Amanda Gordon “New Days” Analysis, New Years 2024, No Prep, Google Apps

Introducing the ultimate solution to kickstart the daunting month of January with a bang with the New Year's activity! Designed specifically for students who are still daydreaming about the cozy Christmas break, this activity is guaranteed to captivate their attention and ignite their enthusiasm for the new year. 

At the core of this activity lies Amanda Gorman's awe-inspiring poem "New Days," a beacon of hope and inspiration. With the convenience of Google slides, you have the power to effortlessly download and hit play, or take it to the next level by customizing it to suit your unique teaching style. Prepare to witness your students' engagement soar as they embark on a journey of exploration and analysis. 

The activity commences with an invigorating Quick Write exercise, setting the stage for an immersive learning experience. The Google slides provide comprehensive step-by-step directions, ensuring a seamless process for analyzing Gorman's masterpiece using the innovative SPACE CAT technique. Collaboration takes center stage as students work in pairs or groups to complete the dynamic SPACE CAT chart, fostering teamwork and critical thinking skills. But the excitement doesn't stop there! Guided Peer Edits and Revisions empower students to refine their work, cultivating a sense of pride and accomplishment. 

As the lesson draws to a close, students are presented with an extension activity that unlocks their creativity and allows them to craft their very own poem. With a total of three distinct writing opportunities, this resource guarantees a well-rounded and enriching learning experience. To further simplify your life, I've included a comprehensive example, sparing you the hassle of creating one from scratch. And to ensure seamless evaluation, a ready-to-print rubric is provided, allowing you to effortlessly assess your students' progress. 

So, let's toast to a Happy New Year filled with boundless possibilities and inspired learning. Don't miss out on this resource that will transform your classroom into a hub of creativity, critical thinking, and poetic brilliance. Get ready to witness your students' potential soar as they embrace the power of words and embark on a journey of self-expression. Elevate your teaching and make this January one to remember with the New Year's activity.

Shannon