Selected Poems of Joy Harjo - Music Center

Step-by-Step Sequence of Learning – use these cognitive processes: experience, inquiry, creation, performance, reflection, and assessment
Model Lesson One / Puppetry Arts: Introduction to the Anchor Work – Create a Storyboard
Pre-lesson coaching:
Show maps of the Native American tribes and note the numbers of different cultures and languages among who are now known as Native Americans.
Review social studies content appropriate to grade level.
Share ideas from the hand-out about Medicine Shields, including the concepts of the four directions, the circle as symbolizing unity and connection, and
the idea of “all my relations” – that people are connected to each other and to the natural world.
ASSESS PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
What does remember mean?
o “Think about a time when you were outdoors in Nature. What do you remember? Tell about the sounds, smells, and sights. What did you feel?
What do you think is important to become aware of in nature?
Why is it important to learn about how you are related to other people?
EXPERIENCE – Getting Smarter: Becoming Familiar with the Poem
Introduction:
The words that you will hear today are from the poem “Remember” written by Joy Harjo, contemporary poet. Joy Harjo is a renowned Native American
poet who also performs with her band Poetic Justice. In the past, there were hundreds of tribes or nations of people in North America who we now call
“Native Americans”. There are still many who live today in cities, small towns and on reservations.
Teacher/artist reads the poem. Students listen carefully to identify important themes, words and phrases.
Share images referred to in the poem.
View a demonstration of a Found Poem Shadow Play.
Ask a few questions regarding the meaning of the poem:
What can you recall from experiences you have had when you were outdoors, listening carefully to the sounds around you? What did you hear?
What did you see? How did this make you feel?
What are some of the things that the poet asks us to remember?
In what ways does the poet see people as connected to nature?
What ideas stand out for you?
Can you see pictures or images from the words or phrases that the poet has written or you have heard spoken?
Directions:
Let’s take a few minutes to read the poem out loud.
We’ll start in this row – each person reads a line and then the next person takes a turn. Please read loudly and clearly so that everyone can hear you.
Are there any words or terms that are unfamiliar?
Now, everyone, look at your own copy of the poem and identify (circle) any unfamiliar words or phrases.
Music Center Anchor Work Model Curriculum Unit: Selected Poems of Joy Harjo.
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