Cross Curriculum Lesson Plan:
Language Arts
Student Resource: From "Staying
Alive," by David Wagoner
Media Type: Poetry
Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
- Describe strategies for avoiding problems that occur during extreme weather.
- Explain how careful planning can help a person survive in situations involving
nature.
- Recognize that accidents, especially among teens, can happen when risks are
taken.
Introducing the Lesson
Share news or anecdotal stories about people who have beaten the odds against
surviving various types of natural catastrophes with students. You might, for
example, mention the marine who was stranded for more than a week in the wilderness
several years back and managed to survive, partly by keeping his wits and partly
by being trained to survive such situations.
Explain that students will presently receive a sort of training session of
their own. Add that it will be in the form of a lyrical poem titled "Staying
Alive."
Teaching Strategies
Distribute copies of the poem or have students read the poem on the Web site.
Get students involved in this unusual poetry topic by having them read the first
line to themselves silently. Ask: What is the poem's setting? (The woods.) Repeat
the process, this time having students read through the end of line 5. Ask: What
decision does the poet say someone in this situation would have to make? (Wait
for help to arrive, or set off on your own.)
After students have completed the reading, you may either use the following
as class discussion questions or assign them as individual or group work.
Follow Up
- Analyzing. What is the poet's view of risk taking? What line or lines
in the poem reflect this view?
- Synthesizing. What advice does he give regarding cold temperatures?
What information from your health studies or your own experience could you add
that would increase a person's chances of survival in such a situation?
- Synthesizing. Some of the advice in the poem may not pertain to the
locale you live in. Select two "do's," two "don'ts," or a
combination of these from the poem, and rephrase them so that they apply to the
climate and/or geography of your community.
- Making Inferences. Reread the advice that starts with the words "And
if you find a pathway" in line 41. What is the poet implying you might find
if you follow this advice?
- Extending. One subject not explored in the poem is clothing you should
take with you on a camping or hiking expedition to increase the chances of surviving
in the event you became lost or separated from your party. Identify such clothing
and other supplies you would need.
Integrating Literature and Health
"Staying Alive" is an example of a specific literary genre: literature
in which a person must confront the forces of nature. Read another well-known
example of this genre, the short story "To Build a Fire," by Jack London,
or another selection suggested by your school or local librarian. Compare the
information found in this selection with that provided in "Staying Alive."
Ask yourself what additional information is given about risk taking and strategies
for preventing unfortunate accidents from occurring in the first place. Share
your discoveries in an oral presentation to the class.
