1 of 3

BARBIE CHANG’S TEARS

​

VICTORIA CHANG

2 of 3

INSTRUCTIONAL

NOTE

Feel free to modify, add, or select specific questions from this bellringer to best fit your instructional goals and available time. Adjust as needed to align with your lesson focus or classroom pacing.

​

Also, some of the materials in these bellringers contain sensitive subject matter and/or language. Please preview the resources beforehand and make any alterations as needed.

3 of 3

BELLRINGER FOCUS: SOUND DEVICES

  • Read “Barbie Chang’s Tears” by Victoria Chang.
    • Go to http://bit.ly/44xakap to access the poem.
  • Answer the following question(s):
    • Find a section where sound is repeated or echoed (such as “off on / off on”). How does this repetition reflect Barbie Chang’s emotional state?
    • Look at the near rhymes or slant rhymes in pairs like “wedding” and “bedding” or “back” and “attackers.” How do these subtle sound connections affect the tone of the piece?
    • Listen to how the poem uses short, clipped phrases alongside longer, flowing lines. What mood or effect does this contrast in pacing create?

CREATIVE WRITING EXTENSIONS

  • Write a poem using repeated sounds or words to show a mood shift.
  • Describe a place with a mix of short and long lines for rhythm.
  • Create a character and show their feelings through sound and rhythm.