SDPT THEORY – HOW TO TEACH LYRIC POETRY

a) Explain how you would introduce lyric poetry to a group of students preparing for their Grade Six
examination in Speech & Drama step by step.

Introducing lyric poetry to Grade Six students in a Speech & Drama class requires a thoughtful and engaging
approach. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you might go about it:

Step 1: Define and Set Context Begin by explaining what lyric poetry is. Lyric poetry is a form of poetry that
expresses personal emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the poet. It often focuses on themes like love, beauty,
nature, and the human experience. Use relatable examples to illustrate the concept, such as song lyrics that
the students might be familiar with.

Step 2: Discuss Characteristics Highlight the key characteristics of lyric poetry. These might include brevity,
emotional intensity, use of figurative language (similes, metaphors), and the use of musical elements like
rhythm and rhyme. Mention that lyric poems are often written in the first person, which allows the reader to
connect with the emotions of the poet.

Step 3: Share Examples Select a few age-appropriate lyric poems to share with the students. Opt for pieces
that are relatively short, vivid in imagery, and easy to understand. Read these poems aloud, paying attention
to tone and emotion. Discuss the imagery and emotions expressed in the poems, encouraging students to
share their interpretations.

Step 4: Analyze a Lyric Poem Choose one of the poems you've shared and guide the students through a
simple analysis. Break down elements like rhyme scheme, rhythm, and the use of figurative language. Discuss
how these elements contribute to the overall emotional impact of the poem. Encourage students to ask
questions and share their thoughts.

Step 5: Creative Expression Engage the students in a creative activity. Provide them with a prompt related to
a particular emotion, experience, or theme. Ask them to write their own short lyric poems using the concepts
they've learned. This activity helps them apply their understanding and express their own feelings through
poetry.

Step 6: Performance Practice Since this is a Speech & Drama class, help students practice the art of
performing lyric poetry. Guide them in understanding the importance of tone, pacing, and emphasis while
reciting a poem. Encourage them to use their voices to convey the emotions embedded in the poem.

Step 7: Group Recitation Divide the students into small groups and assign each group a different lyric poem
to recite. Encourage them to discuss how they will collectively perform the poem, considering tone, pacing,
and gestures. This promotes teamwork and a deeper understanding of the poem's emotional nuances.

Step 8: Peer Feedback After each group performs, allow time for constructive feedback. Encourage students
to provide positive comments and suggestions for improvement. This helps them develop their analytical
skills and become more conscious performers.

Step 9: Reflection and Discussion Conclude the session with a discussion about what the students have
learned. Ask them about their favorite parts of the lesson, what they found challenging, and how their
understanding of poetry has evolved.
 SDPT THEORY – HOW TO TEACH LYRIC POETRY

Step 10: Homework and Further Exploration Assign students a task to find and bring in a short lyric poem
from home. Ask them to analyze the poem's elements and be prepared to share their findings in the next
session. This encourages independent exploration and deeper engagement with lyric poetry.