As students in general do not like poetry, one excellent way to introduce them to the idea that poetry can be interesting and fun is to use poetry they are already familiar with, but might not understand the context. I am speaking of Hip Hop music, which has some amazing poets. Most older students are familiar with Tupac Shakur, who among his many accomplishments in his short life produced a book of sensitive, thoughtful poetry.
I would start the class by asking the question “Who likes poetry?” I would then get into a discussion as to why most students do not like it. Brainstorming ideas with the class, I would write these onto a chart. I would then tell them to sit back, close their eyes, and listen to a poem.
I would then read “The Rose that Grew from Concrete” by Tupac Shakur. I would ask the students if they could guess who wrote this poem. After they tried, I would tell them it was Tupac, and show them his book of poetry.
I would then play a selection of rap songs, and have a discussion with the class about the poetry contained within. Finally, I would distribute copies of “The Secret Place” and have students compare this poem to “The Rose that Grew From Concrete” using a Venn diagram.
With this lesson, students will be able to recognise that EVERY DAY they are exposed to poetry, and that some of their heroes are, in fact, poets. As well, they will have a deeper understanding of some of the conventions of poetry, and how these conventions are utilised in Hip Hop music.
