1. Gettysburg Found Poem
Using the words from Lincoln’s speech, create your own found poem that communicates the theme or main idea of the speech.
Follow the directions below to complete the activity.
You will create a found poem the communicates either the main idea or theme of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
Carefully re-read the speech and identify the theme or main idea; identify details, words and phrases that you find particularly powerful, moving, or interesting.
Read the assignment rubric to be sure you understand what is expected of you in the task.
On the iPad, open Word Mover.
Choose “Create New User” or choose your username.
Click “Create New Found Poetry.”
Under “Famous Works,” click Gettysburg Address.
Using the word bank, compose your found poem by clicking and dragging your words; use “Add a Word” to add punctuation or words from the text that are not supplied.
Once you have a rough outline, begin to edit. Think about the details and diction of the original text and evaluate how effectively you are sharing that message in your poem.
Decide on the placement of words, line breaks, and if your poem is to be formatted in one or more stanzas.
When you’re close to an edited down version, if you absolutely need to add a word or two to make the poem flow more smoothly, to make sense, to make a point, you may add up to two words of your own. That’s two (2) and only two!
Edit your poem one more time.
Name your poem.
Click “Share It!” and send your poem to the printer.
This task uses:
Common Core/NG Standard(s): RI.8.2 Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas W.8.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
TEACHER NOTES:
Teacher’s name/ Amy Endris
School: Molo Middle
Grade Level/Subject: ELA 8
Task Card Level: 3
Special Directions/Considerations:
Activity Evaluation: Rubric is Slide 2
Prerequisites for students: Be familiar with story Text being used (from Holt): Gettysburg Address

2. Gettysburg Found Poems Rubric
CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Communication of the theme or main idea
The entire poem communicates the theme or main idea of the speech.
Most of the poem is related to the main idea or theme of the speech.
Some of the poem is related to the main idea or theme of the speech.
No attempt has been made to relate the poem to the main idea or theme of the speech.
Use of Details
The poem uses effective details from the original prose passage that go beyond the obvious or predictable.
The poem uses effective details from the original prose passage.
The poem uses obvious or predictable details from the original prose passage.
The poem does not use details from the original prose passage.
Logical Progression or Sequence
The poem is presented in a logical sequence.
The poem is presented in a logical sequence, but includes 1–2 items out of order.
The poem is presented in a logical sequence, but includes 3–4 items out of order.
The poem is presented out of sequence or with an unclear order.
Clear,
Consistent
Tone
The poem maintains a consistent tone that clearly and effectively communicates Lincoln’s attitude.
The poem maintains a consistent tone that usually communicates Lincoln’s attitude.
The poem maintains a consistent tone but does not effectively
communicate
Lincoln’s attitude.
The poem does not maintain a consistent or clear tone.
Gettysburg Found Poems Rubric