Weapons

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Weapons

Step 1

Ask your students, “What is the current state of affairs in your school? Why are things the way that they are?” Then discuss.

Step 2

Watch Denice Frohman’s performance of her poem “Weapons.” When you’re done, briefly discuss the speaker’s thoughts and feelings toward the state of affairs in the school she visited. What problems did she see?

Step 3

Say, “Try to come up with as many “issues” as you can that pertain to your school system. The list does not need to be exhaustive, but should serve as a starting point for your own poem.” Then give your students time to brainstorm.

Step 4

Ask your students to compose a poem similar in sentiment to “Weapons” by Denice Frohman in which they convey their attitude toward the current state of affairs in their school and/or school system.

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: Selection of Detail

Step 1

If your students are not familiar with the concept of “selection of detail,” go through the brief introductory lesson.

Step 2

Watch the following news segment. Then ask your students about the possible ramifications of such measures.

Step 3

Read “Weapons” by Denice Frohman. As you’re reading, ask your students to identify some of the policies or procedures in place that, in the speaker’s opinion, emotionally and academically harm students.

Step 4

Ask your students to open the following document and go over the instructions with them. In this assignment, your students will go through the piece and identify the details that reveal the speaker’s thoughts about the current state of affairs in many of America’s school systems. Then give your students time to work.

Step 5

When your students are done, have them share their responses with one another, particularly the last section of the assignment that asks them to discuss the impact of the juxtaposing details of the piece.

Step 6

If time permits, share the exemplar essay.