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Color of Silence: Sensory Imagery in Pat Mora's Poem

Classroom Resource Information

Title:

Color of Silence: Sensory Imagery in Pat Mora's Poem

URL:

http://readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/color-silence-sensory-imagery-1104.html

Content Source:

ReadWriteThink

Type:

Lesson/Unit Plan

Overview:

This classroom resource is an engaging lesson plan from ReadWriteThink that allows students to explore how writers use sensory imagery as a literary device to make the text more meaningful for the reader. The lesson begins with the students using all of their senses to describe known objects such as pasta, chocolate, or grapes. Students first feel and listen to the object, in a bag, before taking it out of the bag to look at, smell, and taste it. They then use at least three senses to write a poem about the object they've described. Next, they evaluate how this literary device functions in Pat Mora's poem “Echoes.” As students read this poem, they look for sensory images and write an explanation of how these images contribute to the meaning of Mora's poem. Finally, students think about how sensory images work in their own poems and then make appropriate revisions to their work. The resource includes links to student interactives and printable handouts.

Content Standard(s):

English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 6	R1. Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: R1. Active listening Discussion Conversation Rules Participation Knowledge: R1. Students know: Active listening skills. How to engage in discussions and conversations in a variety of settings. Agreed-upon rules for participation. Skills: R1. Students are able to: Demonstrate active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings. Converse in pairs, small groups, and large groups. Practice the agreed-upon rules for participation. Understanding: R1. Students understand that: Conversations and discussions follow agreed-upon rules which help us actively listen and gain understanding.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 6	R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: R4. Writing process Plan Draft Revise Edit Publish Genres Knowledge: R4. Students know: The writing process steps are to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish. Various genres of writing. Skills: R4. Students are able to: Plan writings in various genres. Draft writings in various genres. Revise writings in various genres. Edit writings in various genres. Publish writings in various genres. Understanding: R4. Students understand that: The writing process is a set of steps that make writing easier. There are different categories, or genres, of writing that can be used for different purposes.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 6	4. Describe the use of literary devices in prose and poetry, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, tone, imagery, irony, symbolism, and mood, and indicate how they support interpretations of the text. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 4. Literary devices Prose Poetry Simile Metaphor Personification Onomatopoeia Hyperbole Tone Imagery Irony Symbolism Mood Knowledge: 4. Students know: Authors of prose and poetry often include literary devices and figurative language in a text to create a particular tone and mood. Analyzing literary devices that are used in a text can support a personal interpretation of a text. Skills: 4. Students are able to: Identify literary devices in prose and poetry, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, tone, imagery, irony, symbolism, and mood. Describe how an author's use of literary devices in prose and poetry supports their interpretation of the text. Understanding: 4. Students understand that: Authors use figurative language and literary devices to develop tone and mood in their writing. Analyzing an author's use of literary devices in a text can help them interpret and comprehend the text.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 6	7. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language. a. Write narratives incorporating key literary elements, including characters, plot, setting, point of view, resolution of a conflict, dialogue, and sensory details. b. Write informative or explanatory texts with an organized structure and a formal style, incorporating a focused point of view, a clear purpose, credible evidence, and technical word meanings. c. Write an argument to convince the reader to take an action or adopt a position, stating a claim and supporting the claim with relevant, well-organized evidence from credible sources. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 7. Narrative writing Argument writing Informative/explanatory writing Writing development Writing organization Style Tone Task Purpose Audience Command of language 7a. Narratives Literary elements Characters Plot Setting Point of view Conflict resolution Dialogue Sensory details 7b. Informative text Explanatory text Organized structure Formal style Point of view Clear purpose Credible evidence Technical word meaning 7c. Argument Claim Evidence Credible source Knowledge: 7. Students know: A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple research sources. The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position. The development, organization, style, and tone of writing will change depending on the writing task, the purpose of the writing, and the intended audience. Formal academic writing should demonstrate an appropriate command of language. 7a. A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. Narrative writing includes text elements, like characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution. The plot is a series of events in a narrative text. Dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters in a text. Sensory details use descriptions of the five senses. 7b. Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple credible research sources. Informative or explanatory text begins by clearly focusing on the topic, providing credible evidence, and ends with a conclusion. Informative or explanatory writing should include academic, content-specific technical word meanings. 7c. The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position. Argumentative writing includes introducing the topic by stating an argumentative claim, relevant evidence to support the claim, and a concluding statement. Evidence to support the argument must be collected from various credible sources. Skills: 7. Students are able to: Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writings. Identify the writing task, the purpose of writing, and the intended audience in order to appropriately adapt the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Demonstrate command of the written language. 7a. Write a narrative with a logical sequence of plot events. Incorporate literary elements into their narrative writing, like characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution. Include dialogue and sensory details in narrative writing. 7b. Gather credible information from multiple sources. Write an informative or explanatory text with an organized structure and formal style that includes a focused point of view, clear purpose, credible evidence, and technical vocabulary words. 7c. Write an argument to convince a reader to take action or adopt a position. Include a claim, relevant evidence, and a conclusion in argumentative writing. Gather evidence from credible sources to support the claim. Understanding: 7. Students understand that: There are different genres of writing that serve various purposes. The writing task, purpose, and audience should be considered in the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Formal academic writing should display their command of the English language. 7a. Narrative writing includes predictable elements, like a logical sequence of events and characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution. Incorporating dialogue between the characters and sensory details can make their narrative writing more engaging. 7b. Informative or explanatory writing follows a predictable text structure that includes a focused point of view, credible evidence, and ends with a conclusion. They must gather their facts about the topic from multiple credible research sources. Writers elaborate details included in the text by using formal academic, content-specific technical words. 7c. To persuade a reader to take action or adopt an opinion, they must present relevant, well-organized evidence from credible sources.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 6	9. Participate in collaborative discussions about literary devices and elements found in prose and poetry. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 9. Collaborative discussions Literary devices Literary elements Prose Poetry Knowledge: 9. Students know: The purpose of collaborative discussions related to prose and poetry. Collaborative discussions occur when participants actively listen, build on others' ideas, and ask clarifying questions. Generally accepted rules for discussions. Literary text often includes literary devices, such as personification, imagery, alliteration, onomatopoeia, symbolism, metaphor, and simile. Literary elements within a story include the theme, plot, and point of view. Poetry is a genre of text that uses distinctive style and rhythm to aid in the expression of feelings, while prose is written in ordinary language. Skills: 9. Students are able to: Engage in a collaborative discussion. Identify and discuss literary devices and elements in poetry and prose. Understanding: 9. Students understand that: Comprehension of poetry and prose can be demonstrated by engaging in a collaborative discussion about a text.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 7	R1. Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: R1. Active listening Discussion Conversation Rules Participation Knowledge: R1. Students know: Active listening skills. How to engage in discussions and conversations in a variety of settings. Agreed-upon rules for participation. Skills: R1. Students are able to: Demonstrate active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings. Converse in pairs, small groups, and large groups. Practice the agreed-upon rules for participation. Understanding: R1. Students understand that: Conversations and discussions follow agreed-upon rules which help us actively listen and gain understanding.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 7	R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: R4. Writing process Plan Draft Revise Edit Publish Genres Knowledge: R4. Students know: The writing process steps are to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish. Various genres of writing. Skills: R4. Students are able to: Plan writings in various genres. Draft writings in various genres. Revise writings in various genres. Edit writings in various genres. Publish writings in various genres. Understanding: R4. Students understand that: The writing process is a set of steps that make writing easier. There are different categories, or genres, of writing that can be used for different purposes.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 7	4. Evaluate literary devices to support interpretations of literary texts using textual evidence, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, and mood. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 4. Literary devices Literary texts Textual evidence Simile Metaphor Personification Onomatopoeia Hyperbole Imagery Tone Symbolism Irony Mood Knowledge: 4. Students know: Authors of literary texts, such as prose and poetry, often include literary devices and figurative language to create a particular tone and mood. Evaluating literary devices that are used in a text can support a personal interpretation of a text. Skills: 4. Students are able to: Identify literary devices in literary texts, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, and mood. Evaluate how an author's use of literary devices supports an interpretation of the text. Cite evidence from the text to support their evaluations. Understanding: 4. Students understand that: Authors use figurative language and literary devices to develop tone and mood in their writing. Literary devices contribute to the literal and/or figurative interpretation of a text.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 7	7. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language. a. Write narratives to convey a series of events incorporating key literary elements, establishing a clear purpose, using narrative techniques (dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection), and sequencing events coherently (chronological and/or flashback). b. Write informative or explanatory texts with an organized structure and a formal style to examine ideas or processes effectively while developing the topic and utilizing appropriate transitions, precise vocabulary, and credible information or data when relevant. c. Write an argument to defend a position by introducing and supporting claim(s), acknowledging alternate or opposing claims, and presenting reasons and relevant text evidence from accurate and credible sources. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 7. Narrative writing Argument writing Informative/explanatory writing Writing development Writing organization Style Tone Task Purpose Audience Command of language 7a. Narratives Series of events Literary elements Purpose Narrative techniques Dialogue Pacing Description Reflection Sequencing Chronological Flashback 7b. Informative/explanatory text Organized structure Formal style Transitions Precise vocabulary Credible information/data 7c. Argument Defend a position Claim Alternate/opposing claim Relevant evidence Accurate sources Credible sources Knowledge: 7. Students know: A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position. Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple research sources. The development, organization, style, and tone of writing will change depending on the writing task, the purpose of the writing, and the intended audience. Formal academic writing should demonstrate an appropriate command of language. 7a. A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. Narrative writing includes literary elements, like characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution, and narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection. The plot is a series of events in a narrative text. Events in narrative writing can be sequenced chronologically or include flashbacks to a previous time frame. 7b. Informative or explanatory text is writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple credible research sources. Informative or explanatory text has organized structure, and usually begins by clearly focusing on the topic, providing credible evidence, and ends with a conclusion. Informative or explanatory writing should include academic, content-specific technical word meanings. Words that indicate transitions. 7c. The purpose of argumentative writing is to defend an opinion. Argumentative writing includes introducing the topic by stating an argumentative claim, relevant evidence to support the claim, acknowledging opposing claims, and a concluding statement. Evidence to support the argument must be collected from various accurate and credible sources. Skills: 7. Students are able to: Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writings. Identify the writing task, the purpose of writing, and the intended audience in order to appropriately adapt the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Demonstrate command of the written language. 7a. Write a narrative with a coherent sequence of plot events and a clear purpose. Incorporate literary elements into their narrative writing, like characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution. Incorporate narrative techniques in their narrative writing, including dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection. 7b. Gather credible information and data from multiple sources. Write an informative or explanatory text with an organized structure and formal style that develops the topic and utilizes appropriate transitions, credible information or data, and technical vocabulary words. 7c. Write an argument to defend a position. Include a claim and relevant evidence in argumentative writing. Acknowledge alternate or opposing claims in argumentative writing. Gather evidence from accurate and credible sources to support the claim. Understanding: 7. Students understand that: There are different genres of writing that serve various purposes. The writing task, purpose, and audience should be considered in the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Formal academic writing should display their command of the English language. 7a. Narrative writing includes predictable elements, like a logical sequence of events and characters, setting, point of view, conflict, and resolution. Literary techniques are tools that can be used to create a piece of narrative writing. Literary elements and techniques in narrative writing contribute to the overall meaning and purpose of the text. 7b. Informative or explanatory writing follows a predictable, organized text structure that utilizes appropriate transition words and precise vocabulary. They must gather their information and data about the topic from multiple credible research sources. Using credible information/data can support a writer's ideas and claims. Writers elaborate details included in the text by using formal academic, content-specific technical words. 7c. To effectively defend a position, they must present relevant, well-organized evidence from accurate and credible sources. An argument can be more effective if a writer acknowledges opposing viewpoints.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 7	9. Participate in collaborative discussions about prose and poetry by evaluating the use of literary devices and elements. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 9. Collaborative discussions Prose Poetry Literary devices Literary elements Knowledge: 9. Students know: The purpose of collaborative discussions related to prose and poetry. Collaborative discussions occur when participants actively listen, build on others' ideas, and ask clarifying questions. Generally accepted rules for discussions. Literary text often includes literary devices such as personification, imagery, alliteration, onomatopoeia, symbolism, metaphor, and simile. Literary elements within a story include the theme, plot, and point of view. Poetry is a genre of text that uses distinctive style and rhythm to aid in the expression of feelings, while prose is written in ordinary language. Skills: 9. Students are able to: Participate in discussions about prose and poetry. Identify and discuss literary devices and elements in poetry and prose. Evaluate how prose and poetry use literary devices and elements for an intended purpose. Understanding: 9. Students understand that: Comprehension of poetry and prose can be demonstrated by engaging in a collaborative discussion about a text. A reader must evaluate the use of literary elements and devices in prose and poetry to understand the literal and figurative meaning of the text. Active participation in discussions requires students to listen and respond to others' thoughts and ideas.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 8	R1. Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: R1. Active listening Discussion Conversation Rules Participation Knowledge: R1. Students know: Active listening skills. How to engage in discussions and conversations in a variety of settings. Agreed-upon rules for participation. Skills: R1. Students are able to: Demonstrate active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings. Converse in pairs, small groups, and large groups. Practice the agreed-upon rules for participation. Understanding: R1. Students understand that: Conversations and discussions follow agreed-upon rules which help us actively listen and gain understanding.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 8	R4. Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: R4. Writing process Plan Draft Revise Edit Publish Genres Knowledge: R4. Students know: The writing process steps are to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish. Various genres of writing. Skills: R4. Students are able to: Plan writings in various genres. Draft writings in various genres. Revise writings in various genres. Edit writings in various genres. Publish writings in various genres. Understanding: R4. Students understand that: The writing process is a set of steps that make writing easier. There are different categories, or genres, of writing that can be used for different purposes.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 8	4. Analyze the use of literary devices, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, mood, and allusion, to support interpretations of literary texts, using textual evidence to support the analysis. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 4. Literary devices Simile Metaphor Personification Onomatopoeia Hyperbole Imagery Tone Symbolism Irony Mood Allusion Literary text Textual evidence Knowledge: 4. Students know: Authors of literary texts, such as prose and poetry, often include literary devices and figurative language to create a particular tone and mood. Analyzing literary devices that are used in a text can support an interpretation of the text. Analysis of a text should be supported with text evidence from the writing. Skills: 4. Students are able to: Identify literary devices in literary texts, including simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, mood, and allusion. Analyze how an author's use of literary devices supports an interpretation of the text. Cite evidence from the text to support their analysis. Understanding: 4. Students understand that: Authors use figurative language and literary devices to develop tone and mood in their writing. Literary devices contribute to the literal and/or figurative interpretation of a text.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 8	8. Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writing in which the development, organization, style, and tone are relevant to task, purpose, and audience, using an appropriate command of language. a. Write narratives that establish a clear purpose, use narrative techniques, and sequence events coherently. Examples: narratives - memoir, short story, personal narrative; techniques - dialogue, pacing, description, reflection; sequencing - chronological, reverse chronological, flashback b. Write informative or explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas or processes effectively, by developing the topic with relevant information or data from credible sources and using appropriate transitions and precise vocabulary. c. Write an argument to defend a position by introducing and supporting a claim, distinguishing the claim from opposing claims, presenting counterclaims and reasons, and citing accurate, relevant textual evidence from credible sources. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 8. Narrative writing Argument writing Informative/explanatory writing Writing development Writing organization Style Tone Task Purpose Audience Command of language 8a. Narratives Clear purpose Narrative techniques Sequence 8b. Informative text Explanatory text Credible sources Transitions Precise vocabulary 8c. Argument Defend a position Claim Opposing claim Counterclaims Relevant evidence Accurate sources Credible sources Knowledge: 8. Students know: A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. The purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the reader to take action or adopt a particular position. Informative or explanatory text is a piece of writing that provides factual information that was gathered from multiple research sources. The development, organization, style, and tone of writing will change depending on the writing task, the purpose of the writing, and the intended audience. Formal academic writing should demonstrate an appropriate command of language. 8a. A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story, such as a memoir, a short story, or a personal narrative. Narrative writing includes techniques, like dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection. Events in narrative writing should be sequenced in a coherent manner, such as chronological, reverse chronological, or the inclusion of flashbacks. 8b. Informative or explanatory text is writing that examines and explains complex ideas or processes, utilizing information from multiple credible research sources. Informative or explanatory text has an organized structure, and usually begins by clearly focusing on the topic, providing credible evidence, and ends with a conclusion. Informative or explanatory writing should include academic, content-specific technical word meanings. Words that indicate transitions. 8c. The purpose of argumentative writing is to defend an opinion. Argumentative writing includes introducing the topic by stating an argumentative claim, relevant evidence to support the claim, distinguishing the claim from opposing claims, acknowledging counterclaims, and a concluding statement. Evidence to support the argument must be collected from various accurate and credible sources. Skills: 8. Students are able to: Produce clear, coherent narrative, argument, and informative/explanatory writings. Identify the writing task, the purpose of writing, and the intended audience in order to appropriately adapt the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Demonstrate command of the written language. 8a. Write a narrative with a coherent sequence of plot events and a clear purpose. Incorporate narrative techniques in their narrative writing, including dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection. 8b. Gather credible information and data from multiple sources. Write an informative or explanatory text with an organized structure and formal style that develops the topic and utilizes appropriate transitions, credible information or data, and technical vocabulary words. 8c. Write an argument to defend a position. Gather evidence from accurate and credible sources to support the claim. Include a claim and relevant evidence in argumentative writing. Acknowledge alternate or opposing claims in argumentative writing. Present counterclaims and supporting reasons in argumentative writing. Understanding: 8. Students understand that: There are different genres of writing that serve various purposes. The writing task, purpose, and audience should be considered in the development, organization, style, and tone of the writing. Formal academic writing should display their command of the English language. 8a. Narrative writing can take many forms, but there should be a coherent sequence of events. Literary techniques are tools that can be used to create a piece of narrative writing. Literary techniques in narrative writing contribute to the overall meaning and purpose of the text. 8b. Informative or explanatory writing follows a predictable, organized text structure that utilizes appropriate transition words and precise vocabulary. They must gather their information and data about the topic from multiple credible research sources. Using credible information/data can support a writer's ideas and claims. Writers elaborate on details included in the text by using formal academic, content-specific technical words. 8c. To effectively defend a position, they must present relevant, well-organized evidence from accurate and credible sources. An argument can be more effective if a writer acknowledges opposing viewpoints and counterclaims.
English Language Arts ELA2021 (2021) Grade: 8	10. Engage in coherent and collaborative discussions about prose and poetry by evaluating the use of literary devices and elements. Unpacked Content Teacher Vocabulary: 10. Coherent discussion Collaborative discussion Prose Poetry Literary devices Literary elements Knowledge: 10. Students know: The purpose of collaborative discussions related to prose and poetry. Collaborative discussions occur when participants actively listen, build on others' ideas, and ask clarifying questions. Generally accepted rules for discussions. Literary text often includes literary devices such as personification, imagery, alliteration, onomatopoeia, symbolism, metaphor, and simile. Literary elements within a story include the theme, plot, and point of view. Poetry is a genre of text that uses distinctive style and rhythm to aid in the expression of feelings, while prose is written in ordinary language. Skills: 10. Students are able to: Participate in coherent and collaborative discussions about prose and poetry. Identify and discuss literary devices and elements in poetry and prose. Evaluate how prose and poetry use literary devices and elements for an intended purpose. Understanding: 10. Students understand that: Comprehension of poetry and prose can be demonstrated by engaging in a collaborative discussion about a text. They can discuss the use of literary elements and devices in prose and poetry to better understand the literal and figurative meaning of the text. Active participation in discussions requires students to listen and respond to others' thoughts and ideas.

Tags:

acrostic poems, literary device, Pat Mora, poem, senses, sensory imagery, writing

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Cassie Raulston

ALEX Classroom Resource

Color of Silence: Sensory Imagery in Pat Mora's Poem