Avalon By Robert Elliott Gonzales Lesson Plan for 7th Grade Example Students

Topic: Avalon by Robert Elliott Gonzales

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will understand the meaning of the poem "Avalon" by Robert Elliott Gonzales and how it is inspired by the tale of King Arthur.

Materials

• Copies of the poem "Avalon" by Robert Elliott Gonzales
• Summary of the tale of King Arthur
• Writing journal or notebook

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have ever heard of the tale of King Arthur.
• Ask them to share what they know about the tale of King Arthur.
• Explain that the tale of King Arthur is the story of a noble king who is betrayed and killed, but returns to life to save his kingdom and his people.
• Show a picture or video of the Sword in the Stone, and ask students what it is and how it is related to the tale of King Arthur.
• Hand out copies of the poem "Avalon" by Robert Elliott Gonzales and ask students to read it silently.

Direct Instruction

• Explain that "Avalon" is a poem inspired by the tale of King Arthur, and that it tells the story of King Arthur's death and return to life.
• Ask students to listen as you read the poem aloud, pausing after each line to discuss its meaning and connection to the tale of King Arthur.
• Ask students if they noticed any themes or symbols in the poem. Possible themes include rebirth, forgiveness, and the power of love. Possible symbols include the sword in the stone, Avalon, and the rose.

Guided Practice

• Divide students into small groups, and assign each group a section of the poem to read and analyze.
• Have each group present their analysis to the class, explaining their observations about the poem's themes and symbols.
• As a class, discuss the similarities and differences in the groups' observations.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose one theme or symbol from the poem that they find particularly interesting, and write a short essay explaining its significance.
• Encourage students to use specific quotes from the poem to support their analysis.

Closure

• Ask students to share their essays with the class and discuss their chosen theme or symbol in detail.
• As a final assessment, have students reflect on what they have learned about the poem and its ties to the legend of King Arthur.

Assessment:

• Evaluate students' essays for understanding of the chosen theme or symbol in the poem Closure.
• Use the visual representations created by students as a form of assessment, evaluating their understanding of the connection between the legend of King Arthur and the poem Closure.