1. Topic-
The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe
 
2. Content-
Structure of a poem; plot, setting, narrator, tone.
Vocabulary: obeisance, mien, quaff the nepenthe.
How emotion is conveyed in the poem.
Symbolism in the poem, particularly raven. Lenore, Pallas and Night's Plutonian Shore.
Poetic devices: alliteration, rhyme scheme, refrain and repetitive rhyming
 
3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
1.Students will be able to read a work and identify the major parts: narrator, plot, setting, character and tone.
2. Students will be able to memorize a stanza and recite in front of the class. This would cover memorization and some public speaking.
3. Students will be able to "dig deeper" into a work and recognize symbols and emotions used in the work.
4. Students will recognize poetic devices used into his poem and be able to apply that knowledge when reading future poems.
 
4. Objectives-
At the end of this lesson the students will be able to:
1. Students will memorize a portion of the poem and recite to the class. (Memorization and Speech)
2. Students will understand the importance and significance of reading a poem out loud.
3. Students will be able to discuss the plot, setting, characters and perspectives/tone in this poem. (Basic story elements)
4. Students will be able to explain the meaning of the poem, symbolism and discuss the emotional impact of the work. (Taking it a step further)
5. Working in a cooperative, group setting to play a game based on the poem.
 
5. Materials and Aids-
Lantern
Candy
Jeopardy game tools, created by me
copies of the poem
 
6. Procedures/Methods-

A. Introduction-

Introduce the upcoming lesson several days in advance. Recite first stanza to class, have them guess what the poem is and get them thinking about who is "tapping"� at the chamber door. Distribute copies of poem with highlighted areas to memorize for recitation in a few days. Let them know this is going to be a Halloween activity packed with fun.(Learning in disguise)
- Introduce the activity Monday.
- Start by reciting the first stanza of The Raven. Don't tell them what poem it is, have them guess.
- Consider what might be at the door. (Go ahead and let them have some fun here"�)
- Pass out copies of the poem to each student, with lines highlighted on each copy. Explain that they have the week to review the poem and memorize their lines.
- Quick bio on Poe and his mysterious, creepy reputation.
- Let them know we are going to have a spooky story circle around a "campfire"� Friday where they can recite the poem. We'll discuss the poem. Afterwards they will return to their tables to play a game, complete with prizes. (Be vague with the info)

 

B. Development-

- Friday morning, have students sit in a circle on the floor around a flashlight or lantern, turn off lights, close blinds. (Creating a spooky atmosphere)
- Have them sit in order, following the poem.
- Students will recite their lines until the poem is completed. (Keep a copy handy in case someone needs a prompt)
- Have a discussion to summarize the poem. (Plot, Setting, Characters, Themes, Symbolism, some Vocabulary, poetic devices, the point of the poem, meaning of "Nevermore"�)
- Flip on the lights so they can get back to their desks safely.
 

C. Practice-

- Introduce the game and the rules. (Jeopardy type game-see attached) Candy prizes for correct answers.
- Play the game until all clues have been exhausted, unless discussion runs too long. Then play until there are only 10/15 minutes left in class.
 

Checking for understanding-

The Jeopardy game will help assess what was learned during the class discussion.
 

Closure-

Ask if there are any lingering questions about the story before dismissal.
In the last 10 minutes of class, prompt students to provide a recap of the story or ask questions. Review important aspects such as plot, setting, characters, tone and emotion.
 
7. Evaluation-
Students may receive points based on their memorization efforts. During the game, class participation efforts will be rewarded with candy.
 

This Lesson Plan is available at (www.teacherjet.com)