Victor Laredo's painting "On the Beach" and Ella Wheeler Wilcox's poem "Thanksgiving" allow young scholars to use their noticing skills. Class members identify elements of the painting the artist uses to create the feeling of his work. Learners use this same close reading strategy for Wilcox's poem. The lesson concludes with participants reflecting on things for which they are thankful.

Concepts

thanksgiving, poetry, poetry analysis, textual evidence, critical thinking, compare and contrast

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Instructional Ideas

• Some learners may need additional scaffolding to make connections between the painting and the poem

Classroom Considerations

• Presumes class members know how to identify the rhyme scheme of the poem
• Requires projection device for the painting

Pros

• Includes an extension activity designed for grades 7-10 and another extension for grades 11-12

Cons

• None

Common Core

W.9-10.2.a W.11-12.2.a