Page 47 - SpringBoard_CloseReading_Workshop_Grade8_Flipbook

Close Reading of poetry (continued)
ACTIvITy 3
Independent Practice
Preview the Title
The title of the next poem is “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Based on this title, make a prediction about what the poem is about:
Background:
Like “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was originally written as a poem in 1899, but later became a song. James Weldon Johnson, principal of
the segregated Stanton School at the time, wrote the piece to be performed by schoolchildren at a celebration of President Lincoln’s birthday on February 12, 1900. Johnson's brother set the poem to music in 1905.
First Reading: First Impressions
Read the poem silently to yourself. As you read, think about the meanings of the underlined words. Look at the definitions in the right margin, and also use your knowledge of the words and context clues to help you make meaning of the text.
list’ning:listening;paying attention
Lift Every
Sing
by James Weldon Johnson
Lift every voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty, Let our rejoicing rise
5 Highasthelist’ningskies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Voice and
10 Let us march on till victory is won. 46 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 8
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