"Shoulders"

Grades9, 10, 11, 12Social Studies, English Language Arts, Visual and Performing Arts

Provided by Shane Koyczan

What it is

This video features spoken poetry, written and artistically presented by Shane Koyczan, who describes ancient stories of the Earth, sky, and constellations, including the story of Atlas holding up the world (Language Warning).
In his poem, he highlights the interconnectedness of life on Earth, the urgent crisis we're facing, and uses metaphors to connect the stories to our personal and collective responsibility to protect the planet.
There is an expletive used at the beginning of this video.

Positives

This poem is a great resource for students to analyze spoken word poetry while also providing an opportunity to reflect on our collective responsibility to care for the planet.
This poem can engage mature listeners with visuals, music, and storytelling.

Additional Prerequisites

Note that at 1:28, Shane uses the phrase "Don't f--- with the bees." The word also appears in graphic text at the top of the video. Teachers may want to start the video at 1:36 to avoid the profanity.
The first comment below the video is by Shane Koyczan, explaining his choice of the word, which may be insightful for mature students to read and discuss.

Differentiation

In English class, students could investigate the author's technique of using stories from his personal life as metaphors in his poetry.
This video could be used to stimulate a connection between science and English language arts, where students write a poem or paper about a science topic that has meaning in their personal life.
Similar resources include this lesson plan that includes analyzing another climate-focused poem and this lesson for writing an ekphrastic poem.

This resource is recommended for teaching.

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Standards alignment · CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.3 + 6 more

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.3Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.5Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.3Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.3Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.

National Core Arts Standards

VA:Cn10.1.6aGenerate a collection of ideas reflecting current interests and concerns that could be investigated in art-making.
VA:Cn10.1.7aIndividually or collaboratively create visual documentation of places and times in which people gather to make and experience art or design in the community.
VA:Cn10.1.8aMake art collaboratively to reflect on and reinforce positive aspects of group identity.