T.S.A.
by Amit Majmudar
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.
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.
Essay Materials
Lesson Details
Lesson Info
Focus
- Structure (Rhyme Scheme)
Themes
- Police Brutality / Profiling
- Race / Ethnicity / Racism
Literary Tags
- Diction
- Selection of Detail
- Structure (Rhyme Scheme)