about to read. Then discuss.

Step 2

Read “T.S.A.” by Amit Majmudar. Then discuss how the speaker’s sentiment in the poem reflects the general idea presented in the video they just watched.

Step 3

Have them write down a list of times when they, too, were stereotyped and treated unfairly. Then have them discuss.

Step 4

Tell your students to write a poem in which they were stereotyped because of their race, sex, etc. Make sure that they include how they felt as a result of such treatment.

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 (Rhyme Scheme)

Step 1

If your students are not familiar with the concept of a “rhyme scheme” or how it affects a poem’s meaning, review the introductory lesson.

Step 2

Have your students watch the following video to give them a bit of context to the poem they are about to read.

Step 3

Read “T.S.A.” by Amit Majmudar. Then discuss how the speaker’s sentiment in the poem reflects the general idea presented in the video they just watched.

Step 4

Have your students go through the poem and focus on how the poetic techniques – specifically the poem’s rhyme scheme – contributes to the poet’s message. The students may work in the following document. Directions are provided at the top of the page.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses. Then show them the exemplar essay.