Listen to the song “Nefertiti” by Miles Davis.
The following activities and questions are designed to help your students use their noticing skills to move through the poem and develop their thinking skills so they understand its meaning with confidence, using what they’ve noticed as evidence for their interpretations. Read more about the framework upon which these activities are based.
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Warm-up: Read this short definition of the phrase “ego tripping.” After reading, rephrase the definition in your own words. How does this relate to our world today? Do you see any connections between this and social media?
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Before Reading the Poem: Listen to the song “Nefertiti” by Miles Davis. What words or phrases stand out in the song? Why? What emotions does the song evoke? Why?
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Reading the Poem: Silently read the poem “Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why)” by Nikki Giovanni. What do you notice about the poem? Note any words or phrases that stand out to you or any questions you might have.
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Listening to the Poem: Enlist two volunteers and listen as the poem is read aloud twice. Write down any additional words and phrases that stand out to you. You may also enjoy listening to the poet’s song by the same title.
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Small Group Discussion: Share what you noticed about the poem with a small group of students. How might this be similar to or different from the resources from the beginning of class? After reading the poem and listening to the song, what do you notice about the rhythm and musicality of the poem?
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Whole Class Discussion: How does this poem celebrate identity? What does the speaker value/believe? How does this compare to your own values and/or identity?
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Extension for Grades 7-8: Write your own poem celebrating your unique identity and self. Feel free to borrow a line like one of these for inspiration: “I was born in …” or “I am a …” Share your poem with the class.
- Extension for Grades 9-12: In honor of Black History Month, read more about the Black Arts Movement. Work with a partner or small group and, together, research a poet from the Black Arts Movement. Create a presentation that celebrates your chosen poet. Present to the class.
Learn more about Nikki Giovanni through her TED Talk “Why Not the Right Thing the First Time,” or PBS NewsHour’s tribute to the poet following her death on December 9, 2024.
Free verse: open form poetry not dictated by an established form or meter and often influenced by the rhythms of speech.