by Gwendolyn Brooks by Carl Sandburg

Modern American Poetry: Brooks' Life and Career
This biographical sketch of Gwendolyn Brooks states that "Like many urban writers, Brooks has recorded the impact of city life." If you were to write about everyday experiences in your neighborhood, what might you write about? Brainstorm for a list of topics that you could cover and choose one to develop into a poem.

The Academy of American Poets: Carl Sandburg
This site offers a short biography and a selection of Sandburg’s poems. After reading about the author, click on the link for his well-known poem "Fog." Compare and contrast this poem with "Arithmetic." Divide into groups and discuss how each poem uses figurative language.