Poetry in Motion: Learning to Write Poems in English

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 4

Poetry in Motion: Learning to Write Poems in English

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to write a poem in English.

Clearly state the learning objective for the students.

What is a Poem?

A poem is a piece of writing that uses imaginative and creative language to express emotions, thoughts, or ideas.

Introduce the concept of poetry and its purpose.

Types of Poems

There are many different types of poems, such as sonnets, haikus, free verse, diamonds, rhymed poems and more.

Briefly explain the different types of poems students might encounter.

Brainstorming

Before you start writing, brainstorm ideas for your poem. Think about the theme, tone, and mood you want to convey.

Explain the importance of brainstorming and give examples of themes, tones, and moods.

Rhyme Scheme

A rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhyming words at the end of each line in a poem. Some common rhyme schemes include 

ABAB, ABBA, AABB, and ABCB.

Teach students the different types of rhyme schemes and provide examples.

Meter

Meter is the rhythm or beat of a poem. It is created by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line.

Explain what meter is and give examples of stressed and unstressed syllables.

Imagery

Imagery is the use of descriptive language to create sensory experiences for the reader. It can help set the mood and tone of the poem.

Discuss the importance of imagery and give examples of sensory experiences.

Figurative Language

Figurative language is the use of words or phrases that go beyond their literal meaning to create a deeper understanding of the poem. Examples include simile, metaphor, and personification.

Introduce the concept of figurative language and provide examples.

Drafting Your Poem

Now that you have brainstormed and understand the different elements of a poem, it's time to start writing! Remember to revise and edit your work.

Provide guidance on how to start writing a poem and the importance of revising and editing.

Sharing Your Poem

Once you have completed your poem, share it with a partner or the class. Give and receive feedback on how to improve your work.

Encourage students to share their work and give constructive feedback.

Sonnet Example

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? 

Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date.

Provide an example of a sonnet as a reference for students.

Haiku Example

An old silent pond... A frog jumps into the pond— Splash! Silence again.

Provide an example of a haiku as a reference for students.

How to write a haiku poem? 

Haiku is an unrhymed poetic form consisting of 17 syllables arranged in three lines: 

1st line  5 syllables

2nd line 7 syllables

3rd line 5 syllables 

Provide an example of a free verse poem as a reference for students.

Free Verse Example

I celebrate myself, and sing myself, 

And what I assume you shall assume, 

For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.

Provide an example of a free verse poem as a reference for students.

How to write a free verse poem? 

A free verse poem is a poem that doesn't rely on any particular form, meter, or rhyme scheme, yet still conveys powerful feelings and ideas. Rather than letting a certain structure define the poem, the poet lets the poem structure itself through the interplay of language, sound, and literary devices.

Provide an example of a free verse poem as a reference for students.

Diamond poem Example

Monsters

Evil, Spooky

Howling, Shrieking, Wailing

Ghosts, Vampires, Goblins, Witches

Flying, Scaring, Terrifying

Creepy, Crawly

Creatures

Provide an example of a free verse poem as a reference for students.

How to write a diamond poem? 

Noun

Adjective, Adjective

Verb, Verb, Verb

Noun, Noun, Noun, Noun

Verb, Verb, Verb

Adjective, Adjective

Noun

Provide an example of a free verse poem as a reference for students.

Rhymed poem example

Share your poem with a partner and give feedback on their work. What did you like? What could be improved?

Provide instructions for students to give feedback to their peers.

Rhymed poem example

Share your poem with a partner and give feedback on their work. What did you like? What could be improved?

Provide instructions for students to give feedback to their peers.

Peer Feedback

Share your poem with a partner and give feedback on their work. What did you like? What could be improved?

Provide instructions for students to give feedback to their peers.

Final Draft

Revise and edit your poem based on feedback. Create a final draft to share with the class.

Encourage students to revise and edit their work before submitting a final draft.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned about the different elements of poetry and how to write a poem in English.

Wrap up the lesson and congratulate the students on their progress.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.