Instructional Video

"Ode to the Only Black Kid in the Class" poem by Clint Smith

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Poet Clint Smith reads his poem "Ode to the Only Black Kid in the Class."

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Have viewers craft their own ode modeled after Smith's poem
  • Create a KWL chart for the many references in the poem and then have groups research the unfamiliar reference
  • After viewing the video and discussing the poem, show the linked video interview with Clint Smith
  • Safia Elhillo's poem "an inheritance," mentioned in the interview, is available on the internet
Classroom Considerations
  • Presumes a protocol has been established to permit a safe, respectful discussion of sensitive topics
  • Part of the TEDEd "There's a Poem for That" series
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • The reading is accompanied by an animation that illustrates the concepts in the poem
Cons
  • None
Common Core