Weather

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Now

Step 1

Watch the embedded video to give your students some context behind the poem they are about to read and to give them an idea of the general sentiment at the time in which it was written. Then discuss.

Step 2

Read “Weather” by Claudia Rankine, paying particular attention to her feelings toward the tragedies and events that have unfolded during the time of the coronavirus. Then talk about the similarities between her feelings and Dave Chappelle’s.

Step 3

Before the students start writing, give them a few minutes to simply jot down all the feelings they’ve had during this trying time. Tell them to think about being quarantined, George Floyd, the protests, the political climate, etc.

Step 4

Have the students write a poem, like Claudia Rankine’s “Weather,” that touches upon their feelings about this time of unrest.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses if they feel comfortable enough to do so.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Diction

Step 1

If your students are not familiar with the concept of “diction,” then go through the introductory lesson.

Step 2

Watch the following video to give them some context behind the poem they are about to read and to give them an idea of the general sentiment at the time in which it was written.

Step 3

Read “Weather” by Claudia Rankine, paying particular attention to her feelings toward the tragedies and events that have unfolded during the time of the coronavirus. Then discuss the diction she uses to capture those feelings.

Step 4

Have the students analyze the diction of the piece, particularly the way in which she utilizes specific words to convey multiple meanings. Students may work in the following document. Directions are provided at the top of the page.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses aloud. Then, if time permits, share the exemplar essay.