Objective:  I can identify the author’s theme in “American Tune” by defining the term, identifying the symbol, and consulting with my partner the connection between the symbol and the underlying meaning of the song.

BW:  Students will list the definition on the board for “symbol” in their notebooks.  If not completed already, students will list at least one line or image that matches each of the poetic tools on their worksheet, except “symbol.”

Activities:

1.  While listening to the song, students will note the stanza in which the song changes.
2. Share Out:  What is it? What is the central image in the stanza where the change occurs?  What is happening to this image?  What does it symbolize?  What is the theme of the song?
3. Turn-and-Talk:  Students will discuss how the theme is suggested by the symbol in the song.
4. Students will write a reflection of how the author develops the theme of “American Tune” by using evidence that suggests the symbol in the song and two other poetic tools.
5. Share Out:  Several students will read aloud their reflections for class discussion.
6. If time allows, “vague” pronouns will be explained with an example.  Students will identify the given pronouns, their antecedents, and whether or not the pronoun is a vague reference.