Lesson plan for James Kirkup's poem "No Men Are Foreign"

Lesson plan for James Kirkup's poem "No Men Are Foreign" can be an enriching experience for students, focusing on themes of unity, humanity, and global citizenship. Here’s a structured outline for a lesson plan:

Lesson Plan: Exploring "No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup

Objective: Students will analyze the poem "No Men Are Foreign" to understand its themes and messages about human unity and global citizenship.

Grade Level: Suitable for middle school and high school students.

Materials Needed:

• Copies of the poem "No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup
• Whiteboard and markers or projector for displaying text
• Handouts with discussion questions and analysis prompts

Duration: 1 class period (approximately 45-50 minutes)

Lesson Outline:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief introduction to the poet James Kirkup and the context of the poem.
• Discuss the title and ask students to predict what the poem might be about based on the title alone.

2. Reading and Initial Reactions (10 minutes)

• Distribute copies of the poem to students or display it on a screen.
• Ask students to read the poem silently.
• Have students share their initial reactions to the poem. What emotions or thoughts does it evoke?

3. Analysis of Themes (15 minutes)

• Lead a discussion on the themes present in the poem. Key themes include:
  • Unity and interconnectedness of humanity
  • Equality and dignity of all people
  • Consequences of division and prejudice
• Use specific lines or stanzas to illustrate each theme.

4. Close Reading and Literary Devices (10 minutes)

• Conduct a close reading of selected stanzas or lines.
• Identify literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, metaphor, and repetition.
• Discuss how these devices contribute to the poem’s overall message.

5. Group Activity: Discussion Questions (10 minutes)

• Divide students into small groups and provide them with discussion questions:
  • How does the poem challenge stereotypes about "foreignness"?
  • What is the significance of the repeated phrase "no men are foreign"?
  • How does the poem make you feel about global citizenship and the idea of shared humanity?
• Encourage groups to discuss and prepare to share their insights with the class.

6. Whole-Class Discussion (10 minutes)

• Reconvene as a class and have each group share their responses and insights.
• Facilitate a broader discussion on the poem’s impact and relevance to contemporary issues.

7. Reflection and Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Ask students to reflect individually or in writing:
  • How has your understanding of global citizenship been affected by reading this poem?
  • What actions can individuals take to promote the idea that "no men are foreign"?
• Conclude with final thoughts on the poem and its lasting message.

Homework (Optional):

• Assign a short essay or creative writing piece where students reflect on a personal experience related to the themes of unity and global citizenship explored in the poem.

Assessment:

• Informal assessment through class discussion participation.
• Formal assessment through written reflections or essays.

Extension Activities:

• Compare and contrast "No Men Are Foreign" with other poems or texts about unity and human rights.
• Research and present on real-world examples of prejudice and unity among different cultures or nations.

By following this structured lesson plan, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the themes of humanity and global unity presented in James Kirkup’s "No Men Are Foreign."