Finding a Friend" by Jane Clarke Explores Friendship Through Poetry. Students Analyze the Poem, Discuss Friendship Qualities, and Create Artwork.

Title: Exploring Friendship through "Finding a Friend" by Jane Clarke Grade Level: Year 5 Duration: 2-3 lessons (45 minutes each)

Objectives:

1. To understand the theme of friendship in the poem "Finding a Friend" by Jane Clarke.
2. To analyze the use of figurative language and poetic devices in the poem.
3. To develop critical thinking skills by discussing the importance of friendship and its qualities.
4. To create a visual representation of friendship through a collaborative art activity.

Materials:

• Copies of the poem "Finding a Friend" by Jane Clarke
• Chart paper and markers
• Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, crayons, etc.)
• Large sheets of paper or poster boards
• Glue sticks or tape

Procedure:

Lesson 1: Understanding the Poem

1. Begin the lesson by asking students about their understanding of friendship. Discuss the qualities and characteristics of a good friend.
2. Introduce the poem "Finding a Friend" by Jane Clarke. Read the poem aloud, emphasizing the rhythm and rhyme.
3. Distribute copies of the poem to each student. Ask them to read it silently and underline any words or phrases that stand out to them.
4. Conduct a class discussion to analyze the poem. Use the following guiding questions:

• What is the main theme of the poem?
• How does the poet use figurative language (similes, metaphors) to describe friendship?
• What emotions or feelings does the poem evoke?
• How does the poem make you think about your own friendships?

Lesson 2: Exploring Friendship Qualities

1. Review the main theme and poetic devices discussed in the previous lesson.
2. Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a large sheet of paper or poster board.
3. Instruct each group to create a mind map or web, with the word "Friendship" in the center. Encourage them to brainstorm and write down qualities and characteristics of a good friend around the central word.
4. After completing the mind maps, have each group present their ideas to the class. Discuss similarities and differences among the groups' responses.
5. Create a class chart summarizing the qualities of a good friend based on the group presentations.

Lesson 3: Visual Representation of Friendship

1. Begin the lesson by reviewing the qualities of a good friend discussed in the previous lesson.
2. Explain to the students that they will create a visual representation of friendship using art supplies.
3. Provide each student with a large sheet of paper and art supplies.
4. Instruct the students to draw and color a picture that represents friendship based on the qualities discussed in the previous lessons.
5. Once the students have completed their artwork, display them around the classroom or in a designated area.
6. Conduct a gallery walk, where students can view and appreciate each other's artwork. Encourage them to discuss the different interpretations and representations of friendship.

Assessment:

• Participation in class discussions and group activities.
• Completion of the mind map/web activity.
• Artwork representing friendship, assessing creativity and connection to the qualities discussed.

Extension Activities:

1. Write a letter to a friend, expressing gratitude for their friendship and highlighting the qualities that make them a good friend.
2. Create a class poetry anthology, where students can contribute their own poems about friendship.
3. Research and present on famous friendships throughout history, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks or Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson.