For the past few weeks, the fifth graders have immersed themselves in poetry!  We started off by discussing the differences between prose and poetry, focusing on the purposes and rules of each type of writing.  We learned about using rhyme, alliteration, repetition, and made up words.  We discussed organizing features of poetry like line, stanza, line stop vs enjambment, and iambs.  We tried out different types of poems like haikus, tankas, concrete (or altar) poems, limericks, and sonnets.  We’ve studied poems from Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Shel Silverstein, and Lewis Carroll amongst many others.  Today we looked at methods to enhance the imagery in our poems like using similes and metaphors.

Throughout our lessons, students practiced writing their own poems, focusing on integrating our lessons into their work.  Students will be editing and revising poems next week (by themselves but also with partners) and create a book of their own poetry to share.  We can’t wait to share some of our favorites at our poetry slam next week!