Lesson 9: Write About What You Know
Activities
Activity 1: Book of Poetry
Materials: R is for Rhyme: A Poetry Alphabet by Judy Young, a variety of poetry books
Find a time to visit the library and find poetry books. Look through a variety of poetry collections and pick a book that looks interesting. If you can't get to the library, use poetry books you have at home. Read the books and see how many of types of poems and poetry tools from the book R is for Rhyme you can find. Record your discoveries on the "Book of Poetry" pages. You can record the title, words from the poem, figurative language phrases, and any other information related to the poetry type or tool listed.
Student Activity Page
Student Activity Page
Student Activity Page
Student Activity Page
Student Activity Page
Student Activity Page
Look over your child's "Book of Poetry" pages and read some of the examples and ideas he has recorded. Encourage him to continue adding to the pages as he reads more poems.
Activity 2: Write About Something You Know
Materials: R is for Rhyme: A Poetry Alphabet by Judy Young
Many authors advise aspiring writers to begin with writing about something they know or an experience they have had. This is why Jack's teacher tells the class to write about a pet. It is easier to find the right words for a poem when you are writing about something in your own life.
Read the letter F in R is for Rhyme. Free Verse poems do not follow a set of rules or a rhyming pattern. The poet can create the poem in any way he or she chooses. Write a free verse poem. Remember to use vivid adjectives, interesting nouns, strong verbs, and visual imagery in your poem. One of the greatest challenges of writing a poem is deciding how to string the words together in just the right way.
Read the letter F in R is for Rhyme. Free Verse poems do not follow a set of rules or a rhyming pattern. The poet can create the poem in any way he or she chooses. Write a free verse poem. Remember to use vivid adjectives, interesting nouns, strong verbs, and visual imagery in your poem. One of the greatest challenges of writing a poem is deciding how to string the words together in just the right way.
Ask your child to read his free verse poem aloud. Discuss his word choice, use of figurative language, and the pattern of his poem. Encourage him to think of ways to improve the poem after he reads over it a few times.