Exploring Poetry: Psalms and Hymns

Madison O'Dell

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Exploring Poetry: Psalms and Hymns

Analyze poetic devices and themes

This lesson introduces students to the beauty of poetry through the Psalms and Christian hymns. Students will explore poetic devices and themes, enhancing their understanding of how these elements contribute to the overall message and emotional impact of the poems. By the end of the lesson, students will apply their learning by writing their own psalm or hymn, fostering creativity and personal expression.

Audience

7th-9th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Analyze poetic devices and themes

Materials

Printed copies of Psalm 23, Printed copies of the hymn 'Amazing Grace', Worksheet: Analyzing Poetic Devices, Discussion Questions: Themes in Psalms and Hymns, and Writing materials (paper, pens)

Step 1

Introduction to Poetry

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what poetry is and its significance in literature and culture.
Introduce Psalm 23 and the hymn 'Amazing Grace' as forms of poetry that convey deep emotions and spiritual themes.
Explain the objective of the lesson: to analyze poetic devices and themes in these works.

Step 2

Analyzing Poetic Devices

15 mins

Distribute printed copies of Psalm 23 and 'Amazing Grace'.
Guide students through identifying poetic devices such as metaphor, simile, imagery, and rhyme.
Use the worksheet to help students document their findings and thoughts.

Step 3

Discussion on Themes

15 mins

Facilitate a discussion using the provided questions to explore common themes in Psalm 23 and 'Amazing Grace', such as faith, hope, and love.
Encourage students to share their interpretations and how these themes resonate with them personally.

Step 4

Writing Activity

15 mins

Instruct students to write their own psalm or hymn, using the poetic devices and themes discussed.
Encourage creativity and personal expression, allowing students to draw from their own experiences and beliefs.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Invite a few students to share their written pieces with the class.
Summarize the key points of the lesson and reflect on the importance of poetry in expressing emotions and beliefs.

Worksheet

Analyzing Poetic Devices

This worksheet helps students identify and analyze poetic devices in Psalm 23 and the hymn 'Amazing Grace'.

Identify a metaphor in Psalm 23 and explain its meaning.

Look for comparisons that do not use 'like' or 'as'.

Find an example of imagery in 'Amazing Grace' and describe the image it creates.

Imagery involves descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

What rhyme scheme is used in 'Amazing Grace'?

Look at the end sounds of each line to determine the pattern.

Discussion

Themes in Psalms and Hymns

This discussion explores the themes present in Psalm 23 and 'Amazing Grace', encouraging students to connect these themes to their own experiences.

What themes are most prominent in Psalm 23?

Encourage students to think about recurring ideas or messages.

How do the themes in 'Amazing Grace' relate to modern life?

Discuss how timeless themes can still be relevant today.

Why do you think these themes are important in Christian poetry?

Consider the role of faith and spirituality in shaping these themes.