Poetry Radio

Subject Area(s):

• K-12: Language Arts
• K-12: Technology

Grade Level(s):

• 3rd-4th Grade
• 5th-6th Grade

Description:

This project will introduce students to recording in Audacity. This lesson will also expose students to poetry. Students will be read poetry and will also memorize a poem of their choice. This lesson ties directly to the Poetry Tea which goes on each year in 2nd Grade. This lesson is a blending of traditional literature and technology skills.

Materials:

• Grade appropriate poetry books/collections
• Selected poems to read aloud (e.g. Shel Silverstein)
• Computer with access to Audacity, microphones
• Copies of selected poems
• Access to Tuxpaint (http://www.tuxpaint.org/)

Procedures:

The poetry unit may be previously introduced by classroom teacher, or introduction may take place in the media center where CT and TL introduce unit together with this lesson.

May is Poetry Month, and can be an appropriate time for this unit.

Lesson 1

Direct Instruction:

• TL will introduce poetry to students by reading selected poems by Shel Silverstein (Sick, Lazy Jane, Double-Tail Dog, Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out; and The Worst).  TL and CT talk about the different kinds of poems and distinguish poetry from other types of literature students have been exposed to.  For example: poetry is made up of phrases not complete sentences, poetry is descriptive (draws a picture in your head), etc.
• TL and CT introduce available resources including poetry collections and poetry books.  TL may booktalk some of these resources in an effort to pique students’ interest in particular resources.

Independent Practice:

• Students sample available resources and choose a poem that they would like to read aloud, illustrate, and share with others.  Students report their choice to TL.

Lesson 2

This lesson should take place in a computer lab or at computer stations in the media center.

Direct Instruction

• TL explains the requirements of the project: (1) each student will record a reading of their selected poem using Audacity, and (2) they will create an illustration using Tux Paint.

Modeling and Guided Practice:

• TL models reading a poem, emphasizing voice, inflection, mood, etc.

• TL models how to create an illustration in Tux Paint.  Students may be familiar with this program before this project.   
• Individually the TL will have the students record their poem.  TL will explain the Audacity program to each student as they come to record.  (Remember to have a copy of their poems available).

Independent Practice:

• Students create an illustration for their poem while individual students are working with TL to record voice.

Lesson 3

Sharing and Reflecting:

• TL will play all poems during the following class so that each student can hear their classmates’ poems.  They can also be made available on the library website via a slideshow that utilizes the illustrations.

I Wish I had a Dragon

Standards: