Teacher Process
1. Assign books from the poem to be read for homework. Make sure that you do not assign too much reading to be done alone because you will loose students if the homework reading is too dense. Everything that is read at home MUST be discussed in class and have a little free write on it to ensure students understanding. Then have in class reading and break down. With these methods you should go through the poem before starting the activity.
2. Split the kids into groups of four. They will be working together for a few weeks in these groups so try to engineer groups that will get along.
3. Supervise and assist in internet research during the individual research phase. Have sites that you can suggest, but do not limit students to these sites and encourage them to be creative.
4. Give supplies for the in class presentation. Poster board, paper, glue, magazines to cut pieces from, etc. Make sure that they know what is going to be expected of them and continue having in class free writes about the project so that you can monitor their progress and moods.
5. Be an active listener during the presentations and stress how important it is for all the students observing to pay attention and listen closely. This will really help the presenting group.
6. Grade on the basis of group work, cooperation, participation, and other things of this nature. Do not rate them on a basis of which character they chose.
7. Have an in class discussion about the project and then give a survey to see what the students think about it and find out what they learned from the activity.