Teaching Poetry to Middle-Schoolers: A Comprehensive Guide

As Manny from Modern Family demonstrates, incorporating poetry into a middle-school curriculum can be a captivating and inspiring endeavor. For those seeking to engage their students in the art of poetry, here are a few strategies and insights to help you teach middle-schoolers how to write poetry effectively.

Strategies for Engaging Middle-Schoolers in Poetry

One of the most effective ways to get middle-schoolers interested in poetry is to show them how it can be fascinating and accessible. Below are a few strategies to consider:

1. Get a Professional Involved

Host a poet or literary expert in the classroom to lead a poetry workshop. This adds a fresh perspective and practical insights. Consider outsourcing the lesson if you're not confident in your poetry skills. Even a friend or a teacher who has a passion for poetry can make a significant impact.

2. Encourage Engagement with Celebrity Readings

Introducing students to how professionals handle poetry can be incredibly inspiring. Provide them with recordings of celebrity readings, such as Anthony Hopkins reading T.S. Eliot:

Not all readings need to be from famous actors. Highlight poets who are adept at presenting their work and making it relatable to young audiences.

3. Set Aspirational Goals with Celebrity Readings

Aspire to the same level of dedication and talent that celebrity poets display. Encourage students to conduct their own readings, both formally in class and informally as part of group projects.

Steps to Teach Poetry to Middle-Schoolers

To truly foster a love for poetry, follow these steps:

1. Introduce Poetry Reading Techniques

Developing a rich understanding of poetry involves not just reading it but also engaging with it. Here are a few techniques to teach:

Encourage the class to read aloud, emphasizing the importance of feeling the words in their mouths and understanding the nuances of line breaks. Teach the students to re-read the poems with drama and emotion, avoiding the monotone "dull sing-song" of recitation. Guide them to read for both literal and figurative meanings, enhancing their comprehension and appreciation of the text.

This approach helps students understand that a poem is a dynamic form of art rather than a mere collection of words on a page.

2. Introduce Poetic Forms and Techniques

To equip students with the necessary skills to write poetry, it's crucial to introduce fundamental elements:

Lear about form, rhyme, and meter. Like learning piano scales, these elements provide a foundation for students. Help students understand how to use these elements to create structured, imaginative poetry, avoiding overreliance on purple, dramatic adjectives and exclamation points.

Formal and metered poetry can provide a structured framework that encourages creativity and technical proficiency.

3. Use Educational Resources to Enhance Learning

Consider utilizing books by renowned educators and poets, such as Sleeping on the Wing or Rose Where Did You Get That Red by Kenneth Koch. These books offer entertaining and informative examples, helping students to understand and deliver their poems.

Provide Clear Instructions and Examples

Clarity in instruction is key to a successful poetry lesson. Provide precise, simple instructions and example poems to illustrate each exercise. Here are a few examples:

Exercise Examples

Exercise 1: Write a poem with 4 lines. 2 lines describe one object or thing, and the other 2 lines to describe another thing. Exercise 2: Write a poem that ends in a question. Use 5 lines - 2 lines for one feeling or experience, 2 lines for another feeling or experience, then end with a question. Exercise 3: Write a poem in which you use opposites. Use 3 lines - the first line says something, the second line says that's not true or the opposite of that, and the third line should bring the contradiction together in some way or provide some perspective on it.

These structured exercises can help guide students in developing their skills and creativity.

Conclusion

Incorporating poetry into your middle-school curriculum can be a transformative experience for both you and your students. By following these strategies and utilizing the tools and resources available, you can foster a deep appreciation for the art of poetry in your classroom.