Lesson Plan | Socioemotional Learning | Connecting Poems with Experiences

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this objectives step is to set the foundation for the lesson by clearly defining what the students are expected to achieve. By focusing on self-awareness and social skills, students will be encouraged to connect emotionally with the poems, fostering an environment where they can express themselves freely and relate their personal experiences to the literary content. This will not only enhance their understanding of the poems but also build their emotional intelligence which is key to their overall development.

Main Objectives

1. Students will develop self-awareness by recognizing their feelings and emotions in connection with the poems they read.

2. Students will improve their social skills by sharing personal experiences related to the poems in small groups.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes

Emotional Warmup Activity

Breathe in the Emotions

Guided Breathing Exercise

1. Ask the students to sit comfortably in their chairs with their feet flat on the ground and hands resting on their laps.

2. Instruct the students to close their eyes gently and take a deep breath in through the nose while counting to four. Encourage them to feel the air filling their lungs.

3. Hold the breath for a count of four, asking students to visualize calmness and relaxation spreading through their bodies.

4. Now, slowly exhale through the mouth for a count of four, releasing any tension or distractions they may be holding onto. They can imagine their worries floating away with the breath.

5. Repeat this cycle of breathing three more times, maintaining focus on the breath and the sensations in their body.

6. After the final exhale, invite students to open their eyes and take a moment to notice how they feel now, compared to when they started.

Content Contextualization

Poems can be like mirrors that reflect our feelings and experiences. Just like how every story we hear or tell is tied to our own lives, each poem we read can evoke a treasure of emotions within us. For instance, a poem about rain can remind students of a joyful day splashing in puddles after a downpour or feeling cozy when it's raining outside while inside with family. By connecting the content of poems with their own experiences, students can not only enjoy the piece of writing better but also understand their own feelings more deeply, paving the way towards becoming more emotionally intelligent individuals. This lesson is about exploring those connections, helping students recognize how they feel, and fostering a culture of emotional sharing among their peers.

Development

Duration: (60 - 75 minutes)

Theory Guide

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

1. Poetry is a way of expressing emotions and thoughts through words. It often paints images in the reader's mind and can evoke strong feelings.

2. A poem may describe various natural elements, such as the beauty of trees and rivers or the joy of a sunny day, which can connect with a child's personal experiences.

3. When reading a poem, students can relate their past experiences to the emotions described. For example, a poem about friendship might remind them of their best friend or a fun playdate.

4. Emotions can be categorized into different types like happiness, sadness, excitement, and anger, which helps students understand what they feel when connecting a poem to their experiences.

5. Using relatable language and examples, such as a famous Hindi poem about rain, students can explore how the sound of raindrops may remind them of jumping in puddles or cozying up with a family member during a storm.

Activity with Socioemotional Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

Poetry Experience Sharing

In this activity, students will select a poem that resonates with them and share their personal experiences that connect to the emotions expressed in the poem. They will work in pairs, taking turns to discuss what the poem means to them and how it relates to their own life experiences. After sharing, each pair will present their findings to the class, fostering a sense of community through shared emotions.

1. Provide each student with a selection of simple Hindi poems to choose from, ensuring they can understand and connect with the content.

2. Instruct students to read their chosen poem out loud within their pairs, paying attention to the emotions it evokes.

3. Ask each student to think of a personal experience that relates to the emotions expressed in the poem.

4. Give students about 5 minutes to discuss their thoughts and experiences with their partner, encouraging them to listen actively.

5. After the partner discussions, invite pairs to share one key insight with the class. This will help reinforce community sharing and emotional connections.

Discussion and Group Feedback

Once the pairs have shared their insights with the class, facilitate a group discussion using the RULER method. Start by encouraging students to recognize the different emotions expressed in each poem shared. Ask questions like, 'How did this poem make you feel?' and 'Can someone explain why they felt that way?' to help them understand the spectrum of emotions. Next, guide them to label these emotions accurately, helping students find the right words to express how they feel. For instance, if someone felt 'happy' about a poem, dive deeper by asking if it was 'joy' or 'excitement'. This will enhance their ability to express emotions appropriately.

Conclusion

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

Reflection and Emotional Regulation

The teacher can conduct a reflective discussion where students are invited to share their thoughts about the emotions they experienced during the lesson. This can be done in a circle format, allowing each student to express one challenge they faced while connecting poems to their personal experiences. Each student should also share how they managed their emotions during this activity. The teacher can prompt students with questions such as, 'What was one emotion you recognized in yourself today?' and 'How did you express that emotion?' This reflection encourages an open dialogue about emotional experiences, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

Objective: The objective of this subsection is to encourage self-assessment and emotional regulation among students. By reflecting on their emotional journey throughout the lesson, students can identify effective strategies to deal with challenging situations. This process helps them recognize the importance of acknowledging their feelings and the ways in which they can manage those emotions constructively.

Glimpse into the Future

To conclude, the teacher can guide the students in setting personal and academic goals related to the themes explored in the lesson. Students can be encouraged to think about how they can use poetry to express their feelings or how they can be more aware of their emotions in daily life. For instance, a student might express a goal to write their own poem about a personal experience that made them feel happy or sad, reinforcing the connections made in the lesson.

Setting Goals:

1. To create a personal poem expressing feelings related to an everyday experience.

2. To practice recognizing emotions in oneself and others in day-to-day interactions.

3. To engage in future lessons on poetry with a greater emotional awareness and willingness to connect with the content. Objective: The objective of this subsection is to strengthen students' autonomy and promote the practical application of their learning. By setting personal and academic goals, students will learn to see the relevance of their emotional experiences in their academic work. This encourages a continuity of emotional development and enhances their maturity within both personal and educational contexts.