Refugee by Alan Gratz Activity - Poetry Connection to Refugees by Brian Bilson
Refugee by Alan Gratz Activity - Poetry Connection to Refugees by Brian Bilson: Help students explore the emotional and thematic depth of Refugee by Alan Gratz through a compelling poetry connection. In this activity, students will analyze Brian Bilston’s poem Refugees and compare its message and structure to key moments in the novel. This powerful lesson encourages students to think critically, make text-to-text connections, and reflect on how poetry and prose can express similar ideas in different forms.
This is included in our popular unit plan:
>>> Refugee by Alan Gratz Unit Plan
Included in the Refugee Poetry Connection Activity:
➡️ Refugees by Brian Bilson Poetry Connection Presentation: Guide students through an exploration of Bilston’s poem and its surprising structure while drawing parallels to the novel’s themes.
➡️ Poetry Connection Response Assignment: Prompt students to analyze the poem by responding to thoughtful questions that connect it to Refugee by Alan Gratz using text evidence.
➡️ Poetry Connection Response Teacher Answer Key: Use this completed sample assignment page to support class discussion, streamline grading, or offer guidance to students who need additional support.
How the Refugee Poetry Connection Activity works:
- Students begin by reading Brian Bilston’s poem Refugees and discussing its meaning and structure, supported by the guided presentation.
- Next, students respond to a series of analysis and comparison questions that ask them to connect the poem’s message to the events and characters in Refugee.
- Finally, students reflect on how both texts portray the refugee experience, encouraging deeper insight into the novel’s themes through the lens of poetry.
This activity is best used after students have read the novel and are ready to engage in higher-level analysis by making meaningful text-to-text connections.
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