The Yellowjacket Anthology of Poetry
-a webquest for middle school students
Introduction
Visit any bookstore in the mall, your public library, or an on-line book seller, and you will find shelves full of poetry anthologies. There are anthologies for every day of the week, every period in history, and every weird preoccupation that someone might have. Now it's our turn. We (actually, you) are going to create the Yellowjacket Anthology of Poetry. You will decide which authors and poems to include in the anthology, and you will convince your classmates of the worthiness of the poets and poems.
The completed obituary for each poet and selected poems (where copyright law allows) will be posted on the school's web page for all to see. Big Brother (and Sister) are watching, so do a good job. Pick a poet that interests you. Don't spend your time waiting for the teacher or librarian to select someone for you. You may choose one of the authors we studied in class, but two people cannot work on the same poet. If you don't know how to find a poet, start exploring. The resources page of this webquest contains several links, or the stacks or your local library are filled with starting points. Contact me as soon as you have selected your poet. I will let you know if that poet is already taken. The resources page will contain an updated list of poets already selected. Good luck and enjoy.