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Finding Your Voice

Lesson Plan

Voice Through Poetry Plan

Students will explore self-expression and identity by connecting themes from Dead Poets Society to their personal experiences through poetry and discussion.

This lesson empowers students to find their individual voice and express their unique identity, while linking powerful film narratives to real-world self-discovery.

Audience

10th Grade Group

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion with creative writing exercises.

Materials

Voice Through Poetry Plan, Expressive Poetry Slide Deck, and Themes Of Identity Discussion

Prep

Preparation and Review

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Hook

5 minutes

  • Introduce the film Dead Poets Society and highlight its themes of individuality and self-expression
  • Present a brief clip or image from the film to spark interest
  • Ask students what 'finding your voice' means to them

Step 2

Exploration of Themes

10 minutes

  • Utilize slides from the Expressive Poetry Slide Deck to discuss key themes from the film
  • Encourage students to jot down quick thoughts on what these themes mean in a personal context

Step 3

Small Group Discussion

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (Tier 2 support) to discuss the prompt: 'How does poetry help in expressing personal identity?'
  • Use guiding questions from the Themes Of Identity Discussion material to facilitate conversation

Step 4

Personal Poetry Writing

10 minutes

  • Ask students to write a short piece of poetry that conveys a facet of their identity or personal story
  • Remind them to reflect on the film’s encouragement to embrace individuality

Step 5

Sharing and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Invite a few volunteers to share their poems with the class
  • Facilitate a brief reflection on the process of using poetry as a self-expression tool
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Slide Deck

Expressive Poetry: Finding Your Voice

Welcome! Today we explore how poetry allows you to express your identity and personal story, inspired by Dead Poets Society.

This slide introduces the session. Use this slide to welcome students and set the tone for an exploration of self-expression with poetry inspired by Dead Poets Society.

Introduction to Dead Poets Society

• Discuss individuality and self-expression
• Show a brief clip/image to hook interest
• Ask: What does 'finding your voice' mean to you?

This slide provides some context on Dead Poets Society. Highlight key themes of individuality and self-expression. Ideally, you'll show a short clip or an image from the film to stimulate discussion.

Exploration of Themes

• Reflect on core themes from the film
• What themes resonate with your personal story?
• Write a quick note on your reflections

Discuss the main themes presented in the film and tie it to personal experience. Ask students to scribble or jot down their initial interpretations.

Small Group Discussion

Prompt: 'How does poetry help in expressing personal identity?'
• Use guiding questions from the Themes of Identity Discussion material
• Share insights within your group

This slide introduces the group discussion. Remind students of the prompt and offer support questions drawn from the provided discussion material.

Personal Poetry Writing

• Write a short piece of poetry about an aspect of your identity or a personal story
• Reflect on how the film inspires your individuality

Instruct students to engage in a short creative writing exercise. Emphasize freedom of expression and authenticity.

Sharing and Reflection

• Share your poem with the class (voluntary)
• Reflect on the role of poetry in personal expression
• What did you learn about yourself?

Encourage volunteers to share their work and lead a reflection discussion. Help students understand the process and value of self-expression.

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Discussion

Themes of Identity Discussion

This discussion guide is designed to support your exploration of identity, self-expression, and the key themes presented in Dead Poets Society. Use the following questions and prompts as a basis for conversation in your small groups. Feel free to dive deeper or share personal reflections as applicable.

Discussion Guidelines

  • Share Respectfully: Listen to your peers and allow each person a chance to speak.
  • Be Curious: Ask follow-up questions if something interests you or if you need clarification.
  • Connect Personally: Consider how the themes discussed relate to your own life experiences.
  • Stay Open: There are no right or wrong answers—all perspectives are welcome.

Discussion Prompts

1. Identity and Self-Expression

  • What does identity mean to you? In your view, how is identity portrayed in Dead Poets Society?
  • Have you ever felt pressured to conform to certain expectations? How does self-expression help you combat that pressure?



2. The Role of Poetry

  • In what ways can poetry act as a form of self-expression? What emotions or ideas can poetry uniquely convey?
  • Think of a moment when writing or reading poetry helped you process your feelings. Would you be willing to share your experience?



3. Personal Storytelling

  • Can you relate a personal experience where you felt that sharing your story (or your art, writing, etc.) helped define or clarify who you are?
  • How do you think using art or poetry might influence the way others see you?



4. Overcoming Barriers

  • What barriers do you think prevent people from expressing their true selves?
  • How does the film encourage overcoming these barriers, and do you see parallels in your everyday life?



5. Embracing Individuality

  • Dead Poets Society often emphasizes the importance of ‘finding your voice.’ What does this phrase mean to you?
  • How can each of us work towards embracing our individuality in environments that might favor conformity?



Follow-Up Points

  • Reflect on Challenges: Discuss any challenges you’ve faced when trying to be true to yourself, and explore strategies to overcome them.
  • Explore the Impact: Consider how self-expression not only benefits individual identity but can also influence your community and the broader society.
  • Connect with the Film: How do the narrative and characters in Dead Poets Society inspire you to express your own uniqueness?













Feel free to refer back to your notes from the Voice Through Poetry Plan and the Expressive Poetry Slide Deck if you need a refresher during your discussions.

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