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Going Around in Circles: Mandala Poetry

Week 8, Workshop 14

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Do now

2

5 MIN

What animal are you most like? Why?

Answer the following question in your journal,

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Turn The Circle Inside Out

3

10 MIN

form a circle and hold hands.
The goal of the activity is to find a way to turn the circle inside out so that everyone is facing outwards, but without letting go of each other’s hands.

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Mandala Poems

4

10 MIN

Today we will be writing mandala poems! A mandala is a circular, geometric symbol used in Indian religions. It represents the universe, or “cosmos.” A mandala poem uses words and pictures to describe someone, and is written in the shape of a circle.

Directions:

Begin by sharing one of your happiest memories, and then ask for a volunteer to share one of their happiest memories from the Do Now activity.
Ask that poet follow-up questions about that event to draw out a lot of details.
Ideally, this will be a “small moment,” such as a roller coaster ride—not the whole day at the amusement park; opening a special gift—not the whole birthday party! Try to guide the story there if it appears to be a “large moment.”
Read aloud the poem My Summer Vacation; emphasizing the poem’s rhythm and energy while you read.
Write the word “detail” on the board or chart paper and Ask:
What does the word detail mean?
Discuss how My Summer Vacation includes many details about the contents of the locker, the actions of the boy and his feelings during this experience.
Remind poets about the importance of using vivid description to add interest, portray images, and help the reader relate to the experience being described.

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Mandala Poems

5

10 MIN

Are there other poetic devices in these poems?

Where?

Are there any other poetic devices you could use?

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Mandala Poems

6

10 MIN

How do the pictures complement the poems?
Do they add anything that the words could not describe?

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Mandala Poems

7

10 MIN

Complete 3-5 rows of the marvelous mandala handout
use the chart to write your own descriptive mandala poem in your notebooks.
Write for ten minutes. Then use the Mandala Circle sheet to illustrate/symbolize your poem in the middle of the circle, and then write your poems in rings around it.

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Sharing

8

10 MIN

Performance Tips & Norms

Be confident
Enunciate
Make eye contact
Have some attitude

Audience Members Remember

Show love
Be respectful
Respect ther Mic

v

Share your poems with your team!

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Exit Ticket

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What are mandalas?
If you could change one part of your personality, what would you change? Why?

5 MIN