Using Poetry to Explore Change and Belonging

• PRINT
• EMAIL

Here is a sampling of the collections of poetry that students browse as part of this unit.

Growth can not occur without change. Growing up is not always easy, but a sense of belonging makes change less scary. Some people feel they belong to a place. Others feel at home in groups. Students will read poems that pertain to change and growth and think about their own sense of belonging.

OBJECTIVE

Students will:

1. Understand and appreciate poetry
2. Understand the following literary terms: form, sound, imagery, figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification)
3. Recognize the distinguishing features of poetry

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: Strategies to Read and Analyze Poetry
Lesson 2: Change
Lesson 3: Spice Up Your Poetry with Figurative Language

REPRODUCIBLES
Figurative Language Graphic Organizer (PDF)
Inference Graphic Organizer (PDF)
Reading Strategies for Poetry (PDF)
Evaluation Questions for Poetry (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Students will brainstorm one of their familiar experiences from growing up. They will write a poem describing that experience. The poem must be descriptive with example (s) of: simile, metaphor, rhyme, personification, etc. Students will create an illustration, drawing, or collage for their poem. Students will also research The Poetry in Motion program -developed by the Poetry Society of America and the MTA New York City Transit in 1192 to make the experience of using public transportation more pleasurable. The program places poetry generally written by recognized and published authors on colorful posters in subway cars and buses. The class will create their own "Classroom in Motion" program, and display their poems and illustrations in the classroom.

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Book List for Teaching Poetry to Explore Change and Belonging

Sixth grade teacher Kechia Williams shares her passion for teaching reading and writing along with effective, efficient classroom management techniques.

• Scholastic Store
• 

  The Scholastic Store

  Franklin Watts Prep: Extraordinary Poetry Writing by Margaret Ryan Help kids unleash their creative genius with F.W Prep, the how-to series filled with cool activities, innovative strategies, and multimedia approaches designed to stimulate out-of-the box thinking and help 'tweens and teens' find their own extraordinary "voice" as they master language arts skills they'll use all through school and life. $9.95 books;paperback books;paperbacks | Ages 13 and Up

  
  Franklin Watts Prep: Extraordinary Poetry Writing
  Ages 13 and Up $9.95
  
• Teacher Store
• 

  The Teacher Store

  Scholastic Scope Targeting middle school students reading on level, this language arts magazine is packed with teen-oriented nonfiction, classic and contemporary literature, read-aloud plays, and first-person true teen stories. Vocabulary words taken from the ACT and SAT help students prepare for standardized tests. Plus, an exciting writing program gives students a chance to be published in Scope. Each class set (10 or more copies) includes a Teacher's Edition packed with standards connections, extension activ $8.75 Classroom Magazines | Grades 6-10

  
  Scholastic Scope
  Grades 6-10 $8.75
  

American Journeys: California
Welcome to American Journeys: Learn About California-a dynamic educational program developed for fourth graders that encourages the use of language...

The New and Improved "What I Did on My Summer Vacation"
Introduces a lesson unit enaging students in sharing about themselves, their families, and their summer vacations through a mock museum exhibit.

Connotation: Effective Word Choice
Promotes effective word choice, with a fun and exciting introduction of connotation through an examination of sports team names.