1. Learning Objectives Theme Time Poetry 17 Date:
To examine themes and sonnets.
To examine the use of quotes and exaggeration.

2. In your exercise copy, answer the following questions.

3. Warm-up – getting in the mood.
For the warm-up, write the following questions and your answers into your exercise copy. (10 minutes)
What feelings do you associate with dragons and monsters? (Two to three words)
How would you describe where a monster lives?
What if your teacher was a dragon?

4. Notes
Exaggeration: Making something sound better or worse than it really is.
“Quote”: To repeat someone for the purpose of showing their view.
Sonnet: A fourteen line poem with eight lines posing a question and six lines answering it.
(Sonnets are great for looking at themes – Problems and answers)
(What is a theme?)

5. The Dragon’s lair
On my first day of school, I walked into the Dragon’s lair, I was asked my name and I told her Claire, We sat at tables and were given work, But still I felt that Dragon lurk, Someone asked a question, I heard a gasp, The room got hot, I felt a blast, Of red hot flame above my head, “We‟ll soon be dead!” someone said. “I want my mummy!” was the cry, “If we stay here we’ll surely die!” But then she sent us out to play, And said, “Come back another day!” You must be joking Dragon dear! I’ll never ever return here!

6. Exercise Two – Examining the poem.
You can find and talk about the theme (the subject) in a number of places like the title, the images, the techniques or how the poem makes you feel. These questions will help you discuss the theme. Write down the questions, then the answers. “Reference” the poem in your answers.
Did you like the name of the poem and why?
What image does the poet use to create the teacher/dragon metaphor?
Is the poet/student exaggerating?
Do you like this poem and why?
(Link everything back to what the idea of the poem is and WHY!)

7. Homework List three problems a student could have in school.
The next day in class, we are going to create sonnets exaggerating some aspects of school. Complete the following tasks for homework.
List three problems a student could have in school.
List one solution to each problem.
Exaggerate one of the problems using magic, science fiction or powerful images.

8. Part 2

9. Learning Objectives Poetry 18 Date: School Sonnets
To examine another sonnet.
To examine the theme of school.
To create a sonnet.

10. Brainstorm Warm-up - In your exercise copy, write down:
Any answer you did not write yourself already. This will help you later.
3 problems solutions
No need to write each other’s exaggeration

11. Notes
Stanzas have names depending on how many lines are in them. Starting at two, they go: couplet, tercet, quatrain, cinquain, sestet, septet, octave and so on.
A sonnet is usually an octave and a sestet.
(Interesting fact: many of these come from French or Italian words)
(Remember Me to stress Personification)

12. School work
It’s hard to think of all my work at school When all I want to do is go and play. But teacher has one simple little rule: “Today’s work must be done, and done today!” So back to adding numbers goes my hand, My mind, however, wanders for a bit. I think of all the games my friends have planned. I wonder how much longer I can sit.
I try to focus like I know I should On math or reading what was it again? If I could finish quickly then I would. Is three from twelve the same as two from ten? It’s hard to tell my brain to get it done Because my feet keep telling me to run!

13. Exercise One – Examining the theme.
Last time, you were given four questions about a title, image, technique and your feelings to aid you talking about the theme; the purpose of the poem. Now, your task is to do the same with NO new questions.
Discuss the theme of this poem. (15 lines minimum)
(Can anyone remember what the definition of theme was?)

14. Homework – Create a sonnet.
Remember – 14 lines, question/problem and answer/solution. Try and think about your title, images, techniques and .... if you can make each other feel things, that would be cool.