saturday afternoon

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: My Town

Step 1

Ask your students, “Think of a place that you consider “home.” It doesn’t have to be just one place, nor does it have to be a place that you’ve physically lived. What place do you find more comforting?” Give them time to write down their responses and discuss.

Step 2

Have them read “saturday afternoon” by Kenny Carroll. While reading, have them pay attention to the way he feels about his hometown and the specific details he includes to convey those feelings.

Step 3

Have the students choose one of the places they consider “home” and come up with a list of reasons that make it so comforting for them. Then, when they’ve exhausted that list, tell them to come up with another list of reasons, this time focusing on some of the reasons why others may not particularly find that “home” so appealing.

Step 4

Tell them to write a poem in a style similar to Kenny Carroll’s “saturday afternoon” in which they pay tribute and express their deep appreciation to a place that they consider “home.”

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses if they feel comfortable enough to do so.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Imagery

Step 1

If your students are not familiar with the concept of “imagery,” then go through the introductory lesson.

Step 2

Watch the short video to familiarize your students with Washington D.C. and its rich history.

Step 3

Read Kenny Carroll’s “saturday afternoon.” As they’re reading, have them pay particular attention to the imagery he uses to convey his feelings toward his hometown of Washington. Then briefly discuss how the imagery conveys his feelings toward the city. Ask them which specific images stand out and why.

Step 4

Have your students analyze the imagery Carroll utilizes in his poem to express his deep appreciation and love for the city, focusing on the senses he appeals to with each image and how the appeal to those senses are effective in conveying those feelings. The students may work in the following document. Directions are provided at the top of the page.

Step 5

When the students are done, go over their answers, then share the exemplar essay.