math+lesson

1. Objectives a. Student will be able to analyze the number of syllables in different poems for meaning.

2. Procedure for Students a. Break into groups. Each group gets a poem: haiku, free form poem, or sonnet, and a large sheet of graphing paper. b. Each group counts the syllables in each line of the poem. c. Plot the number of syllables on the big piece of paper, one for each line. d. Each group presents their graph. e. Take notes on graphs, discuss the patterns.

3. Procedure for Teacher a. Before 1. Prepare poem handouts, even numbers of each variety. b. During 1. Break students into groups. Give each group a poem: haiku, free form, or sonnet, and a large piece of graphing paper. 2. Have each group count the syllables in each line of their poem. 3. Have each group plot the number of syllables on the big piece of paper, one for each line. Circle the room, offer assistance where needed. 4. Have each group present their graph to the class. 5. Make sure students take notes on the graphs while the class discusses the patterns found. Lead conversation about why each type of poem has a different number of syllables. c. After 1. Display syllable graphs on classroom walls.

4. Materials a. pieces of large graphing paper b. copies of poems c. markers 5. Accommodations a. Form groups heterogeneously to assist struggling students with stronger ones. b. Model good note taking skills during discussion time to help scaffold struggling students.