They Don't Love You Like I Love You

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Maps

Step 1

Start by listening to the song “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Step 2

Read the poem “They Don’t Love You Like I Love You” by Natalie Diaz.

Step 3

Ask your students to briefly discuss how the poet uses lyrics from the song to convey the message of her poem. Ask, “What is her poem about? How does she incorporate the lyrics from the “Maps” to express her point?” Then give your students 5-10 minutes to discuss.

Step 4

Say, “Think of at least three of your favorite songs. Then choose your favorite lyrics from each of those songs. Then, from those sets of lyrics, choose one lyric that stands out the most, for whatever reason.” Give them 5-10 minutes to brainstorm.

Step 5

Have your students compose a poem similar in style to Natalie Diaz’s “They Don’t Love You Like I Love You” in which you use a specific song lyric and build a poem around it.

Step 6

When the students are done, have them share their responses with one another.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Various

Step 1

This lesson allows students to analyze various concepts and skills, so it is recommended that you have covered several of the “standalone” lessons before assigning this one.

Step 2

Start by showing the following video, a brief conversation with Native Americans about race and identity. Then ask your students how the subjects in the clip define themselves and why they feel the ways that they do.

Step 3

Read “They Don’t Love You Like I Love You” by Natalie Diaz. While reading, have them focus on how the poet expresses the identity of the speaker.

Step 4

Have your students open the following document and go through the instructions with them. In this assignment, your students are going to have to analyze the poem through the “hexagonal thinking/mapping” strategy. Then give your students time to work. All the materials you need for the assignment are in the presentation.

Step 5

When your students are done, have them briefly share their maps so they can see if their peers made similar connections to the concepts provided.