1.1 Read: About Overcoming Fears

1.6 Performed Poem: To This Day

Watch the video of "To This Day," a spoken-word poem about bullying by Shane Koyczan, a Canadian artist. This poem has captivated millions as a viral video (created, crowd-source style, by 80 animators). Here, he gives a glorious, live reprise with backstory and violin accompaniment by Hannah Epperson.

Notice his use of humour, tone, and pacing to emphasize his message, the theme.  

 Theme is NOT a summary of the plot. Theme is: 

• the underlying message that the author is trying to convey
• the central thought or purpose of the story
• reflection of some important or significant aspect of life
• usually universal

Here is a video to review theme.

Open your learning guide and complete 1.6:  Theme.