Year 8 - Other Cultures Homework Project -

Benjamin Zephaniah

The purpose of your project is to explore the life and work of the poet Benjamin Zephaniah. You can use the internet or the library for your research and produce your project using ICT or on paper- discuss with your teacher if you are not sure. 

Week One Task

Produce a fact sheet on the life of Benjamin Zephaniah. Include at least ten facts, for example where & when he was born, where he grew up, where he lives now, what he does apart from writing poetry, his family etc. Also include pictures!

Week Two Task

Benjamin Zephaniah’s poetry is strongly influenced by the music and culture of Jamaica. Find out about this country and its culture. For example you could look into where it is, about Jamaican history, other writers or musicians from Jamaica, food, clothes, celebrations and traditions etc. Again find pictures to illustrate.

Week Three Task

Find and read some of the poems Benjamin Zephaniah has written. Pick at least two and put a copy into your project and write a review of them - what are they about? Do you like/dislike them and why etc.

Week Four Task

Go to www.benjaminzephaniah.com and look at the ‘Outernet’ section. Read some of the poems that have been written by people. Write one of your own about a subject of your choice, (remember to also use all the poetic techniques you have been learning in class), and put a neat copy into your project. If you want to you could post it on the website!

Week Five Task

Choose any poem that you have either written or read while looking at the work of Benjamin Zephaniah- create either a picture using ICT or pens/pencils/paint or anything else or a collage or a model to show what the poem is about and what it means to you. This is the last task of your project- make it really amazing!!!