Teacher Guide

My Papa's Waltz Lesson Plan

Study Objectives

If all of the elements of this lesson plan are employed, students will develop the following powers, skills, and understanding:

  1. 1

    Student will evaluate the role of ambiguity in Roethke's poem and apply that analysis to other poetry and literary works.

  2. 2

    Students will create their own ambiguous memory poems in the vein of "My Papa's Waltz."

  3. 3

    Students will examine the role of meter, word choice, and rhyme in the poem.

  4. 4

    Students will analyze the poem through essay responses.

  5. 5

    Students will engage in discussion about style, symbolism, and meaning in "My Papa's Waltz."

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