There Are Birds Here

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title:

Step 1

Ask your students, “What is the most misunderstood “thing”? Why does it receive so much unwarranted hate?”

Step 2

Read “There Are Birds Here” by Jamaal May. When you’re done, briefly discuss the poem and the speaker’s tone and attitude toward the city of Detroit.

Step 3

Say, “Focus on a “thing,” i.e. a person, a place, an event, a tradition, etc. that is misunderstood to many. Then develop a list of the things people say about it. When you’re done compiling that list, provide a counterpoint to each of those complaints.” Then give your students time to brainstorm.

Step 4

Ask your students to compose a poem similar in sentiment to “There Are Birds Here” in which they provide a “rebuttal” or a counterpoint to people’s misconceptions or misunderstandings of something they appreciate.

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 simply asking your students, “What is a poem?” Hold a brief conversation with them. What makes a piece of writing a “poem”?

Step 3

If they haven’t already addressed it in their discussion, ask your students about the specific elements that distinguish a poem from other forms of writing. Briefly discuss.

Step 4

Show your students the following video to give them some context to the poem. When it’s done, ask them to share what they think people outside of Detroit may feel about the city? What is its reputation? Then ask them about what people inside of Detroit may feel about it? What’s the difference in perspective?

Step 5

Ask your students to open the following document and go over the instructions with them. In this assignment, your students are going to examine two different pieces of writing – both on the same subject – and identify/discuss the elements that differentiate the prose piece from the poem. Once you’ve gone over the instructions, give your students time to work.

Step 6

When your students are done, discuss their observations. How did the differences between the two make one a “poem”?

Step 7

Finally, show your students the following video with about 10 minutes left of class.

*This lesson is part of a larger poetry unit, an “Introduction to Poetry.” To access the full unit, click on the following link.