Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Dear Basketball/Literary Devices

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

7

Overview

In this learning activity, students will be introduced to literary devices used in poetry through the video, Poetic Devices Defined. Then, students will define and give an example of a literary device at random by spinning a digital wheel. Finally, students will share their definitions and examples with the class through a carousel around the room. 

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

    Before/Engage
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    Students will be able to evaluate literary devices in Dear Basketball by Kobe Bryant using textual evidence including metaphor, personification, imagery, hyperbole, alliteration, and rhyme. 

    Activity Details

    1. The teacher will show the video, Poetic Devices Defined

    2. As a fun way to test the students' knowledge of literary devices, the teacher will use a digital wheel.  The teacher will visit the website and allow students to "spin" the wheel to choose a literary device at random. Students will find one example of the literary device they choose from the poem Dear Basketball by Kobe Bryant.

    3. Student examples of literary devices from the poem are to be written on a sticky note, posted around the room, and shared with everyone through a carousel walk around the room. 

    (No prior knowledge of literary devices is required for this learning activity. )

    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    The students will be assessed on the accuracy of their example of the literary device they randomly choose when spinning the digital wheel.  

    Variation Tips

    The teacher can use any type of random picker to choose which literary device each student will define and give an example. 

    Other variations: students can add an illustration with their definition and example. 

    Related Learning Activities

    Learning Activity (Before)

    Learning Activity (During)

    Learning Activity (After)

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    The teacher will need to prescreen the video prior to showing it in the classroom to ensure it is not blocked by school security. 

    Digital Tools / Resources

    ALSDE LOGO