Sequence of Activities

Free Write or Warm Up Discussion (5 minutes)

Ask students to answer the following questions individually in free writes, in groups, or as a class.

• Have you ever heard “ignorance is bliss” or “blissfully unaware”? What do you think these phrases mean? Are there any drawbacks to ignorance and unawareness?
• Is there anything in life you want to face? This could be fears as well as your deepest desires.

Literary Model (5 minutes)

“truth” by Gwendolyn Brooks

Ask students to first read the poem quietly in their heads, then ask students to read the poem popcorn style.

Discussion (15 minutes)

As much as possible, I get the class to lead the discussion, but below are some talking points and comprehension benchmarks you might want them to hit:

• In this poem, what does the sun symbolize? What about shade and the “dear thick shelter”?
• What do you think the people Brooks’ talks about in this poem are praying for? Why might they flee once their prayers have been answered?
• Now think about your own experience. Why might staying in the shade, though oppressive, feel safer? Why might moving toward the sun be scary but worth it?

Prompt (15 minutes)

Depending on the direction of the conversation, below are possible prompts. You can also give students the option to choose their favorite.

• Imagine yourself in the scene this poet depicts–you wake one morning to fierce hammering on the door. It is the thing you’ve always wanted. Do you open the door? Do you face your wish-come-true? Why or why not? Tell me what happens next.
• Write a letter to someone you care deeply about and tell them why they should move out of the shade and into the sunshine–acknowledging why it might be scary, but ultimately worth it.

Share (5 minutes)

Ask students to share!