1. Read along as your teacher reads the beginning stanza of “First Love” aloud. As you listen, put sticky flags next to lines that help you determine the author’s tone. Read the rest of the poem on your own. Flag other key lines. Go back and write a quick note about the tone.
2. Read “Point Guard” on your own. Use sticky flags to mark key lines in this poem as well. Again, make notes about the tone on the sticky notes.
If you are having trouble determining the tone, listen to a partner or your teacher read the poem aloud. Then try reading the poem aloud yourself.