**Lesson Plan: Reading and Content Analysis of African Poetry: "Black Woman" by Leopold Sedar Senghor**
**Grade Level:** Senior Secondary 1
**Subject:** Literature in English
**Duration:** 90 minutes
**Topic:** Reading and Content Analysis of African Poetry: “Black Woman” by Leopold Sedar Senghor
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### Objectives:
1. **Knowledge Objectives:**
- Students will gain familiarity with the poet Leopold Sedar Senghor and understand his contributions to literature.
- Students will understand the historical and cultural context of the poem "Black Woman."
2. **Skills Objectives:**
- Students will be able to identify and analyze key themes, symbols, and literary devices in the poem.
- Students will develop their interpretive reading skills and critical thinking.
3. **Attitude Objectives:**
- Students will appreciate the richness of African poetry and its relevance to contemporary society.
- Students will engage in respectful discussion and collaboration during group activities.
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### Materials Needed:
- Copies of the poem "Black Woman" by Leopold Sedar Senghor
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector or smartboard (optional)
- Notebook and pens for students
- Handouts with background information on Leopold Sedar Senghor
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### Lesson Procedures:
#### Introduction (15 minutes):
1. **Greeting and Roll Call:**
- Start by greeting the students and taking attendance.
2. **Set Induction:**
- Show a brief video or presentation about Leopold Sedar Senghor, highlighting his background, his role as a prominent African poet, and his contribution to the Negritude movement.
3. **Objective Sharing:**
- Explain the objectives of the lesson. Emphasize that students will read, analyze, and understand the poem "Black Woman."
#### Development (50 minutes):
4. **Reading the Poem:**
- Distribute copies of the poem "Black Woman" to each student.
- Read the poem aloud to the class, encouraging students to follow along.
- Ask for volunteer students to read the poem aloud again to ensure different voices and interpretations are heard.
5. **Discussion of Initial Impressions:**
- Initiate a class discussion about the students' initial impressions of the poem. Questions could include:
- What are your first thoughts about the poem?
- How does the poem make you feel?
- Are there any words or phrases that stand out to you?
6. **Historical and Cultural Context:**
- Provide students with handouts detailing the historical and cultural context of the poem.
- Explain key elements of the Negritude movement and how Senghor's work fits into this context.
- Discuss the significance of the poem being written in both French and English translations.
7. **Content Analysis:**
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a stanza or section of the poem to analyze.
- Ask groups to identify:
- Key themes (e.g., beauty, strength, cultural pride)
- Literary devices (e.g., imagery, metaphor, symbolism)
- The meaning of specific lines or phrases
- Groups should summarize their findings and prepare to share with the class.
#### Presentation and Review (20 minutes):
8. **Group Presentations:**
- Have each group present their analysis to the class.
- Encourage questions and discussion from the rest of the students after each presentation.
- Summarize key points from each group’s analysis, highlighting common themes and unique insights.
9. **Class Discussion:**
- Facilitate a broader class discussion about the overall themes and messages of the poem.
- Guide students to consider how the poem relates to modern-day issues and their own experiences.
#### Conclusion (5 minutes):
10. **Review of Key Points:**
- Recap the main ideas discussed during the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding literature in its cultural context.
11. **Home Assignment:**
- Assign students to write a personal reflection or a short essay on what the poem "Black Woman" means to them and how it relates to their understanding of African heritage and identity.
12. **Closing:**
- Thank the students for their participation and remind them of the next class topic.
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### Assessment:
- **Formative Assessment:**
- Observe and take notes on student participation during discussions and group activities.
- Collect and review students' group analysis notes.
- **Summative Assessment:**
- Evaluate the written personal reflections or essays for understanding and interpretation of the poem's themes and literary devices.
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### Differentiation:
- **For Students Needing Additional Support:**
- Provide simplified summaries or translations of complex terms.
- Pair them with stronger students during group activities for peer support.
- **For Advanced Students:**
- Encourage deeper exploration of the Negritude movement and its impact on African literature.
- Suggest additional reading on Leopold Sedar Senghor or related poets.
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**Note:** Adapt timing and activities as needed based on class progress and engagement levels.