“Mosetsana”
Print this Page- Subject(s): Language Arts & Literature, Social Studies & Geography, Cross-Cultural Understanding
- Region / Country: Africa / Republic of South Africa
- Grade Level(s): 6–8, 9–12
- Related Publication: "Mosetsana"
Overview
Students will read and discuss "Mosetsana," a poem written by a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in South Africa. Students will focus reading and discussion on issues of gender, education, and family as they appear in the poem.
Objectives
- Students will deepen their knowledge about the lives of people in South Africa.
- Students will discuss how elements of poetry such as tone work to convey meaning.
- Students will discuss similarities and differences between their lives and the lives of the poem’s characters.
Vocabulary
- bogobe: a stiff porridge
Featured Reading(s)
- Mosetsana by Katie Pepiot
Materials
Procedures
Assign students to read "Mosetsana" silently. Then select a student or a group of students to read the poem aloud. As a class or in small groups, use the following questions to guide discussion:
- This poem describes a day in the life of a young South African girl. What details about her life stand out to you when you read the poem?
- Describe a day in Mosetsana's life. What activities does she complete at what times of day?
- What is Mosetsana's family situation? Why do you think it is that way?
- How does your life compare to Mosetsana's? What are your chores? How is your classroom different?
- How do you think Mosetsana's life is different from that of the boys in her classes?
- Who is the narrator of this poem? What tone does he or she use?
Extensions
Ask students to write a poem about their own lives that illustrates similarities and differences to Mosetsana’s. Assign students to research HIV/AIDS in South Africa, including how the disease is changing the makeup of families.
Author: Katie Pepiot
About the Author:
Katie Pepiot served in South Africa from 2007–2009 as an elementary education Peace Corps Volunteer.
Additional Credits:
Education program assistant for Peace Corps/South Africa Nthabiseng Dulungana brought Katie Pepiot’s poetry to the attention of Coverdell World Wise Schools.