Description
What It Is:
A deep and thought-provoking poetry reading and analysis worksheet featuring Lily Myers’s acclaimed spoken-word poem “Shrinking Women.” The poem explores gender roles, inherited behaviors, body image, silence, emotional labor, and the generational patterns passed down within families. Students read the full poem to practice close reading, annotation, and social-emotional literary analysis.
Why Use It:
This resource helps students analyze contemporary spoken-word poetry through its vivid imagery, symbolism, emotional tone, and powerful commentary on gender expectations. It encourages nuanced discussion, personal reflection, and advanced interpretation skills aligned with high-school ELA standards.
How to Use It:
• Assign as a close-reading and annotation activity in poetry, gender studies, or spoken-word literature units.
• Have students identify figurative language, tone shifts, symbolism, and generational patterns.
• Pair with Lily Myers’s performance video to compare delivery, voice, pacing, and emotional impact.
• Use as a springboard for analytical essays, reflective journaling, or classroom discussions about identity and societal expectations.
Grade Suitability:
Best suited for Grades 9–11.
• Ideal for high-school poetry interpretation and contemporary literature study.
• Supports SEL-integrated lessons on body image, family dynamics, and gender norms.
Target Users:
High-school ELA teachers, poetry instructors, gender-studies educators, tutors, and students exploring contemporary spoken-word poetry and identity-centered themes.
A deep and thought-provoking poetry reading and analysis worksheet featuring Lily Myers’s acclaimed spoken-word poem “Shrinking Women.” The poem explores gender roles, inherited behaviors, body image, silence, emotional labor, and the generational patterns passed down within families. Students read the full poem to practice close reading, annotation, and social-emotional literary analysis.
Why Use It:
This resource helps students analyze contemporary spoken-word poetry through its vivid imagery, symbolism, emotional tone, and powerful commentary on gender expectations. It encourages nuanced discussion, personal reflection, and advanced interpretation skills aligned with high-school ELA standards.
How to Use It:
• Assign as a close-reading and annotation activity in poetry, gender studies, or spoken-word literature units.
• Have students identify figurative language, tone shifts, symbolism, and generational patterns.
• Pair with Lily Myers’s performance video to compare delivery, voice, pacing, and emotional impact.
• Use as a springboard for analytical essays, reflective journaling, or classroom discussions about identity and societal expectations.
Grade Suitability:
Best suited for Grades 9–11.
• Ideal for high-school poetry interpretation and contemporary literature study.
• Supports SEL-integrated lessons on body image, family dynamics, and gender norms.
Target Users:
High-school ELA teachers, poetry instructors, gender-studies educators, tutors, and students exploring contemporary spoken-word poetry and identity-centered themes.