Craft Lesson 2

Craft Lesson 2:

Gary Soto

Soto, Gary. Canto Familiar: A Poetry Collection. Harcourt.

Discussion:

The lyrical form of poetry is such a terrific way to celebrate any culture. America is so caught up with its own lifestyle that sometimes we forget our own traditions and heritage.

How to Teach It:

Have the students read the inspiring poems of tradition, family, and culture by Soto. Then ask them to make a list of at least five different unique things about their family, heritage, and/or culture. In group workshops of four or five students they will discuss how to order, or possibly re-word these lines so to make it poetry. This will also give them a chance to learn something personal about one another, and grow closer as a team. We will then decorate the pages surrounding their poems with images or colors of their culture. To celebrate the unique and differences we will hang these all around the classroom.

Supplies:

Paper

Construction Paper

Markers

Scissors

Glue

Gary Soto’s Canto Familiar: A Poetry Collection