Using the framework here of exploring various social justice issues, students will write a spoken word poem that addresses such an issue and includes juxtaposition of that issue with an extended metaphor.  To see an example, have students listen to, read and analyze Rudy Francisco's spoken word poem - "The Heart and The Fist"  which can be found at https://youtu.be/8IHYA1l7Yew.  Teachers need to know ahead of time that there is some profanity in the poem, so preview is highly recommended to make sure it's appropriate for your school audience.  Another suggested spoken word poem that addresses a social injustice issue is Clint Smith's poem "Letters to Five of the Presidents Who Owned Slaves While They Were in Office" found here: https://courses.suzannechurchill.com/community-s17/2017/02/24/letters-to-five-of-the-presidents-who-owned-slaves-while-they-were-in-office-by-clint-smith-iii/ 

Students will use the argument checklist to analyze the spoken word poem.  

Click here for a link to the resource.

Once students explore social justice issues through Newsela, they will write their own spoken word poem.