To inspire your reading, watch the the following performance. The words in this video are not precisely those of the poem, but they are very closely modelled on them. The performers add an additional section to the poem (after 01:19).
Prepare a reading for your class of But You Didn’t by Merrill Glass. MANAGING MYSELF
Link: But You Didn’t by Merrill Glass Search Terms: YouTube But You Didn’t by Merrill Glass
LITERACY
In your reading, try to capture the emotions you find in the poem. You might practise this reading at home or in a quiet place, perhaps recording yourself with a phone or other device to reflect on how you sound and to increase your confidence.
BEING CREATIVE MANAGING INFORMATION AND THINKING
Success Criteria: In my performance of But You Didn’t, I … n Spoke clearly, pronouncing each of the words correctly.
WORKING WITH OTHERS o
n Emphasised some words to express the emotion I found in the poem. o n Used a tone appropriate to my understanding of the poem.
NUMERACY
n Attempted to make a connection with my listeners (i.e. teacher and classmates).
54 STAYING WELL Compare: Stars Over Afghanistan and But You Didn’t
Use the following questions to compare the experience of war depicted in the two texts you have read in this section. Write out your answer in paragraphs in your copybook. Element
Stars Over Afghanistan
Who is the central character in this text? When and where does the action take place i.e. before, during or after a war? What is the character / speaker’s experience of war? How does this speaker feel or think about their experience? Why might this text appeal to you or any other teenage reader in Ireland today?
