7th Grade Elagse7rl4 Lesson Plan Example

Topic: Figurative and Connotative Meanings

Objectives & Outcomes

• Given a particular word or phrase, determine its figurative or connotative meaning.
• Analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.

Materials

• Poem or story with rhymes or other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration)
• Pen and paper for each student

Warm-Up

• Begin the lesson by asking students to think of a favorite poem and share it with the class. Ask them to explain why they like the poem and what they like about the rhymes or other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) used in it.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of figurative language and explain that it is language that is not meant to be taken literally but rather is used to create imagery and convey feelings and ideas.
• Provide examples of figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, and have students provide examples of their own.
• Introduce the concept of connotative meaning and explain that it is the implied meaning or feeling behind a word or phrase, which may be different than its literal meaning.
• Provide examples of connotative meanings and have students provide examples of their own.
• Explain how rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) can help create a specific mood or tone in a poem or section of a story or drama.

Guided Practice

• Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a poem, story, or section of a drama with figurative language and connotative meanings.
• Have students work together to identify the figurative language and connotative meanings in the text and explain how they are used to create a specific mood or tone.
• Have each group share their findings with the class.
• Provide examples of different moods or tones that can be created through the use of figurative language and connotative meanings. Have students provide examples of their own.

Independent Practice

• Provide students with a selection of poems, stories, or drama excerpts with figurative language and connotative meanings.
• Have students choose one of the selections and create a project that illustrates the mood or tone created by the use of figurative language and connotative meanings.
• Project options could include creating a collage or mural using imagery and language from the text, writing a short poem or story incorporating figurative language and connotative meanings, or designing a poster that highlights the mood or tone of the text.

Closure

• As a class, review the importance of understanding figurative language and connotative meanings in literary texts and the role they play in creating specific moods and tones.
• Ask students to share their projects and discuss the effectiveness of using figurative language and connotative meanings to convey specific moods and tones.

Assessment

• Observe students during independent practice and provide feedback on their use of figurative language and connotative meanings in their projects.
• Have students complete a written assessment in which they identify figurative language and connotative meanings and explain their impact on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.