Tracy K. Smith's erasure poem "Declaration" challenges scholars to use their noticing skills to make connections between an engraving entitled "The Declaration of Independence" and Smith's poem. Class members record observations and questions about the works and then use these lists in a full-class discussion.

Concepts

observational skills, making observations, black history month, poetry, african american history, the declaration of independence

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Instructional Ideas

• After the lesson, post the poem next to a highlighted copy of The Preamble of the Declaration of Independence
• Save the big reveal that the poem is an erasure poem until after class members have shared their observations

Classroom Considerations

Pros

• Includes discussion questions to guide pupils' examination of the engraving and the poem
• An extension activity for grades 7-8 and another for grades 9-12 are also included

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.9-10.1 RL.9-10.2 RL.9-10.4 RL.9-10.5 RL.11-12.1 RL.11-12.2 RL.11-12.4 RL.11-12.5