Reading Poetry and Identifying Theme: Robert Frost’s “A Time to Talk”

Grade 4: Module 1A: Unit 1: Lesson 7R. Medina

Learning Target

I can determine the theme of a poem. (RL.4.2)

I can explain the structural elements of a poem. (RL.4.5)

I can engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions. (SL.4.1)

I can plan a symbol for my wampum belt.

“A Time to Talk”

“A Time to Talk” by Robert Frost talk about how this poem looks

different from the previous texts. What makes this a poem?

Read the title. Discuss with your table what this poem may be about.

“A Time to Talk”

Reading poetry aloud often helps us to gain better understanding of the poem. Also, poems usually need to be read multiple times to figure out what the poet is saying. Sometimes even adults will read a poem ten times when trying to figure out its meaning!

Follow along as I read the poem aloud once.

“A Time to Talk”

Did you notice my reading? Did you notice I stopped at the periods and paused at the commas?” Rhythm Rhyme? Images? Speed at which I read?

The structure of poems will vary, but the punctuation will always tell you how you should read them. Let’s read the poem aloud again. How many sentences are in the poem? How do you know?

Read the poem silently and circle any words that are unfamiliar. Many of the words can be figured out using context. If it is an outdated word and does not have a clear definition, the important thing is that not understanding the word does not get in the way of comprehending the entire poem.

What is this poem about?

Distribute Guiding Questions Work in fours. You will now read the poem to

deconstruct it, or figure out its meaning. Read the poem aloud multiple times as you answer the questions.

If you do not know a meaning of a word, remember - sometimes the definition is not necessary in order to get the gist of the poem.

Determining the Theme of “A Time to

talk”

We will now be talking about the theme of this poem. Theme is the central message or main idea.

Take out Keeping Track Chart and fill in a row for the poem, focusing on summary theme and making connections.

Closing

How would you explain the structure of this poem? How does this poem connect to the other texts you have read?

How does this poem influence the symbol you choose for their wampum belt?