In this lesson students use poetry to explore what it means to be an American. Over the course of two lessons students will look at multiple sources in order to understand varying perspectives about life in America and identity. A local connection is made through Augustine Cordova’s song, “Yo Soy Chicano” [“I Am Chicano”]. In the first lesson, students will read four poems and find powerful phrases that represent the perspective of the author about what it means to be an American. Students will then compare and contrast the ideas found in the poems using a graphic organizer. The second lesson will require students to create an original blended poem using the four sources to create a more inclusive definition of what it means to be American.

Created By: Jami Revielle and Anna Lever, Frederick High School