Lesson 1: Introduction To Poetry

Objectives: • Students will become familiar with the basics of poetry and why it is important. • Be able to identify elements of poetry such as rhyme, rhythm, and imagery.

Resources: • Poetry 101 by Jimmy Fallon https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-101-Penguin-Books-Universal/dp/0142000809

• A selection of example poetry by a variety of authors

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduce the concept of poetry to the class by explaining why poetry is important, how it has been used throughout history, etc.
2. Give students a few examples of well-known verses, such as Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Land of Nod” or Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman.”
3. Read and explain the lines of each poem. Have students identify the meter, rhyme, and imagery of each.
4. Define words such as simile and metaphor, and allow students to practice using each in writing their own poem.
5. Ask students to share the rhymes and other elements they noticed in the examples.
6. Encourage students to look for these elements in future poetry they encounter.

Lesson 2: Create Your Own Poem

Objectives: • Students will be able to create their own poems using proper poetic conventions. • Students will be introduced to common poetic forms such as the sonnet and haiku

Resources: • Poetry 101 by Jimmy Fallon https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-101-Penguin-Books-Universal/dp/0142000809

• Examples of sonnets and haiku http://www.poetryexplorer.net/poetry-configurator/formselector/

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduce different poetic forms to the students, such as sonnets and haikus. Give the students the definition of each, and some examples.
2. Have students brainstorm words and phrases they could use in their poetry.
3. Have students write down three or four ideas they could use in their poetry.
4. Instruct students to pick one of their ideas and begin writing their own poem in the form of either a sonnet or haiku.
5. Allow students to discuss their ideas with each other and share their progress.
6. Ask students to read their poems aloud to the class and ask for feedback from their peers.