Reading

Lesson 14: “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” Robert Frost

50 min

California CCSS: Focus Standards

California CCSS: Supporting Standards

ELD Standards

Student Lesson

Lesson 14: “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” Robert Frost

Student Learning Objectives

Content

Students will analyze the imagery and symbolism in the Frost poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” and discuss its relevance to The Outsiders.

Language

Students will interpret the poetic devices and themes of “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by explaining figurative language with precise verbs (represents, symbolizes), using expanded noun phrases to name abstract ideas (the fleeting innocence of youth), and citing specific words/lines from the poem and The Outsiders to justify their interpretations.

Foundations

Students will learn a new vocabulary word and build knowledge of the word by generating examples and non-examples.

Essential Question

How do relationships and communities shape a person’s sense of belonging and identity?

Connections to

Knowledge-Building:

Students will learn or build on previous knowledge of literary devices and explain how they are used in a poem.

Enduring Understanding:

Ideas and language in a poem can connect to people’s experience of deeper issues, such as those related to identity and belonging.

Future Lessons:

In Lesson 15, students will review and revise narrative writing connected to the poem’s ideas. They will analyze Chapter 5, where the poem appears, in Lesson 16.

Unit Performance Task:

Building knowledge of literary craft will help students feel more confident using elements of craft in their personal narratives.

Lesson Pacing

Lesson Flow	Purpose of Learning Experience
Launch5 Minutes	Students will discuss their responses to the Lesson 13 homework assignment using a turn-and-talk routine.
Literacy Lab10 Minutes	Students will learn and build knowledge of the term subsides by identifying examples and non-examples.
Learning in Action30 Minutes	Part A: Preparing to Interpret Poetry (RL.7.5, L.7.5.a) Students will learn about Robert Frost, his use of poetic forms, and the poetic devices of imagery, symbolism, and metaphor. They will consider ideas or feelings associated with the word “gold.” Part B: Interpreting a Poem (RL.7.4, RL.7.5) Students will hear the poem, identify memorable images, and discuss text-dependent questions about topics such as symbolism and sound devices.