To the Student—Working with Poems
This unit is about making poetry work for you. You will have the opportunity to read a number of poems, some of which have been selected for you. But it will be important that you learn to choose your own poetry for enjoyment, based on your own criteria for what is interesting and effective in a poem.

You will also have the chance to talk about poems with other students and your teacher. This is where you will realize how many different ways there are to read poetry and make meaning from it. See if you can enjoy finding as many meanings as possible as you discuss and share ideas.

Writing poems is another important part in this unit of work. You will be encouraged to experiment with words, ideas and form. It will be interesting to try some collaborative writing, as well as some on your own. When you are finished and satisfied with your product, remember to publish your poems, either by giving readings in the class, or by having them displayed on the walls of your classroom.

To the Teacher—Teaching with Poems
This resource is about helping every member of the class to gain more enjoyment and confidence in working with poems. Encourage everyone to participate fully and try not to let your knowledge stand in the way of students’ learning. It is important that students feel free to experiment with putting forward their responses to the poems. Use response journals to help with this process.

Try to provide opportunities for all students to have some acknowledged success with writing poetry text as well. The unit encourages students to use different writing processes and to share their writing with others. Poetry is a performance art, so provide time for preparing for poetry readings, both of published poets and of student poets. Read some of yours as well. Share your favorites.

The book covers all areas of English: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and presenting. You will probably choose to emphasize some more than others. In addition, the activities require students to think creatively and critically and to focus carefully on effective selection and poetic technique. Beware the temptation to place too much emphasis on poetic structure and techniques without keeping the personal response and enjoyment of poems constantly in focus. Let poetry work for the students.

Download the Table of Contents page here.

Grades 5–8.