Grade 8
Language Arts
Listening and Speaking
Standard 2

SPEAKING APPLICATIONS.
(GENRES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS)


 
Resources
Lesson Plans
Assessments
pg. 252-253 Oral Interpretation  Elements of Literature Second Course.  See text for poetry selections.  Use Library and Internet.
1.) In preparation for the lesson, work individually with one student to teach the essential components of the dramatic interpretation. On the lesson day, have that student to recite the prepared poem. The "model" student reads the entire poem first without interruptions, then a second time with interruptions to point out inflection, volume, tone, eye contact, gestures, and the use of props. Then, give students practice time in small groups with their self-selected poems. On their appointed days, students present their poem recitation and submit their completed Poem Recitation Sheet. Poem Recitation Sheet:

Title of Poem:________

Author :_____________

Number of lines:______

Why I chose to Recite this Poem: ________________

Check the appropriate boxes:

  • I obtained my teacher's permission to recite this poem
  • I provided a copy of the poem to my teacher prior to reciting it.
  • I made a transparency of the poem to display while I recite the poem.
  • I practiced the poem as many times as necessary to

    •  

     

    - Interpret its meaning clearly 

    - Include inflection in my interpretation

    - Assure a comfortable volume

    - Manifest a specific tone

    - Improve my gestures 

    - Utilize my props effectively

    1.) As students work in pairs, have them use this list to assess their presentation:
  • interpreted its meaning clearly
  • included inflection in the interpretation
  • assured a comfortable tone
  • manifested a specific tone
  • improved gestures
  • utilized my props effectively

    • Have students evaluate each other by checking the appropriate number in each of the previous categories to reflect the degree of excellence. Use this range: 

    5 - superb

    4 - strong

    3 - adequate

    2 - inadequate

    1 - no attempt to dramatize 

    Have students discuss their ratings prior to giving the dramatic reading an appropriate score.