In a small group, read the Prereading information on page 356, paying particular attention to the Graphic Organizer on the bottom of the page. Create similar organizers for both poems.
Read the poems aloud in your groups, one at a time, starting with the second poem, “Three/Quarters Time.” Figure out the rhythm of the poem by following the directions on the Prereading page. You may have to read the poem several times before you can clap the right rhythm. Then do the same thing with “Nothing But Drums.”
If you are having difficulty beating out the rhythms of the poems, read and discuss the footnotes and Words for Everyday Use first. Discuss the words and their meanings with a partner. Then work on finding the accented syllables in the poem.
Join another group and read each poem aloud together. Then talk about how the rhythms of the two poems differ. Also discuss which elements of each poem are repeated. Write a brief summary that describes the rhythm and repetition found in each poem.