A free write, an image of magnolia leaves, and the Ed Roberson's poem "Once the Magnolia has Blossomed" ask scholars to use their noticing skills to reflect on the lesson beauty teaches about loss and grief.

Concepts

poetry, poetry analysis, making observations, observational skills, close reading, personification, grief, compare and contrast

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Instructional Ideas

• Project or post images of magnolia trees and blossoms
• Post a list of counseling services available on campus and in the community
• Conduct the lesson in April—National Poetry Month

Classroom Considerations

• The lesson is about grief; closely observe and report class members who appear to be struggling
• Includes a link to suggestions for how to adapt the lesson for remote or blended learning
• Another link provides background information on the approach used in the lesson
• Requires a projection device for the photograph and copies of the poem

Pros

• The noticing approached used in the lesson builds readerss confidence in their ability to analyze poetry
• Offers extension activities for grades 7-8 and for grades 9-12

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.11-12.10a RL.11-12.10b