THE BROKEN COPIER

My "Mt. Rushmore" Lessons (Pt. 2)

Two more of my four favorite lessons to teach—with resources included!

MARCUS LUTHER MAY 25, 2024

In Marcus Luther's article "My 'Mt. Rushmore' Lessons (Pt. 2)," published on May 25, 2024, he continues to share his favorite teaching lessons, offering valuable insights and resources for educators. Luther introduces two additional standout lessons: one on poetry using Louise Glück’s "The School Children," and the other a culminating end-of-year project share and affirmation session. These lessons, alongside the two previously discussed, reflect Luther's innovative approach to teaching, aiming to engage and inspire students.

### Lesson #3: Introducing Poetry with Louise Glück’s “The School Children”
**Context and Approach**:
Luther starts his poetry unit with the mesmerizing poem "The School Children" by the late Louise Glück. This poem serves as an entry point for students to explore their relationship with the education system. The lesson begins with two preparatory activities: an essential question reflection on students' feelings about their educational journey and a brief guide on how to read and analyze a poem.

**Classroom Activity**:
1. Luther reads each stanza aloud twice, allowing students time to underline or highlight something they react to.
2. Students share their reactions in small groups, followed by a whole-class debrief.
3. Luther ensures that all significant interpretations, especially figurative readings, are covered.

**Impact and Reflection**:
The poem's structure allows the lesson to build in intensity, capturing students' attention and transforming their perception of poetry. This text has proven effective across various grade levels and classroom settings, making it a reliable tool for engaging students. The poem challenges educators to consider how often educational systems sideline the voices of students, making it a powerful teaching text that demands reflection and accountability from educators.

### Lesson #4: End-of-Year Project Shares and Affirmations
**Context and Approach**:
This lesson marks the culmination of the school year and is closely tied to Luther’s classroom community-building efforts. Students have completed a multimodal project titled "Write Something Meaningful," which includes elements like a haiku title, narrative or reflective writing, and a visual component.

**Classroom Activity**:
1. On the final day, students find their desks arranged in a circle and a slide deck projected with the poem "In Lak’ech" by Luis Valdez.
2. After reciting the poem together, students present their project slides, sharing what they created and why it holds meaning for them.
3. Classmates then provide affirmations based on what was shared, fostering a supportive environment.

**Impact and Reflection**:
This lesson centers student agency and celebrates the community built over the school year. It allows students to express what they find meaningful and receive peer affirmations, highlighting the importance of student-centered learning. The activity honors the classroom community and provides a meaningful conclusion to the academic year.

**Resources Provided**:
Luther includes lesson slide decks, Glück’s poem, and details about the multimodal project to assist other educators in replicating these impactful lessons.

### Conclusion
Luther’s “Mt. Rushmore” lessons exemplify the power of thoughtful, student-centered teaching. By focusing on activities that engage students deeply and foster a sense of community, he creates memorable and transformative educational experiences. His reflections and resources offer valuable guidance for educators seeking to enhance their teaching practices and create a more inclusive and dynamic classroom environment.

Original Article

**Source**: Luther, M. (2024, May 25). My "Mt. Rushmore" Lessons (Pt. 2). *The Broken Copier*. Retrieved from [The Broken Copier](https://thebrokencopier.com/my-mt-rushmore-lessons-pt-2).

Original Article

------------------------------

Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com