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 goal:

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.

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.

ABAB

The teacher stares at one more page,

The classroom walls feel cold and grey.

She’s spent the week in grading rage,

And dreams of sleeping all the day.

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

ABBA

At last the marking work is done, 

Her aching hand begins to rest, 

No more red pen, no more test,

She smiles and walks into the sun. 

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

AABB

The teacher yawns and rubs her head, 

“I should have stayed at home in bed.” 

A hundred essays, every page, 

Have quickly made her feel her age. 

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

ABCB

The classroom’s quiet after school,

Her red pen hits the floor, 

She’s checked the same mistakes all week, 

And cannot mark one paper more.

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

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.

Figurative language example:

The classroom breathes a sleepy sigh,

Dust dances softly in the sun.

The teacher walks through summer’s sky,

Her mind at last with freedom spun.

Introduce the concept of figurative language and provide examples.

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.

Imagery example:

Strawberries glow like tiny jewels in cream,

The air smells bright with sugar and vanilla.

Laughter drifts through the afternoon heat,

As the last sweet bite disappears.

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

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.

Meter example:

On free and quiet mornings I

can stay beneath the sheets so warm.

The sun climbs slowly through the sky,

while I keep sleeping through the storm.

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

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.

Haiku example (about TikTok)

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

Small bright phone glowing

Endless videos drifting by

Midnight passes fast

Provide an example of a haiku 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.

Free verse example (about binge-watching Netflix)

The next episode begins    before I even decide.

The room is dark,   only the screen is awake.

One more episode, I say,   as the clock quietly moves past midnight.

Outside the world is sleeping,  but the story keeps pulling me in

like a tide I cannot resist.

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.

Diamond poem example

parents

strict, watchful

asking, reminding, worrying

rules, questions, curfews, advice

growing, learning, understanding

supportive, caring

family

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

Drafting your poem

Now , 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.

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 version

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.