Free Verse

Free verse is poetry not written in a regular rhythmical pattern (no rhyme scheme). Free verse poems may contain lines of any length or with any number of stresses or beats. Free verse poems do not require the use of traditional poetry techniques.

  1. Write the definition of free verse poems in your notes and complete the practice poem questions.
  1. You are going to create a free verse poem using the words in your bag. This is not a group effort and you should work individually.
  1. Try to use all the words in the bag. You may change the part of speech of a word or add in words in order to make the poem work for you.
  1. Once you have arranged your poem using the words from the bag, write your poem in your poem packet. Include your own punctuation.
  1. Give your poem a title.
  1. Return the words to the appropriate bag.

Free Verse Example & Questions

Haikus

A haikuis a 3-line Japanese poem. The first and third lines of a haiku each have five syllables. The second line has seven syllables. A writer of a haiku uses images to create a single, vivid picture-- generally of a scene of nature.

  1. Write down the definition of haiku in your notes and complete the practice poem questions.
  1. Look at the four pictures included in the packet.Consider the images, emotions, or ideas these pictures bring to mind; write a haiku for each of the pictures. Try to use figurative language.
  1. Create your own drawing to go along with each haiku.
  1. Remember to title your haikus.

Haiku Example & Questions

Concrete Poems

A concrete poem is a poem that takes the shape of its topic.

  1. In your notes, define concrete poem and complete the practice poem questions.
  1. Brainstorm a list of objects that you find interesting. Think about objects you see or use everyday. What might you have to say about each of these objects? How can you use the feelings or ideas associated with these objects to compose a poem?
  1. Choose ONE object from your list that is most appealing to you. Using what you know about concrete poems, compose a rough draft of a poem that creates a shape associated with the item.
  1. If time permits, add color or pictures to your poem.
  1. Remember to title your poem.

Concrete Example & Questions

Narrative Poems

A narrative poem is a poem that tells a story. It contains all the elements of a story.

  1. Write the definition of a narrative poem in your notes.
  1. Read “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe. Complete a 10-block comic strip that illustrates the story told by the poem.
  1. Answer the questions in your packet.
  1. Brainstorm a list of stories you might like to tell. Consider stories from your childhood, from friends or even an imaginary story.
  1. Choose an idea from your list and compose a narrative poem that tells the story. Your poem should include at least FOUR stanzas.

EXTENSION: If time and resources permit, compose an iFlip movie that illustrates the story told by your poem.

-Draw a picture for each event in the poem on a separate sheet of paper.

-Film each picture as you read the words from your poem that

describe the events in that picture.

-Download your movie to the computer.

Narrative Example & Questions

Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry was originally written to be sung to the accompaniment of a lyre (musical instrument). A lyric poem expresses personal feelings, real or imagined. Today, we refer to the words in a song as lyrics. Most poems written can be called lyric. Lyric poetry does not have to rhyme or have a beat, but many do.

  1. Define lyric poem in your notes and complete the practice poem questions.
  1. Using your iPod or the songs provided, listen to a song(s) that contain figurative language or imagery.
  1. Identify at least THREE examples of figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, or hyperbole) or imagery.
  1. In your packet, record the lines or stanzas that contain the figurative language or imagery, and explain the images they help you visualize OR explain the comparison being made.
  1. An example is provided below:

Figurative language used: / Lines/Stanzas: / Explanation
Metaphor / “When I’m a firecracker coming undone…” / The speaker means that he’s like a firecracker sometimes because his emotions can explode when he gets frustrated just like a firecracker explodes when it is lit.

Lyric Poem Example & Questions

Limericks

A limerick is a funny five-line poem with a specific rhyme and rhyme scheme. The first two lines and the fifth line rhyme, and include three beats (stressed syllables) each. The third and fourth lines rhyme, and include two beats (stressed syllables) each.

The rhythm sounds like:

da da DUM da da DUM da da DUM.

da da DUM da da DUM da da DUM

da da DUM da da DUM

da da DUM da da DUM

da da DUM da da DUM da da DUM

1. Write the definition of a limerick in your notes and complete the practice poem questions.

2. Now, try writing a limerick on your own.

  1. Work with a partner, or on your own.
  2. Take turns writing each line of the limerick—keep in mind the beats and rhyme you need in each line.
  3. Limericks are meant to be funny or explain something silly. Does your limerick do this?
  4. Check the limericks to assure they follow the appropriate pattern. Can you read your limerick with the same beat as the examples?
  5. Make any necessary changes.
  6. If you have time, illustrate your poems.

Limerick Sample & Questions

A Bridge Engineer, Mister Crumpett

A bridge engineer, Mister Crumpett

Built a bridge for the good River Bumpett.

A mistake in the plan

Left a gap in the span

But he said, “Well, they’ll just have to jump it.”

Anonymous

______

There Was a Young Lady

There was a young lady whose chin

Resembled the point of a pin;

So she had in made sharp,

And purchased a harp,

And played several tunes with her chin.

Edward Lear

______

A Flea and A Fly in a Flue

A flea and a fly in a flue
Were imprisoned, so what could they do?
Said the fly, "Let us flee!"
"Let us fly!" said the flea.
So they flew through a flaw in the flue.

Ogden Nash

______

There was an Old Man with a Beard

There was an Old Man with a beard,
Who said, “It is just as I feared!
Two Owls and a Hen,
Four Larks and a Wren,
Have all built their nests in my beard!”

Edward Lear

Magnetic Poetry

(Computer Station)

Many times, we read a poem the first time, and it may not make sense. However, after reading it a time or two, it may start to make sense. Magnetic poetry is a popular way to take interesting words, rearrange them, and make meaning out of nonsense.

  1. Log-in to the computer and visit the site
  1. Choose a poetry kit (each kit has words based on the selected topic). Use the words in the bank on the right to create a poem. Your poem may be short or long, meaningful or nonsense…the choice is yours!
  1. When you are finished, record the poem you’ve created in your poetry packet and give it a name.
  1. If time permits, try to draw an illustration to show the ideas or feelings represented in your poem.

Express Yourself Poetry

(Voicethread/Computer Station)

Often times, an image can stir up an emotion in us and thus it can inspire a memorable poem. In your packet, record three aspects of a memorable poem based on the discussions we have had in class. What makes a poem memorable? Then, take a look at the images on Voicethread, choose one that speaks to you, and write a memorable poem.

  1. Log-in to the computer and visit the site
  1. Log-in to Voicethread:
  2. Username: ncw#@salemms.ed.voicethread.com
  3. Password: ncw#
  1. Once you have logged in, click on “My Voice” at the top of the page.
  1. Next, click on Salem Middle School on the left-hand side of the screen, located under “Organizations”.
  2. Choose “Express Your Self Poetry” and begin!