Poetry
Genre Study
Poetry is a genre that puts a heavy focus on language, presentation, and meaning. The type of language that is used in poems often rhymes, use a lot of symbolism, metaphors, and/or analogies. Another important aspect of poetry is the sound. Oftentimes poems, when read aloud, fall into a certain rhythm. This is intentionally done by the author. The presentation of a poem is very different from that of a typical short story or book. The "paragraphs" in a poem are referered to as stanzas. A single line within the stanza is called a verse. Some poems just follow may form a visual representation of what the content of the poem is talking about. Poems often convey a very special and deep meaning. Poets tend to write about their personal experiences and strong emotions in their poems. Many poets discuss things that anger them, their experience with love, and their passions within their poems.
Often times in schools we see teachers teaching poetry in isolation and focusing on the techniques like rhyming and/or writng haikus. However, incorporating poetry into other content areas makes material easier to remember. Poetry is also a great way to model writing with the 6+ Writing traits, especially voice, word choice, and organization.
Book Awards
Authors
Genre Resources
Teaching Tools
Books that I recommend
Lemondade and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Reference information for accessing the text (APA Citation): Raczka, B., & Doniger, N. (2011). Lemonade, and other poems squeezed from a single word. New York: Roaring Brook Press.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Grade level span where the book would be considered “complex text.”: No lexile scores provided. [if !supportLists]· [endif]Grade level span for use as a class read aloud: 3-5SXLLM
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Major themes addressed in the book: Poetry. Seasons. Stars. Friendship.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Qualities of the writing that are worthy of note: Each poem is made out of only the letters used within the title of the poem. (Refer to sample page on the right).
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Connections to authentic local, national, or global issues: Helps students be able to read different genres and be exposed to a variety of texts.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Facets of the book that may be difficult for students and require support: The presentation of each poem may be confusing and hard to read for students.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Support that may be needed by students because of the difficult components of the book: On the back of each poem, the poem is re-written in an easier to read format.
Mirror Mirror
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Reference information for accessing the text (APA Citation): Singer, M., & Masse, J. (2010). Mirror mirror: A book of reverso poems. New York, N.Y.: Dutton Children's Books.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Grade level span where the book would be considered “complex text.”: No lexile scores provided.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Grade level span for use as a class read aloud: Upper Elementary
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Major themes addressed in the book: Poetry. Fairytales. Arguments. Homonyms. Reading with expression.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Qualities of the writing that are worthy of note: Picture book. Bright, colorful illustrations. On one half of the page a poem is written, on the other half of the page, the same poem is written but in reverse (starting from the bottom to the top). The poem still makes sense when read in reverse but it changes the meaning of the poem. (Refer to sample page below)
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Connections to authentic local, national, or global issues: Ties to issues regarding arguments or justice. Shows that there are two sides to every story.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Facets of the book that may be difficult for students and require support: It may be difficult for younger students to read independently.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Support that may be needed by students because of the difficult components of the book: Use the book as a read aloud or only share out small sections at a time.
