Poetry – How do you teach it?

A poem can be the beginning of many other ways to express yourself. A poem could become a song, a dance, or even a play. A POEM is writing that is imaginative and condensed by using words chosen for their sound and meaning, with phrases that may have a certain pattern made with rhythm and rhyme.

When we start a Poetry unit, I usually begin with the I Am Poem. This gets my children thinking of good words to use whilst writing their I AM POEM. I have a list of words that can not be used as they are 'too easy'. I want my kids to really think of using great words. They are also not allowed to use a word again if they have used it already.

This is the beginning of our Poetry Unit. Each week, I will be posting a new POETRY exercise. Please join us!

I AM POEM

I am __________________________________________(two special characteristics you have)

I wonder ___________________________________(something you are actually curious about)

I hear _____________________________________________ (an imaginary sound)

I see _____________________________________________ (an imaginary sight)

I want _____________________________________________ (an actual desire)

I am _____________________________________________ (the first line of the poem repeated)

I pretend ___________________________________________(something you actually pretend)

I feel __________________________________________ (a feeling about something imaginary)

I touch _____________________________________________ (an imaginary touch)

I worry __________________________________________ (something that really bothers you)

I cry ___________________________________________ (something that makes you very sad)

I am _____________________________________________ (the first line of the poem repeated)

I understand __________________________________________ (something you know is true)

I say _____________________________________________ (something you believe in)

I dream ________________________________________ (something you actually dream about)

I try ______________________________________ (something you really make an effort about)

I hope ___________________________________________ (something you actually hope for)

I am _____________________________________________ (the first line of the poem repeated)