Tips for Writing Poetry
Hello fabulous teachers,
I've pulled together some resources here to support your efforts.
Below, I've shared my general tips for writing and for revising a poem. I have also created some book-specific poetry starter ideas for using my books in your classroom. Just click on any book jacket for these. If you don't have a copy of my books but would still like to introduce some of my poetry, visit this page where several spreads can be viewed. If you'd like to hear more directly from me about poetry, check out my (in-person or virtual) program, Inside a Poet's Mind or hear me read some of my poetry on video here.
I've pulled together some resources here to support your efforts.
Below, I've shared my general tips for writing and for revising a poem. I have also created some book-specific poetry starter ideas for using my books in your classroom. Just click on any book jacket for these. If you don't have a copy of my books but would still like to introduce some of my poetry, visit this page where several spreads can be viewed. If you'd like to hear more directly from me about poetry, check out my (in-person or virtual) program, Inside a Poet's Mind or hear me read some of my poetry on video here.
Here's the poetry-writing process I like to use with students. I call it The Best Poem Writing to make it easy to remember (Topic, Brainstorm. Poem form. Write.) I use the same process myself!:
THE BEST POEM WRITING
Step 1: Choose your Topic.
Step 2: Brainstorm Details, details, details! (Use all 5 senses.)
Step 3: Choose a Poetic form to try (or just start writing)
Step 4: Write a rough draft (using your favorite brainstorming details)
TIP: It's often easier to introduce poetry writing with students by asking them to write a non-rhyming a poem. This helps keep their focus on the many aspects of writing a poem without get distracted by searching for or writing around rhymes.
REVISION CHECKLIST
TIPS:
Launch the revision process by challenging students to select just 2 or 3 words or things to change about their poem rough draft.
Have students pair up with a friend and trade poems. Ask them to read the other person's poem aloud back to them. Ask them to think of one thing they like about the poem and tell the poet.
Demonstrate the use of a thesaurus or rhyming dictionary to improve word choices and strengthen rhyme (if it is being used). If you're online, you can find these resources at http://www.rhymezone.com
Most importantly: have fun!
Check out 10 Ways to Celebrate Poetry and other resources to help motivate and engage students.
THE BEST POEM WRITING
Step 1: Choose your Topic.
Step 2: Brainstorm Details, details, details! (Use all 5 senses.)
Step 3: Choose a Poetic form to try (or just start writing)
Step 4: Write a rough draft (using your favorite brainstorming details)
TIP: It's often easier to introduce poetry writing with students by asking them to write a non-rhyming a poem. This helps keep their focus on the many aspects of writing a poem without get distracted by searching for or writing around rhymes.
REVISION CHECKLIST
- JUICY (Are your words juicy?)
- STRONG (Are your verbs active and strong?)
- DELETE (Remove all unnecessary words.)
- PLAY (Experiment with line breaks, placement the page, and punctuation)
TIPS:
Launch the revision process by challenging students to select just 2 or 3 words or things to change about their poem rough draft.
Have students pair up with a friend and trade poems. Ask them to read the other person's poem aloud back to them. Ask them to think of one thing they like about the poem and tell the poet.
Demonstrate the use of a thesaurus or rhyming dictionary to improve word choices and strengthen rhyme (if it is being used). If you're online, you can find these resources at http://www.rhymezone.com
Most importantly: have fun!
Check out 10 Ways to Celebrate Poetry and other resources to help motivate and engage students.
