Lesson Plan: Introduction to Poetry
Subject: English
Grade: Year 4
Duration: 30 minutes
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define what poetry is.
- Identify different types of poetry.
- Create a simple poem using imagery and descriptive language.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed examples of various poems (acrostic, limerick, haiku)
- Paper and pencils for each student
- Optional: Art supplies for decorating their poems
Introduction (5 minutes)
Begin the lesson by engaging the students with a brief discussion about poetry. Ask the following questions:
- "What do you think poetry is?"
- "Can anyone share a poem they like?"
Record students' responses on the whiteboard to highlight their thoughts and ideas. Use this as a springboard to explain that poetry is a form of literature that expresses ideas, feelings, or tells a story through imaginative language.
Types of Poetry (10 minutes)
Introduce the students to different types of poetry. Briefly explain the following forms:
Limerick
- Structure: 5 lines with a specific rhyme scheme (AABBA).
- Example: Read a simple limerick (e.g., "There once was a cat from the coast...").
Haiku
- Structure: 3 lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern.
- Example: Provide a sample haiku about nature.
Acrostic
- Structure: A poem where the first letter of each line spells out a word.
- Example: Share an acrostic poem for "RAIN".
Guided Activity (10 minutes)
Creating a Poem
- Choose a Type of Poetry: Ask students to choose which type of poem they would like to write (limerick, haiku, or acrostic).
- Brainstorm Ideas: Give students 2-3 minutes to brainstorm words or phrases related to their chosen theme (e.g., nature, animals, or their favourite season).
- Write the Poem: Allow students 5 minutes to write their poems, using their brainstormed ideas. Encourage them to use descriptive language and imagery.
Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
Once students have completed their poems, invite a few volunteers to share their creations with the class. Provide positive feedback and highlight the creativity in their work.
Reflection Questions
- What did you enjoy about writing your poem?
- How did you decide on your topic and style?
Closing Statement: Emphasise the joy of expressing oneself through poetry, and encourage students to continue exploring different forms of writing in their free time.
Additional Notes
- For homework, consider having students decorate their poems and display them in the classroom.
- Encourage parents to read poetry with their children to foster a love for literature.