Core Skills Analysis
Literature and Reading
- Fela engaged with the works of Kwame Alexander, an author known for his unique blend of poetry and prose that often explores themes of identity, culture, and personal growth.
- By reading Kwame Alexander’s books, Fela expanded their vocabulary and developed an appreciation for rhythmic language and poetic structures such as verse novels.
- Exposure to the themes in Alexander’s books likely enhanced Fela’s cultural awareness and empathy by exploring diverse perspectives and experiences.
- The activity also supported literacy skills including comprehension, inference, and critical thinking as Fela interpreted metaphorical language and narrative styles.
Tips
To deepen Fela’s engagement with Kwame Alexander’s literature, encourage creative writing exercises that mimic his poetic style, such as writing personal narratives in verse. Discuss the themes of identity and culture found in his books to foster critical conversations and empathy. Exploring performance poetry by having Fela read aloud or perform pieces can boost confidence and oral expression. Additionally, connecting the themes to current events or cultural traditions through research projects can enrich understanding and relevance.
Book Recommendations
- The Crossover by Kwame Alexander: A vibrant novel in verse about basketball, family, and coming of age.
- Booked by Kwame Alexander: A novel in verse that intertwines soccer, family dynamics, and personal challenges.
- Swing by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess: A collaborative novel in verse that tackles baseball and social change.
Learning Standards
- English Literature: Understanding diverse texts and authors, exploring narrative styles and figurative language (UK National Curriculum KS3 English Literature, Reading Strand)
- Writing: Developing skills in creative writing including poetry and prose, structure, and tone (KS3 English Writing Strand)
- Speaking and Listening: Performing poetry to build oral fluency and confidence (KS3 English Speaking and Listening Strand)
- Personal Development: Enhancing cultural awareness and empathy through literature (PSHE framework connections)
Try This Next
- Create a poem or short story inspired by themes from Kwame Alexander’s books using a verse novel format.
- Discuss and write a reflective journal entry about how the characters’ experiences relate to Fela’s own life or community.