Many students hate to read poetry, but on the other hand,others, young as they are love poetry for varied reasons; they claim that they love reading poetry because poetry relaxes them; poetry sometimes make them laugh; poetry evokes different emotions thus it allows them to see into a deeper, more emotional part of themselves.
Looking into the teacher’s side, there are also reasons, why some teachers skip their poetry lesson, instead they discuss some other topics, because of varied reasons: “they don’t want to teach poetry”, they are simply unsure of how to teach it. We didn’t have enough experience in teaching poetry.” According to some experts in teaching poetry there are some easy ways to teach poetry: Teach “I Am” Poem first this poem is a good way to introduce poetry to children, because it allows them to focus on their own characteristics. The process is simple. The “I Am” poem is made up of three stanzas that are six lines each. It follows a specific format with the intention of describing something, often a person or an object. The beginning of each line is already written, and the writer fills in the end of the line by inserting a specific word or words. A simple strategy that all kids will find interesting, it’s easy enough to implement and a great process for student self-expression. As you read their “I Am” poems, you might get to know your kids on a deeper level. Next, teach the shape poetry. Explain the process for shape poems, which entails starting with a shape and building a poem from there. Some examples of shape poems are haiku, diamantes and acrostics.Shape poetry has to do with the physical form of the words on the paper. While the words, writing style and literary devices all impact the poem’s meaning, the physical shape that the poem takes is significant. Combining content and form creates a powerful poem. This is a simple and fun way to get started with poetry in the classroom, and kids of all grade levels will enjoy it. Afterwards, turn poems into illustrations
Have students select a favorite poem and illustrate it. This can be done on paper, digitally, on a large sheet of butcher paper on the ground, or on the sidewalk by your classroom. You can use crayons, markers, paint or chalk. Get the kids talking about their poems while illustrating, or just let them draw? After this activity invite the class to do a “poetry walk” around the room or drawing space to share their impressions of the illustrated poems. Invite others to see the poetry-art. Consider pairing up with a colleague who might want to do this activity with you. Take photos of the poetry art to archive for later discussion. This is a great, easy way to start exploring poems and poets while mixing the medium of art in the process.
Use Music to Teach PoetryHave students pick a favorite song. (You may have to do a little screening here.) Next, have them share the song lyrics by reading them as they would a poem. Engage them in conversation about the similarities they note between song lyrics and poetry. Have them “investigate” the poetry in lyrics. Then, using a smartphone or tablet device, consider taking the time to video your budding classroom poets reading their favorite lyrics — or have them do it. Finally, create Your Own Poem in Your Pocket Day.
Using ideas from different poems, you can bring this alive in your classroom easily. For example, on any day you choose, have your students create bookmarks with favorite lines from a favorite poem. Do a think-pair-shareand have students chat about why they choose those specific lines. Did it remind them of something in their lives? A sad or happy experience? Also on that day, project a poem on the wall or on your interactive whiteboard(IWB) and have students read it aloud with you or to each other. Talk about how the poem makes them feel.
Discuss any similarities students have as they experience their poems. Have them do a reflective poem of their own in a notebook or journal. Take time to have students read them aloud if they feel comfortable.
No doubt, teaching poetry will be easier. Students will surely enjoy your English class.
Reference:
http:/www.english.hearacademy.ac.wk
By: Melinda B.De Guzman | Teacher II | MARIVELES NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL-CABCABEN
