Sequence of activities

Discussion (10 minutes)
We are going to write poems using inferences from our favorite songs. Before we get into the writing prompt: What does it mean to use inferences?

• Using inferences is figuring out something the author does not specifically tell you and/or “reading between the lines.”
• Using clues and your own knowledge to understand what it not being said.
• You can use this YouTube link as an example for understanding inferences: https://youtu.be/0LA21vyf_GE (additional 4 minutes if using video)

Writing prompt introduction (10 minutes)
Use song lyrics of your choice to discuss inferences with students:

• “Every Rose Has Its Thorn“ by Poison
  • What does this mean?
  • I infer it may mean that even beautiful things are not perfect.
• “ Good things may come to those who wait, not too late”
  • What does this mean?
  • I infer it means be patient, but ready to seize an opportunity.

Writing prompt brainstorm (5 minutes)

• Write down the lyrics to your favorite song.
• List five things you infer about the meaning of the lyric you chose.
• Circle three of the inferences on your list that you feel are the most interesting.

You can use YouTube link of Grover Washington Jr.’s “Just The Two of Us” as an example. (Additional 5 minutes if using video)

Writing prompt (35 minutes)

On fresh paper let’s begin to form a poem:

1.    Write down the song lyric you chose
2.    In a new stanza, write one of the three inferences you circled

Example :  “Good things might come to those who wait, Not too late / Time is fragile “

3.    In a new stanza: Re-write the lyric
4.    In a new stanza: Write one of the three inferences you circled
5.    In a new stanza: Re-write the lyric
6.    In a new stanza: Write one of the three inferences you circled
7.    In a new stanza: Re-write the lyric
8.    Imagine you wrote the song. How would you write the next part of the lyric? Place it in the 8th stanza

Example:  “Good things might come to those who wait, Not too late / Waiting without preparation is like stealing your faith.”

9.    In a new stanza: re-write the lyric
10.    List how the lyric makes you feel
11.    Repeat the lyric
12.    Re-read your poem and select a name for your poem
13.    Share your poem with a loved one or friend

Example of complete poem:

Good things might come to those who wait not too late
Time is fragile
Good things might come to those who wait not too late
Be patient but ready to seize the moment
Good things might come to those who wait not too late
Time waits for everyone and no one all at once
Yet waiting without preparation it’s like selling your fate
Good things might come to those who wait not too late
Panic
Confusion
Peace
Acceptance
Good things might come to those who wait not too late