Beacon Lesson Plan LibraryHistory through PoetryChet GeeringDescriptionStudents will be able to analyze the poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade." Students discuss its meaning and significance to the Crimean War. Students will also understand how war is perceived from a non-military point of view.StandardsFlorida Sunshine State StandardsSS.A.3.4.7 The student understands significant political developments in Europe in the 19th century. Florida Process Standards Information Managers 01 Florida students locate, comprehend, interpret, evaluate, maintain, and apply information, concepts, and ideas found in literature, the arts, symbols, recordings, video and other graphic displays, and computer files in order to perform tasks and/or for enjoyment. Effective Communicators 02 Florida students communicate in English and other languages using information, concepts, prose, symbols, reports, audio and video recordings, speeches, graphic displays, and computer-based programs. Materials-World History, the Human Experience. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2001.- Copies of short-answer questions for students (See attached file) - Pen or pencil - Copy of the poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade" - Dry Erase board - Dry erase markers - Access to copy machine Preparations1. Read text, Chapter 26 (or appropriate chapter).2. Make one copy of the questions for each student. 3. Find a copy of the poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade." (See Web Links.) 4. Make copies of the poem for each student. Procedures1. Ask students, "What is war and how do we get our information on war?" (Answers will vary.)2. List students' answers on the board. 3. Have a student read the first stanza aloud. 4. Ask students, "What is the author telling his audience in this stanza?" (Answer: The soldiers are marching into battle. Not only are they marching into battle, they are also marching to their deaths.) 5. Ask students, "How would you feel if you were in their place?" (Answers will vary.) 6. Have a student read the second stanza aloud. 7. Ask students, "Are there any lines in this stanza that you have heard before?" (Answer: "Their's not to reason why. Their's but to do and die.") 8. Ask students, "What did the quote in # 7 mean?" (Answer: It's not the soldier's job to ask questions. The soldier needs to just do his duty.) 9. Have a student read the third stanza aloud. 10. Ask students, "If you were one of the six hundred soldiers, how would you feel? Would you continue the charge or would you run? Why?" (Answers will vary.) 11. Have a student read the fourth stanza aloud. 12. Ask students, "What is happening in this stanza?" (Answer: The British are charging straight into the Cossacks. The British officers have drawn their swords and the battle has been joined.) 13. Have a student read the fifth stanza aloud. 14. Ask students, "What has happened in this stanza?" (Answer: The battle is drawing to a close and the Light Brigade is nearly surrounded and nearly all dead.) 15. Have a student read the sixth stanza aloud. 16. Ask students, "Who won the battle?" (Answer: Russians) 17. Ask students, "What did the Light Brigade accomplish?" (Answers: From a military point of view, nothing. From a folklore point of view, they showed honor and courage in battle.) 18. Ask students, "Why is the Light Brigade remembered in history, after all they lost the battle?" (Answer: They are remembered for their courage and their conviction to their duty.) 19. Assign the short-answer questions to the students. 20. Teacher evaluates answers to the short-answer questions. Assessments1. Students will be assessed by completing a series of short-answer questions on the topics covered in class.2. The teacher can also informally evaluate the students by monitoring and encouraging their participation in class discussion. Attached FilesThe attached documents were: 1. Questions to be completed by students. 2. Copy of poem to be read in class. File Extension: pdfReturn to the Beacon Lesson Plan Library. |