This Is Just To Say

Starter

Think of something that you can find in the refrigerator that you would find it hard to resist. Write your ideas on a post-it note ...

Share your idea with your partner 

Keep that idea in your mind and think of others as we go along.

 William Carlos Williams

He often wrote poems that conjured an image or a feeling. A poem doesn't have to be long.  Like Japanese Haiku. 

What I would call a snapshot or a moment in time like a photograph.

 They are popular as they are short and memorable. 

Here is my favourite;

The Red Wheelbarrow

so much depends

upon

a red wheel 

barrow

glazed with rain

water

beside the white

chickens

Here is the poem that you will study.

Open your exercise books 

Copy the poem into your exercise book as I recite it. 

Check for accuracy and the use of punctuation.

This Is Just To Say

I have eaten 

the plums

that were in

the icebox

and which 

you were probably 

saving 

for breakfast

Forgive me

they were delicious

so sweet

and so cold

Task 

Imagine that you are William Carlos Williams.

Recite the poem to your partner in an American accent.  

Enunciate  ! 

Every word matters.

Questions about the purpose of the poem

Your task is to discuss the answer with a partner and prepare an answer for the class.

What is the purpose of the poem?

Who is the note for?

How do they feel about each other?

Does the poem create a picture in your mind?

Questions about the structure and style of the poem

This time I will count from 10 and cold call someone for an answer so have an answer ready

What is the structure of the poem?

What is the style of the poem?

Why does the poem have three stanzas?

How can you tell where the poet comes from?

How does the poem use consonance?

Questions about the audience for the poem

This time I will pause and pounce for an answer so be ready. I will give you a moment to discuss your answers.

What is your opinion of the poem?

Who do you think would like this poem?

Why did the poet write this poem?

Poetry on the Internet

Poetry has had a revival due to social media

This poem has become a meme on the internet

Task

In a moment you will write your own version of the poem for a 'Gen Z' audience.

Use the idea on your post it note.

Imagine that it would be shared on social media 

I will be coming round to see who has the best ideas and then we will share 

Extension Activity

Answer the questions above in your exercise books. Try and answer these in paragraphs to provide analysis of the writer's craft. 

Use your iPad to find other poems by William Carlos Williams that you like.