Marvels of Word Play: Writing Whimsical Poems

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Marvels of Word Play:

Writing Whimsical Poems

What do you already know about language devices in poetry?

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify, understand, and use language devices in poetry, and create your own poem using word play.

Introduction to Word Play

Word play makes poems fun and interesting. Poets use rhyme, made-up words, and alliteration to entertain readers.

What is a Language Device?

Language devices are tricks writers use to make their writing creative, exciting, and memorable.

Some examples are

rhyme,

alliteration,

and neologisms (made-up words).

Model Poem: A Summer Stroll With Lewis Carroll

Read this poem aloud.

Listen out for rhymes, made-up words, and patterns.

Let’s discover what makes it playful!

A Summer Stroll with Lewis Carroll

Lewis Carroll, he went a-walking, one blustery summer’s day,
And bumped into the Fluttersnoop, in the merry month of May.
Good Snoop, how do you rumble, in the slimy tove and stew,
And how are all the Moomraths, who used to live with you?

Good Sir, they are slip-sloth, and skoobered to a man,
But seven of them are schlepping in the back of that green van,
The rest they are out slothing, upon the snow and ice,
And doing sneckville sneckabunds, which really aren’t nice.
Snowbuff, snowbuff, the poet mused, sniganda do za roo,
I have to say I wouldn’t have a zot sarong like you.
The Snoop he cried a crystal tear, he sniffed, indeed it’s ronsense,
I’m glad that I bumped into you, you speak such fluent nonsense.

Discussing the Poem

What is the poem about?

Why do you think that?

What is the purpose of the poem?

Who is the intended audience?

Let’s talk together.

Poem Vocabulary

Synonyms & Explanations

We’ll chat about the meaning of each word and find new ways to say them.

Unfamiliar Words

Let’s look at new words in the poem and learn what they mean.

Graphic Organiser Activity

Complete the graphic organiser: - Rhyme - Neologisms - Repetition - Alliteration Find examples from the poem!

Sharing Our Discoveries

Let’s discuss what we found about language features.

What do the made-up words mean?

What clues helped you decide?

Think, Pair, Share

Reread the poem.

Share your responses with a partner.

What did you think or feel after reading?

Writing a Poem Review

Let’s create a class review of the poem. Use our notes on language features as evidence. Everyone can add ideas!

Brainstorming Word Play

Let’s think of nonsense words, rhyme pairs, and alliteration for our own poems! Add onomatopoeia for extra fun.

Writing Your Word Play Poem

Work alone or with a partner. Use the success criteria: - Rhyme every second line - Use alliteration - Include onomatopoeia - Use word play to make your poem funny!

Draft, Edit, and Perform

Write your draft, then edit. Practise performing your poem to the class with energy and humour!

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

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