# Lesson Plan: Reading and Content Analysis of African Poetry - "The Dining Table" by Elvan Gbanabon Hallowel
**Grade:** Senior Secondary 2
**Subject:** Literature in English
**Duration:** 80 minutes
**Lesson Topic:** Reading and Content Analysis of African Poetry - "The Dining Table" by Elvan Gbanabon Hallowel
## Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Read and comprehend the poem "The Dining Table" by Elvan Gbanabon Hallowel.
2. Identify and analyze the themes, literary devices, and structure used in the poem.
3. Discuss the cultural and societal implications of the poem.
4. Write a short critical analysis of the poem.
## Materials
- Copies of the poem "The Dining Table" by Elvan Gbanabon Hallowel
- Whiteboard/Chalkboard and markers/chalk
- Projector (if available)
- Handouts with guiding questions for analysis
- Notebooks and pens
## Lesson Sequence
### Introduction (10 minutes)
1. **Greeting and Attendance:**
- Take attendance and greet the students.
2. **Motivational Opening:**
- Ask the students what they think the title "The Dining Table" implies about the poem.
- Briefly introduce Elvan Gbanabon Hallowel and provide some context about African poetry and its significance.
### Reading the Poem (15 minutes)
1. **First Read-Through:**
- Distribute copies of the poem to the students.
- Have the students read the poem silently to themselves.
- Next, play an audio recording or read the poem aloud to the class, focusing on pronunciation and tone.
2. **Second Read-Through:**
- Ask for volunteers to read the poem aloud, stanza by stanza.
- Encourage students to pay attention to the rhythm, repetition, and any unfamiliar words.
### Content Analysis (30 minutes)
1. **Guided Discussion:**
- Lead a discussion with guiding questions:
- What are the central themes of the poem?
- What imagery and symbols does the poet use?
- How does the poem's structure contribute to its meaning?
- What literary devices are present (e.g., metaphor, simile, alliteration)?
- What cultural or societal issues does the poem address?
2. **Small Group Work:**
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific aspect of the poem to analyze (themes, literary devices, structure, cultural context).
- Provide handouts with specific questions related to each aspect.
- Allow 15 minutes for discussion within groups.
3. **Group Presentations:**
- Have each group present their findings to the class.
- Facilitate a brief discussion after each presentation to highlight key points.
### Critical Analysis Writing (20 minutes)
1. **Writing Assignment:**
- Ask students to write a short critical analysis of "The Dining Table," focusing on their interpretation of the poem's themes and the effectiveness of its literary devices.
- Provide a structure for the analysis (introduction, main body, conclusion).
- Circulate around the classroom to assist and provide feedback as needed.
### Conclusion (5 minutes)
1. **Summarize Key Points:**
- Review the main themes, literary devices, and cultural context discussed in the lesson.
- Emphasize the importance of understanding African poetry as a reflection of cultural and societal values.
2. **Homework Assignment:**
- Assign students to find another African poem that discusses societal issues and write a brief comparison between that poem and "The Dining Table."
- Ask students to prepare to share their comparisons in the next class.
3. **Closing:**
- Thank the students for their participation and remind them of the homework.
- Dismiss the class.
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### Notes for the Teacher
- Be prepared to provide additional context or definitions for complex terms and concepts.
- Encourage open discussion and respect for different interpretations of the poem.
- Use multimedia resources (audio, video) to engage students and enhance their understanding of the poem.