What is blackout poetry? Poetry writing that all students can feel successful with. Here's how to teach it. Freebie included!
Pictures inspire poetry. Help middle and high school students to develop writing skills with these 13 engaging appraoches.
April is National Poetry Month, and what better time is there to teach and explore poetry with your students?!?! I love to spend the month of April having students read, write, and share poetry in our classroom. At the beginning of my poetry units each year, I find that my students are often intimidated by poetry, especially when it comes to writing it. Over the years I have tried to find the perfect activities to ease them into writing their own poems. One of my favorite activities is taking my students on a Haiku Hike!! Several years ago I found this book, Haiku Hike from Scholastic. The story and poems in this book were written by a class of 4th grade students. The idea behind the book is that the students in this class went on a nature walk, and instead of taking pictures of the different things they saw, they used the form of haiku to capture different moments and scenes in nature. I loved this idea so much that I decided to implement it in my own classroom. Here’s how it works... What is Haiku? Before you take students on a Haiku Hike, you will need to make sure that they are familiar with this poetic form. Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that is often used to describe nature or the seasons. Haiku is a three line poem that follows a specific pattern based on syllables: Line #1: 5 syllables Line #2: 7 syllables Line #3: 5 syllables I would suggest creating an anchor chart to discuss and display the elements of Haiku. Take a Hike! Once your students are familiar with Haiku, they are ready for their Haiku Hike. You could schedule a hike or nature walk as a mini field trip, but I simply take my students on a walk around the grounds of our school. Students take “field notes” throughout the hike. I ask them to take notes about what they see, hear, and feel, and encourage them to be as descriptive as possible. I also ask them to try to capture a moment in time or a scene in nature. Below is a page you can provide for students to record their field notes. Click HERE to download this FREEBIE!! Time to Write Once you return from your hike, it is time for students to turn their field notes into haiku. Ask them to write two to three poems based on their experiences and observations. They can write these drafts in a writer’s notebook or journal. Have students share their poems with you and their classmates for feedback. Then have them choose a final haiku to publish. Since students are using haiku to “capture” a scene or moment in time, you can have them use the Polaroid page below to record and illustrate their haiku. This page is also included in the free download!! These “snapshots” make a beautiful bulletin board for students to display their haiku!! This activity is the perfect way to ease students into writing their own haiku. It gets them outside to observe their environment. What better way to inspire nature themed poems, than going outdoors to explore?!?! If you are looking for more poetry activities, check out this blog post on my blog, Create Teach Share. You can also check out my Poetry Toolbox in my Teacher Shop!!
These 101 poetry prompts are sure to spark your creativity! Use these creative writing poetry ideas to start writing poems today!
Engaging students in blackout poetry is a great way to teach poetry and encourage creativity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to teach blackout poetry.
Poetry haiku ideas to get students reading and writing poetry. Use this template to teach learners how to write a haiku.
Have you discovered Blackout Poetry yet? It's equally fun for kids and adults and you probably have all you need to do it without buying a thing!
Looking for some fun poetry writing prompts to inspire your students’ creativity? Check out these seven adaptable options for kids of all ages!
If you're doing a poetry unit and you want a quick hook, a writing assignment to help students start enjoying poetry in just half an hour, it's time to try blackout poetry. Read through this quick post to give you tips and ideas for using blackout poetry successfully with your ELA students.
(7) BLOWN UP BOOK PAGES & Instructions Included for creating poetry from the heart without the pressure of rhyming or form. Even if participants are not familiar with the principles of poetry (i.e., feeling, image, rhythm simile, metaphor, shape, and sound), they can express themselves with this...
In need of some inspiration? Here are 16 Rumi quotes about life to give you comfort, motivation, and encouragement.
Download This Writing Worksheet (PDF) When it comes to writing dialogue, you could do worse than follow the rules of Just a Minute: no hesitation, no repetition, no deviation. Theatre scripts provide excellent inspiration for good dialogue, being composed of little else, and having been written with speech at the forefront, without film’s excessive reliance on visual…
Problem: I would love to study poetry with my class but I'm not sure how to go about it. Solution: Read on! Here is a way to structure a week-long study of poetry: Preparation -
WHAT IS INCLUDED: PDF File - 100 Black Out Poetry Ready to Print Worksheets PowerPoint Presentation of Instructions included! These 100 Black Out Poetry Worksheets can be used as Tests, Quizzes, Homework, Class Reviews or Sub Work for your students! Texts were taken out of random excerpts of books from the public domain such as Alice in Wonderland. Each page includes several paragraphs that will include words for inspiration while engaging in black out poetry! This product includes PowerPoint instructions that guide your students through the necessary steps to be successful at black out poetry, and also gives them various examples for inspiration. Enjoy! I have done my best to eliminate words that are no longer appropriate in 2022. Please shoot me a question if you find anything I couldn't find! I will have it edited immediately :) *************************************************************************************** For Free, Current, and New Resources Be sure to: ♫Follow Music in YouTube♫ ♫Follow Music in Facebook♫ ♫Follow Music in Instagram♫ ♫Follow Music in Twitter♫ ♫Follow Music in Pinterest♫ Or: Follow ME on TPT! Check out my free educational website: www.musicinev.com Enjoy! -Music in Everything **************************************************************************************
For all the would-be wordsmiths out there, I've got nine books to read if you want to write poetry but don't know where to start. Pull out your favorite journal or note-taking app now and jot down a few lines — you have to begin somewhere, after…
In need of some inspiration? Here are the best positive motivational quotes for success to keep you going in times of need.
Unleash your inner Robert Frost or Maya Angelou. Get paid to write poetry with these top sites that compensate you for your creative verses.
The Literary Maven is a blog about teaching, books, & teaching books. Find tips and resources for English Language Arts instruction.
Nine Favorite Things: From recent trips to June's most popular recipes, to Q&As, to Sayulita, to Pinterest inspo...Tieghan's got you covered!
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." C.S. Lewis WHAT IS THIS? Printable wall art. All you have to do is download, print and display as you want! You can print the art on paper, canvas, tote bag - you name it! It's just like printing a photo from your phone or camera. Read more about digital downloads here: https://www.etsy.com/help/article/3949 HOW TO PRINT? You may print this file from your home printer, a local or online photo developer, or a professional printing (i.e. Staples, Kinkos, Costco, etc.) WHERE TO DOWNLOAD? Digital files are available automatically after purchase payment clears with Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/your/purchases. For guest checkout, you will receive an automated email from Etsy with your download links, please check your junk/spam folder. DO DOWNLOADS EXPIRE? No, they don't. And if you can't locate your files or the link, just get in touch with me here on Etsy and I'll make sure you get your files. WHAT IS INCLUDED? Your purchase includes high-resolution JPG and PNG files in the following size: • 18 x 24 Inch
Poetry Month is one of my favorite times of year! Elementary students LOVE writing poems and I want to share with you one of our favorite poetry writing activities…3D Haiku Poems! Haiku poetry is a form of traditional Japanese poetry, consisting of three lines. Often Haiku poems use sensory language to express a thought or […]
If you're obsessed with the dark academia interior design style, you'll want to read this! Tons of practical tips to get the DA look in your own home!
From videos to haiku to poetry slams, there's something to pique every student's interest.
POEMS? That 5-letter word will send shivers down the spines of middle school students. Add in the suggestion of "poetry analysis," and the moans and groans can be heard throughout the hallways! If all this sounds familiar, I have a few teacher tips to help you boost engagement with poems that middle schoolers actually enjoy!
As Spring Break approaches, I find that my fifth graders are in need of some reminders as to what it means to be kind to each other. In general, they are sweet kids, but at times the words they use and actions they take, particularly on the playground, aren't the kindest. Our read aloud for the month is Wonder by RJ Palacio so the theme of kindness fit right into our room. It just so happens that a new book, We're All Wonders by RJ Palacio, a picture book intended for younger readers to access the story, came out this week as well. So the timing was perfect. (the two links above are my affiliate links and will take you to Amazon to buy the books.) I began by asking the students what kindness is. We brainstormed a list of ideas and created an anchor chart. Then I read the picture book to the students. Because we had just finished Wonder, they were so excited to read this new version. When we finished, I asked the kids to think of all the ways, in both the picture book and the novel, that people were not very kind to Auggie (the main character). The kids were able to fill our entire circle map in no time. It was easy to recall how people would scream in his face, recoiling at the way he looked. They remembered the names Auggie was called and the no-touching game that was played. The instantly told me about all the awful things that happened to him. I then asked the kids to brainstorm ways that, if they were in the novel with Auggie, they could be kinder to him. Again, they had no problem thinking of ways they could be kind to Auggie. Next, I asked the students to think about their own real life. I asked them to reflect upon how they personally treat others and how they personally could make better choices when speaking to others. Here is where things got a little challenging. You see, when students are talking about fictional characters, or reading news stories about OTHER kids they don't know being treated unfairly or unkindly, they know exactly what they would do if they were there. Because they aren't there. They know they never will be there. But when confronted with their own lives, and real possibilities for what they would have to do to step in or change situations, it is a bit harder for them. So I asked them to brainstorm 15 different ways they PERSONALLY could show kindness to our classmates. (I drew a lot of inspiration for this next part from Study All Knight's FREE Kindness unit, which you can grab here.) The students then used tempra paint and painted 15 (or so) rainbow sunshine rays. They also drew their own Wonder-Inspired portrait. (I have previously done this before, but had them focus on precepts and writing....if you would like to do that, click here. It is one of my fav lessons too!) The students then glued their Wonder portraits into the middle of the rays, used Sharpie to outline and write the 15 ways they could show real kindness in their lives (one way per ray) and were done. They came out amazing. (See the picture at the top of the post!) What is better though, is that the past two days, my students are actively trying to be kinder to each other. They are watching their words. I have seen people purposefully go up to those who tend to wander during group time and invite them into the group. I have seen students smile at others just a bit more. It truly has been a Wonder. Right now, for a limited time, Amazon has the book available for $3.99!!! Snag up to 4 copies at that price. Use my affiliate link here to get your copy ASAP before they are all gone!! SaveSave
Poetry and yoga can be a practice of mindfulness, awareness and gratitude. These 3 poems are offerings to our yoga practice, our bodies, and our lives.
Enjoy this delightful collection of nature poetry for kids, with 22 nature poems available as a free, printable PDF download.
Engage students in meaningful poetry reading and writing activities. Here are SEVEN assignments both secondary teachers and students will enjoy.
If you haven't already done so, it's time to choose your ONE WORD for the year! Have you heard of the concept? A dear friend introduced it to
Need poems for middle school students? Here are 12 that are funny, quirky, interesting, and poignant. Perfect for teens and teaching poetry.
I absolutely love teaching poetry! That explains why I teach it ALL year! Each month I focus on TWO types of poetry and then during POETRY MONTH, we review all of our work, create poetry portfolios for a review, and have a POETRY SLAM! Read on for details! 1. BULLETIN BOARD At the beginning of the year, make a bulletin board to display posters of the different types of poetry. Leave a space below each one to place a student example. Review it with your class and tell them by the end of the year, they will have written an example of all the types. For the time being, put a little sign under each type of poetry that says something like, "Under Construction" or "Coming Soon!" I place a large 12" X 18" black piece of construction paper under the posters. 2. MONTHLY POEMS Each month, introduce a new type of poem and teach the rules for that poem. If you created a bulletin board like above, add a student example. The following order works well for upper elementary! August- Couplets and Quatrains September- Acrostic and Cinquain October- Haiku and Humorous November- Diamante and Informative December- Free Verse and Concrete January- Narrative and Lyrical February- BioPoem and Ballad March- Limerick and Parody April- Review and Poetry Portfolios (see below) May- Poetry Slam 3. POETRY AND LYRICS ANALYSIS In addition to introducing a new type of poetry each month, also choose a poem or song to analyze each month. I actually try to do two of these a month - one regular poem and one song to analyze the lyrics. Students love the musical feature and I start to see them wiggle in their seats and try to sing the songs. I allow them to sing and even dance to the songs. Any little thing to get them excited about learning poetry! I love when they say, "My dad likes that music!" or "Who is that?" Use the following elements of poetry when analyzing poems! Alliteration- Ex. Slimy slugs slither slowly on the sidewalk. Imagery- Ex. The thick fuzzy coat was a blessing in the winter blizzard. Metaphor- Ex. A good laugh is sunshine in a house. Onomatopoeia- Ex. Bang, ding, pop! Personification- Ex. The wind whistled its happy tune. Repetition- Ex. Leaving my friends, leaving my home leaving my room, leaving my memories Rhyme- Ex. School, tool, rule Rhyme Scheme- Ex. Roses are red A data-blogger-escaped-comment-StartFragment Violets are blue B Sugar is sweet C And so are you. B Rhythm- (musical quality) Simile- Ex. She was as pale as a lump of sugar. Stanza- (a poetry paragraph) Theme- (the message) Tone- (feeling) Grab these free poetry study cards! 4. POETRY PORTFOLIO At the end of the year, I like to have students create their own Poetry Portfolio. Basically, they get out their notes from throughout the year or I supply them with directions. Since it is a review, I don't usually teach the rules for each of the poems. I either give it as a class project in centers or homework. If you don't have time for your class to write new poems for each different type, save the poems throughout the year and create a portfolio of poems. 5. POETRY SLAM Finish off the year with a Poetry Slam! Oh yeah! Students love to share their work and this way they can show ownership and pride of their hard work. 1. Allow your students to relax around the room and enjoy listening to poetry from their fellow classmates or set up chairs for them. It can be formal or informal! 2. Set up a schedule so students know the order of when to share their poems. 3. Have a special author's chair? Use it! 4. Do you have iPads, tablets, video cameras? Have the student videotape! I have my students rotate. After they present, they go to the video chair. That way each student gets the experience of both being the videographer and the presenter! AND parents absolutely love to see these videos! Thank you for visiting! Come back to get some more amazing ideas from Upper Elementary Snapshots!!!! If you need poetry resources, click below! They are sold separately too. Connect With Me! TPT Store Facebook Pinterest My Blog
During poetry stations, students move around the classroom doing various activities related to poetry. The station activity in this blog post has students read an engaging poem and respond to the poem in an unconventional way. If you’d like to replicate this activity in your classroom here are the s
Ever felt like your students could benefit from slowing down and taking a moment calm? Well, you're in for a treat. Mindfulness isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. It's about hitting the pause button, taking a deep breath, and diving into the magic of the present moment. And here's the kicker – it's not just for adults; it's for kids too! So, picture this: A classroom where calm reigns supreme, thoughts find their chill, and focus becomes a superpower. That's the power of mindfulness. And guess what? We're not stopping there. We're bringing you the tools to create a Calming Corner that'll turn your classroom into a sanctuary of serenity. Let's dive in! (GREAT NEWS! I've put together exclusive FREEBIES for mindfulness. Click here to receive them!) Mindfulness meditation is a way of focusing the mind so that it is fully attending to what’s happening right now, to what we’re doing, and to the space that we’re currently in. Cultivating mindfulness means to be present, to pay attention, and to be aware of our emotions and the way that we respond to them. Recent neuroscience research points to many benefits of mindfulness meditation: ➧ increased focus ➧ a sense of calm ➧ decreased stress ➧ decreased anxiety ➧ improved impulse control ➧ greater empathy for others ➧ improved conflict resolution skills Our students need opportunities to practice mindfulness mediation. Since the human mind often wanders from the present. Our brains have a tendency to become absorbed with thoughts about the past or the future. This kind of thinking makes us anxious. Academic pressure now affects kids as early as kindergarten, resulting in less time for play and other stress-reducing activities. Today’s students are faced with an unprecedented amount of anxiety. The pressure only grows greater in middle and high school. Surveys have found students reporting stress and fatigue as much as 75% of the time. What’s needed is a way to decrease anxiety and help students to manage their emotions. That’s where mindfulness comes in. Infusing moments of mindfulness in the classroom is not only powerful, it’s also quite simple. In general, to practice mindfulness, have students start by bringing attention to their own body. Then, have them breathe in through their noses and out through their mouths. When they notice that their mind has wondered away from the present moment, they should gently bring their attention back to their breathing. It’s also a great idea to intentionally plan moments of mindfulness in the classroom! Here are some simple ways to do just that… 1. A Mindful Moment At the beginning of class, or after a transition, have your students close their eyes and take several deep breaths. Ask them to pay attention to their breathing and what it feels like. 2. A Mindful Break Once or twice during a standard length class, just stop. Have your students stand up and stretch and then sit back down and do 30 seconds of mindful breathing. This takes no more than a minute, and it gives everyone a needed break. 3. A Mindful Quote Use motivational and inspirational quotes to help focus students’ minds during a moment of mindfulness. It’s as easy as sharing a quote, or you can download this free set of mindfulness quotes and put together a container to pull from all year long. If you'd like me to send you a free set of 24 mindfulness quotes and the materials to make a container like above, add your name and email address below: Yes! Please send me MINDFULNESS RESOURCES! 4. Attention Check During a long lesson, stop and ask your students to pause and “check their attention.” Is their mind on what is being done in class, or has it been wandering? This gives kids the chance to deliberately redirect their attention to the matter at hand. 5. Finger Labyrinths Traditionally, labyrinths are used for mediation and relaxation. Often, people walk through labyrinths. Give students the same sensation with finger labyrinths. I’ve made a collection of them that students can use when they need to focus their minds. Students simply trace the spiral paths as they practice mindfulness. Add your name and email address below to receive the finger labyrinths and mindfulness quotes in your email inbox! Yes! Please send me MINDFULNESS RESOURCES! 6. Mindful Closure At the end of class, have students close their eyes and focus on their breathing again. Ask them to think of what they have learned and perhaps congratulate themselves on their progress and accomplishments. As teachers. we have many opportunities to introduce students to mindfulness practices. Of course, one of the most important ways we can do this is by cultivating mindfulness in ourselves. If we, as teachers, are present and aware of our own emotions and responses, we set an invaluable example for our students. Many of these mindfulness activities work well in a Calming Corner in the Classroom. Add the quotes or labyrinths to the calming corner to help students when they need to take a step back and become more present in the moment. Find more ideas for creating a calming classroom environment here. Thanks so much for stopping by! Mary Beth
