How can poetry give us meaning? Examine poetry in the novel In the Wild Light.

Summary

In this engaging session, Mrs. Bars, a library media specialist at Trinity, guides students through exploring poetry and identity using Jeff Zentner’s novel *In the Wildlight*. Through discussion and literary analysis, students examine how the protagonist, Cash, discovers his voice and expresses emotion through poetry. The class connects these insights to personal growth, encouraging students to reflect on their own identities. They create one-line poems starting with 'I am,' using metaphors, alliteration, or descriptive words, culminating in a collaborative display. The session blends creativity, self-expression, and literary understanding, leaving students inspired to explore poetry as a means of communicating their experiences and perspectives.

Takeaways

• 📚 The session was led by Mrs. Bars, the library media specialist at Trinity, who also teaches Spanish and occasionally English.
• 🖊️ Students were introduced to poetry as a tool for self-expression and personal growth.
• 🎭 Poetry was described as a form of expression, perspective, emotion, and storytelling.
• 🎶 Experiencing poetry can include reading, writing, listening to, or performing music.
• 💪 Poetry has power because it can communicate individual perspectives that resonate with many people.
• 👦 The story 'In the Wildlight' by Jeff Zentner was used as an example of a character, Cash, finding his voice through poetry.
• 👧 Delaney, a character in the story, had a strong identity from the start, contrasting with Cash's journey of self-discovery.
• 🌳 Cash uses poetry to process emotions, such as grief over his grandfather, and to connect with memories and nature.
• ✍️ Students were guided to create their own one-line personal poem starting with 'I am,' using metaphors, alliteration, or descriptive words.
• 🌈 The overarching theme of the session was exploring identity and self-understanding through creative writing and poetry.
• 📝 Students were encouraged to contribute their lines to a collective display, emphasizing community and shared expression.
• 💡 Key takeaway: Poetry can help individuals define themselves, process emotions, and strengthen relationships.

Q & A

Who is leading the session in the video and what is her role?

Mrs. Bars is leading the session. She is the library media specialist at Trinity and also teaches some Spanish and potentially English classes.

What is the main focus of the session?

The session focuses on poetry, finding personal voice, and exploring identity through creative expression, using the novel 'In the Wildlight' by Jeff Zentner as a reference.

How does the character Cash from 'In the Wildlight' relate to the session’s theme?

Cash discovers his personal voice and identity through writing poetry, showing how creative expression helps in self-discovery and emotional growth.

What are some of the words students used to describe poetry?

Students described poetry as expression, perspective, emotion, and linked it to music and storytelling.

How does Mrs. Bars connect poetry to real-life experiences for students?

She explains that poetry allows for sharing perspectives, creating understanding, and communicating powerful messages, even through music or writing.

What poetic devices or techniques are highlighted from the novel?

Personification and imagery are highlighted, for example in Cash’s line 'before you had to beg the air for breath,' where inanimate air is given human qualities.

What activity are students asked to do during the session?

Students are asked to create a one-line personal poem starting with 'I am,' using words, metaphors, or alliteration to describe their identity.

What is the purpose of the 'I am' poem activity?

The purpose is to encourage self-reflection, explore personal identity, and allow students to express themselves creatively, inspired by Cash's journey in the novel.

How does the session incorporate collaboration and display?

Students write their 'I am' lines on colored paper rays with Sharpies, which are then assembled into a collaborative display for the library.

What is the overall takeaway from the session?

The session teaches that poetry is a tool for personal growth, self-expression, and communication. By engaging with literature and creating their own poems, students explore identity, emotions, and the power of words.

How is the novel used to inspire student creativity?

The novel demonstrates a character’s growth through poetry, which serves as a model for students to understand how writing can help process emotions and define their own identity.

What connection does nature imagery have in Cash's poetry?

Nature imagery in Cash's poetry reflects meaningful memories with his grandfather and symbolizes places where he continues to feel a connection with him.