Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Dear Basketball/Poem Analysis

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

7

Overview

In this learning activity, students will read Dear Basketball by Kobe Bryant. Students will then complete a Poetry Analysis graphic organizer looking for the following literary devices in the poem: metaphor, alliteration, rhyme, hyperbole, repetition, imagery, and personification. Finally, students will explain how using the specific literary device enhances the meaning of the poem. 

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

    English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 7

    ELA21.7.4

    Evaluate literary devices to support interpretations of literary texts using textual evidence, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, and mood.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:ELA21.7.4

    Vocabulary

    • Literary devices
    • Literary texts
    • Textual evidence
    • Simile
    • Metaphor
    • Personification
    • Onomatopoeia
    • Hyperbole
    • Imagery
    • Tone
    • Symbolism
    • Irony
    • Mood

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Authors of literary texts, such as prose and poetry, often include literary devices and figurative language to create a particular tone and mood.
    • Evaluating literary devices that are used in a text can support a personal interpretation of a text.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Identify literary devices in literary texts, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, and mood.
    • Evaluate how an author's use of literary devices supports an interpretation of the text.
    • Cite evidence from the text to support their evaluations.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Authors use figurative language and literary devices to develop tone and mood in their writing.
    • Literary devices contribute to the literal and/or figurative interpretation of a text.

    Phase

    During/Explore/Explain
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    Students will be able to evaluate literary devices including metaphor, personification, hyperbole, imagery, irony, alliteration, rhyme, and repetition in Dear Basketball to support interpretations using textual evidence. 

    Activity Details

    This learning activity should be used after a lesson on literary devices.

    1. Kick off the learning activity by briefly reviewing literary devices if needed.

    2.  Access the poem Dear Basketball by Kobe Bryant. Read the poem aloud together. (The poem can also be printed out if needed.)

    3. Pass out the Poetry Analysis graphic organizer (one for each student) and explain that students will find examples of each type of literary device from the poem to complete the graphic organizer.

    4. Students will write a quote using the literary device from the text underneath the name of each type of literary device. Then, students will explain how the literary device enhances the meaning of the poem. 

    5. The teacher may wish to play the video Dear Basketball - Kobe Bryant (1978 - 2020) of Kobe Bryant reciting his poem after this activity to hear the poem read in Kobe Bryant's own words. 

    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    The students will be assessed on the accurate completion of the Poetry Analysis graphic organizer for Dear Basketball

    Variation Tips

    The teacher can print out the poem Dear Basketball by Kobe Bryant (one copy for each student). 

    The teacher may choose to allow the students to complete a digital copy of the Poetry Analysis graphic organizer.

    Related Learning Activities

    Learning Activity (Before)

    Learning Activity (During)

    Learning Activity (After)

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    The teacher will need to make copies of the Poetry Analysis graphic organizer (one for each student).

    The teacher will need to preview the video, Dear Basketball - Kobe Bryant (1978 - 2020) to make sure it isn't blocked by school security. 

    Digital Tools / Resources

    ALSDE LOGO