Education Technology


NCTE: Critiquing Pantoum Poems

Activity Overview

In this activity, student groups present their pantoums to the class.

Before the Activity

See the attached Activity PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity.

Print the appropriate pages from the Activity for your class.

Install the NoteFolio(tm) App on the students' graphing calculators following the attached instructions.

Have each student open the file on their device that contains their group's pantoum. Review the basics of public speaking using either a transparency or by handing out a copy of the "Public Speaking Tips" page to each student. Also review the rubric you will use to assess the pantoums.

During the Activity

  • Distribute the appropriate pages from the Activity to your class
  • Distribute the NoteFolio(tm) file(s) to your class using TI Connect(tm) and the appropriate TI Connectivity cable
  • Follow the procedures outlined in the Activity


  • Students will:
  • Identify the defining features and structures of literary texts.
  • Choose words purposefully and evaluate the use of words in communications designed to inform, explain, and persuade.
  • Evaluate how audience and context affect the selection and use of words and phrases, including technical terms, slang, and jargon.
  • Perform expressive oral readings of prose, poetry, and drama.
  • After the Activity

    When all the groups have read their pantoums aloud, have the students reflect on the lesson. Use the "Reflecting Upon What You?ve Done" page as either a handout or an overhead transparency to guide the discussion. Distribute the REFLECT.8xv NoteFolio(tm) file and have each student record their reflections in it. The completed files are submitted at the end of the class period.