I was looking for a kinesthetic activity to teach iambic pentameter to my high school freshmen and this was fantastic! They loved making up their own lines. I think this activity was a necessary precursor to Shakespeare’s sonnets and, soon, Romeo and Juliet.
There is something empowering about saying, “I am I am I am I am I am” while surrounded by your peers. I am reminded of my favorite Sylvia Plath quote: “I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.” I think most of my students will remember this activity for a long time.
Comments
Wonderful submission! I tried this in my classroom this morning and it worked incredibly well. Thank you!
Aleks — March 2, 2016
I was looking for a kinesthetic activity to teach iambic pentameter to my high school freshmen and this was fantastic! They loved making up their own lines. I think this activity was a necessary precursor to Shakespeare’s sonnets and, soon, Romeo and Juliet.
There is something empowering about saying, “I am I am I am I am I am” while surrounded by your peers. I am reminded of my favorite Sylvia Plath quote: “I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.” I think most of my students will remember this activity for a long time.
Kenda — March 7, 2016