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Lesson Plan

Understanding and Analyzing “The U.S. of Us” by Richard Blanco

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This Understanding and Analyzing “The U.S. of Us” by Richard Blanco lesson plan also includes:

Current immigration issues and the rhetoric surrounding the controversies come into focus with a activity that uses Richard Blanco's anthem, "The U.S. of Us," written after the August 2019 attack in El Paso, Texas, to open a discussion of anti-immigration bias.

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CCSS: Designed
Concepts
poetry analysis, poetry, hispanic culture, immigration, united states immigration, bias, discrimination, stereotypes, prejudice, mood, tone, literary themes, imagery, poetic devices, point of view, identity
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Instructional Ideas
  • Have class members investigate the current status of DACA and the DREAM Act, as well as current immigration issues
  • Use during Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15
  • Enlarge and post the words of the U.S. National Anthem in a prominent place in the classroom
Classroom Considerations
  • The 12-page packet includes a detailed plan, links to related articles, and questions to guide the discussion of the poem
  • Requires a projection device for the video and copies of the poem
Pros
  • Provides a detailed list of suggested extension activities, as well as background information on immigrant-related news and issues
  • The poem is also available in Spanish
Cons
  • The video of Blanco discussing his poem is no longer available