first aid for writing poetry - rancocas valley regional ... · an italian sonnet is composed of an...

Copyright © 2002-2010, T. Orman 1

Need help writing a poem?

Poetry 911:First Aid for Writing Poetry

Forty formulas and ideas to help inspire you!

1. I AM… POEM (See Handout)Method for I Am…I am (two special characteristics) I wonder (something you are actually curious about) I hear (an imaginary sound) I see (an imaginary sight) I want (an actual desire) I am (the first line of the poem restated)

I pretend (something you actually pretend to do) I feel (a feeling about something imaginary) I touch (an imaginary touch) I worry (something that really bothers you) I cry (something that makes you very sad) I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

I understand (something you know is true) I say (something you believe in) I dream (something you actually dream about) I try (something you really make an effort about) I hope (something you actually hope for) I am (the first line of the poem repeated)Student Example: I am the wine and the future I wonder how many ripples I will have to swim I hear the trickle of time in a bitter bottle I see the translucent red drain from the wine I want the sweet satin liquid to stain my tongue I am the wine and the future.

I pretend to entertain the glowing embers I feel the dew that sours the grapes I touch the vine that grows new life I worry the drunkard may speak the truth I cry the dewdrop tears on the winery walls I am the wine and the future.

I understand the dust on the bottle I say it only makes it sweeter with time I dream the sponge cork may never be replaced by lips I try to glimmer the crack in my glass container I hope the sun-faded label never creases for lost identity I am the wine and the future. --Katie Reilly (Grade 10)

2. BIO POEM (Variation - See Handout)Format:(first name) (four words that describe you) Relative of (list close family members) Resident of (place where you live) Who reads (four books, magazines, and or newspapers)

Who likes (three things you like) Who loves (three things you love) Who fears (three things) Who wishes (three things) Who admires (three) Who needs (three things you need) Who aspires to (at least two aspirations) (last name)

3. AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL (See Handout)Write a poem about yourself using this form or another poetry form. Line 1: __ Your name Line 2: _, _, _ 3 personal characteristics or physical traits Line 3: Brother or sister of__ or son/daughter of Line 4: Who loves__, __, and __ 3 people, things, ideas Line 5: Who feels__ about__1 emotion about 1 thing Line 6: Who needs__, __, and __ 3 things you need Line 7: Who gives __, __, and __3 objects you share Line 8: Who fears__, __, and __3 items Line 9: Who'd like to see, __1 place, or person Line 10: Who dreams of __ 1 item or idea Line 11: A student of__ your school or teacher's name Line 12: __ Nickname or repeat your first name

4. CINQUAIN Cinquains have five lines: Line 1: Title (noun) - 1 word Line 2: Description - 2 words Line 3: Action - 3 words Line 4: Feeling (phrase) - 4 words Line 5: Title (synonym for the title) - 1 word Example:Mom Helpful, caring Loves to garden Excitable, likes satisfying people Teacher

5. DIAMANTE (See Handout)The Diamante is a form similar to the Cinquain. The text forms the shape of a diamond. Line 1: Noun or subject - one word Line 2: Two Adjectives that describe line 1 Line 3: Three 'ing words that describe line 1 Line 4: Four nouns - the first two are connected with line 1; the last two are connected with line 7 Line 5: Three 'ing words that describe line 7 Line 6: Two adjectives that describe line 7 Line 7: Noun Synonym for the subject (Example on following page)


DIAMANTE: Example:Pencil Sharp, skinny Writing, answering, erasing Wood, lead, ink, plastic Drawing, smudging, leaking Durable, comfortable Pen

6. EPITAPH"Here lies Sam Shay, Smoked six packs a day. He started smoking when he was five. Now that fool is no longer alive."

7. HAIKU Haiku is Japanese poetry that reflects on nature and feelings. You use your observation skills to write what you see in a new or different way. There are three lines with five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second, and five syllables in the third.

8. I WISH POEMSEach line of the poem begins with the words "I wish" and then you fill in your ideas. The poem should be 8-10 lines long. 9. LIES Here is your chance to tell a falsehood and not get punished! In this type of poem, each line contains an outrageous lie. Each line must begin differently. The main rule is not to say anything that hurts anyone.

10. LIMERICK A limerick has five lines. The last words of lines one, two, and five rhyme. The last words of lines three and four rhyme. A limerick has to have a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. U S U U S U U S U S U U S U U S U S U U S U S U U S U S U U S U U S Example: "There was an old man from Peru Who dreamed he was eating his shoe He awoke in the night With a terrible fright To discover it was totally true."

11. SHAPE (or CONCRETE) Shape poems are made up of words that have been placed in such a way that they make the shape of an object and also use words to describe the object. Start by making a simple outline of the shape or object ( an animal, a football, a fruit etc.) large enough to fill a piece of paper. Then brainstorm a minimum of ten words and phrases that describe the shape. List action and feeling words as well. Next, place a piece of paper over the shape and decide where your words are going to be placed so that they outline your shape but also fit well together. Separate words and phrases with commas.

12. FREE VERSEFree Verse is an irregular form of poetry in which the content free of traditional rules of versification, (freedom from fixed meter or rhyme). In moving from line to line, the poet's main consideration is where to insert line breaks. Some ways of doing this include breaking the line where there is a natural pause or at a point of suspense for the reader.

13. ODEAn Ode is a poem praising and glorifying a person, place or thing.Example:An Ode To DreamersWhen dreamers dreamAnd lovers loveDo they receive their visionsFrom heaven above?Or do they originateWhere all things startWithin our mindsWithin our hearts?I know not allBut what I do know is thisYou cannot build a KingdomUpon a flimsy wishSo believe in your dreamsFollow them blindLest you loose them all,To the hands of time. Copyright © 2000 B. R. Jording

14. ESSENCEThe Essence, created by Emily Romano is a short, structured form of two-lines, six syllables each with an end rhyme and internal rhyme. (Examples on following page)


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ESSENCE: Example #1:Winds howl; snow overwhelms the owl, and cowls the elms.Published in P.O.E.T.S., Volume II 1981 & The Ties That Bind, 2005Copyright © 1981 Emily RomanoExample #2:Trees moan; stiff branches arch -Pine koan: the Ides of March!Published in And Still An East Wind Blows, 1979Copyright © 1979 Emily RomanoExample #3: ReflectionOrion studs the skyas tulip buds grow high.Copyright © 2006 Jan TurnerExample #4:OdysseyTime marked by sifting sand,embarked on drifting land.Copyright © 2006 Jan Turner

15. SONNETA Sonnet is a poem consisting of 14 lines (iambic pentameter) with a particular rhyming scheme:Examples of a rhyming scheme:#1) abab cdcd efef gg#2) abba cddc effe gg#3) abba abba cdcd cd A Shakespearean (English) sonnet has three quatrains and a couplet, and rhymes abab cdcd efef gg. An Italian sonnet is composed of an octave, rhyming abbaabba, and a sestet, rhyming cdecde or cdcdcd, or in some variant pattern, but with no closing couplet. Usually, English and Italian Sonnets have 10 syllables per line, but Italian Sonnets can also have 11 syllables per line. French sonnets follow in this same pattern, but normally have 12 syllables per line.Example #1:Sonnet of Demeter--Italian SonnetOh the pirate stars, they have no mercy!Masquerading as hope they tell their lies;Only the young can hear their lullabies.But I am barren and I am thirstySince she has gone. No hope is there for me.I will roam and curse this earth and these skies--Death from life which Zeus sovereign denies.My heart's ill shall the whole world's illness be

Till she is returned-- my daughter, my blood--From the dark hand of Hades to my care.With my tears these mortals shall know a floodTo show Poseidon's realm desert and bare.No myrtle shall flower, no cypress budTill the gods release her...and my despairCopyright © 2000 Erica Fay

Example #2:To--French SonnetElle est muette. Waiting in wind towards nightfall,dawn emerges early with purple hands, eagerfor a song of mountains. Silhouetting meagerground, sun throws her whispy shadow across and tall.(She had never been imprisoned or subduedbeneath his lips, hands, or eyes, which roughly tasted,perhaps, the small of her back ere passion wastedher soul, or planets quit orbits standing still - queued.)Elle est muette. Sighing under sun - coming twilightbeckons secret sentiments unspoken; versespromised in breaths - never to be revealed; cursesagainst space and time for splitting the seams of night.

Fingers trace Venus in the sky - wishes are flungand whispers are sent from tenderly silent tongue.Copyright © 2000 Christine Ann KelleyExample #3:Sonnet--Italian SonnetI set my soul free down the dreamers laneThoughts of joyful times bring my mind aflightMoons of memories drip so lovely lightStars above hum a tune to ease my painI sail a sea where kings of past did reignThoughts buried deep burn in the stars so brightTo see the legends only I may sightA life of imagery that pumps in vein

As life is written in a hidden pageI soar among all the things that will flyI'm always seeking my soul's so lost coreSooths all of my hate and my painful rageSorrow from all my blood dripped tears I cryDreams are the peace felt in life times beforeCopyright © 2000 Emily Webber

16. ANOTHER FORMULA POEM#1: Participle, participle, participle#2: Noun#3: Adverb (how)#4: Verb#5: Adverb (where or when) Example:#1: Leaping, soaring, flying#2: The superhero#3: Nonchalantly#4: Crashed#5: Into the wall

17. W’s/H POEMWho? What? When? Where? Why? Use these questions to write a non-rhyming poem. Here's how:Line 1: Who or what is the poem aboutLine 2: What action is happening?Line 3: When does the action take place? (a time)Line 4: Where does the action take place? (a place)








Line 5: Why does this action happen? (a reason)Example:The laughing children Splashing in the water On a hot July day At the neighborhood swimming pool To just try and keep cool

19. PARODY This parody is a comical or humorous one based on a Mother Goose nursery rhyme. Minor changes are made to the original poem. You can parody any famous poem. Example:Humpty Dumpty Was quite tough He could even play sports That were very rough!

20. I DON'T UNDERSTAND POEMBegin this poem with the words "I don't understand." List several things you don't understand about the world, yourself, or other people. These can be serious or silly things. End your poem with something you DO understand.Example:I do not understand why my sister talks on the phone so much.I do not understand why I have to go to be home by 10p.m..I do not understand why we have to be on Daylight Savings Time.I do not understand why I can't have my friends over.But most of all, I do not understand why three people can't get along.I do understand that some people are cruel.

21. MY YEAR IN ____ GRADEReflect back on your year in ___ grade. Think of short phrases describing special events that you have enjoyed. Write a "phrase poem" about your experiences. Example:My Year in Third GradeGreat teacher, shaving cream on desks geoboards and designs sharing every morning spelling tests big hugs doing jobs laughing again and again happy smiles reading together lunch inside

drawing on the chalkboard fun learning and wild science experiments!

22. A PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE POEMOne that uses all prepositional phrases through seven lines which culminate into a place one is traveling. Example by Sapna:Over the fence Through the weeds Across the street Around a house In the puddles Towards the hall Into the classroom.

23. A NOUN VERSE A patterned poem of four lines. They should be pleasant poems that lend themselves to many different subjects.Here is the pattern:Line 1: nounLine 2: two adjectives that describe the nounLine 3: two "ing" verbsLine 4: a synonymExample:Butterflies delicate, colorful hovering, flutteringMonarchs

24. IF ONLY POEM One that honors a very special person. It can be written about a family member, a friend, or anyone fitting the above description. “If Only” formula:Line 1: Names a special personLine 2: Write two descriptive words separated by "and" or "but"Line 3: Tell what the person does and howLine 4: Write a simile using "as"Line 5: Write a wish(Each line begins with a capital letter, and the last line ends with either a period or an exclamation point)Example (about a school nurse):Mrs. Glass Busy but caring Treats you kindly As friendly as a puppy I wish she didn't have to give us all that medicine!


25. EMOTION POEM (See Handout)Choose any emotion as a subject. (happy,angry,love,nervous,jealous,etc.)Line 1: EmotionLine 2: If ___ were a color,Line 3: It would be __Line 4: As __ as a __.Line 5: If __ were a taste,Line 6: It would be just like ___.Line 7: If __ were a feeling,.Line 8: It would be __ as a ____.Line 9: If ___ were a smell,Line 10: It would be ___ as a ___.Line 11: If ____ were a sound,Line 12: It would be ___ as a ____.Example:If happy were a color, It would be blue. As blue as a sky on a sunny day.

If happy were a taste, It would be as sweet as honey melting in your mouth.

If happy were a feeling, It would be exciting as your first step must have been.

If happy were a smell, It would be as wonderful as brownies baking in the oven.

If happy were a sound, It would be as soft as tinkling keys on a piano.

26. SENYRU Senyru is a 3 lined Japanese poem that uses more general subjects than Haiku. It is not restricted to 17 syllables either. Example:Fog is a misty kind of a thing It swirls through the trees And usually sleeps on the lake.

27. TANKA A tanka is quite similar to Japanese haiku, but consists of a total of 31 syllables distributed as follows:Line 1: 5 syllables Line 2: 7 syllables Line 3: 5 syllables Line 4: 7 syllables Line 5: 7 syllablesThey are usually written with nature or mood in mind. Example:The birds are chirping

Quietly in the forest Watching for some worms To appear after the rain Oh, so patiently they wait.

28. LANTERN A lantern is a light and airy Japanese poem that follows a syllabic pattern as follows:Line 1: one syllable (noun) Line 2: two syllables (describing noun) Line 3: three syllables (describing noun) Line 4: four syllables (describing noun) Line 5: one syllable (another word for the noun in line one)They may be written in the shape of a Japanese lantern.Example:

boystackling

running fast scoring touchdowns

lads

29. CHAIN LANTERNS Chain lanterns are simply groups of lantern poems that are joined together.The pattern of syllables is the same (1,2,3,4,1) and the chain should be at least three verses long. Some chains are longer. In this case, the first and last lines need not be synonyms. Example:

Somelittle

kitten purrsgently by the

fire.

Sleepcomes quite

easilyto a drowsy

one.Soon

she willbe dreamingof a big fat

mouse!

30. SIJO POEM A sijo is a poem with a specific pattern of syllables. The patterns of syllables are:Six lines with: -six to eight syllables in each line-forty-two to forty-eight syllables in all


SIJO POEM: Example:Many boats are in the harbor On this bright and sunny day! Waiting for a crew to arrive To prepare them for a run Sails will be billowing Wind will carry them all away.

31. I AM...(VERSION #2)Below are line-by-line directions for writing this kind of poem: Line #1. I am #2. Three nouns about which you have strong feelings. Begin each with a capital letter. #3. A complete sentence about two things that you like. #4. Three nouns that describe what you like to see in other people; end with "are important to me." Capitalize each noun. #5. A sentence containing a positive thought or feeling. It can tell what you find acceptable in yourself. #6.-#7. Sentence in which you show something negative in yourself or others, however the sentence must end by showing that out of something BAD can come GOOD. Use the word "but" to link the bad and good. #8.-#9.-#10. Each line is a short sentence relating something about which you have strong feelings--likes or dislikes. They do not have to relate to each other or to the previous lines you have written. #11. End with "This is me" or "I am." Student Example: I am Life, Hope, Living I care very much about the world and life on it. Honesty is important to me. Optimism is important to me. Unselfishness is important to me. Hospitality is a good thing. Meanness is bad, but can be good to get people off your back. The world is getting weaker. The longer the days the more beautiful they are. People are too negative. I am. --Liz Webster (Grade 9)

32. EMOTIONS AND ACTIONS (See Handout)Sometimes it is hard to put your emotions and feelings on paper. The following patterns for poems are designed to allow you to get used to putting your emotions into writing.Formula 1Line #1: What if ____________________________

Line #2: I might ____________________________(leave a space between lines 2 & 3)Line #3: What if ____________________________ Line #4: I could _____________________________(leave a space between lines 4 & 5)Line #5: What if ____________________________ Line #6: I would_____________________________(leave a space between lines 6 & 7)Line #7: Ask a question. Formula 2Line #1: When I _____________________________ (describe an action) Line #2: ____________________________________ (describe where action takes place)Line #3: (Write 2 to 3 words that describe how you feel) Line #4: I wish I could_________________________ (describe an action) Line #5: (Tell the reason why) Formula 3Title: (EMOTION) Line #1: I ____________________________ (describe what you did to show how you were feeling) Line #2: (Write 3 words that describe how you felt) Line #3: (Make a statement or ask a question with regard to what is written in the first two lines) Formula 4Line #1: If I could be _________________________ Line #2: I'd ________________________________ (describe what you would do) Line #3: ____________________________________ (describe how you would do it) Line #4: ____________________________________ (describe where you would do it) Line #5: (Exclamation that shows how you would feel)

33. OPPOSITESChoose two things that are opposites. It could be the opposite sides of a question. Humor is good. The poem should be two or four lines long. The first two and the last two lines should rhyme. Sight rhymes are acceptable. Examples:The opposite of honest What a lot of people do on a hard test.---Benjamin Swanson (Grade 9)

OPPOSITES What is the opposite of love? Maybe it is as beautiful as a white dove, Because love is so fine, This is something that I know is mine.

What is the opposite of a smile?Copyright © 2002-2010, T. Orman 7

Maybe it is a frown that hasn't been seen in a while, Because a great smile brightens up the day, This has made my day better in every way.

What is the opposite of true? It could be purple, or even blue. Because truth is better than a lie, I want the truth even from my special guy.---Kimiko Brantley (Grade 10)

34. PHOETRY is a combination of poetry and photography. Take (or bring in) a snapshot of anything that interests you. Then write poetry to describe actions, impressions, feelings or places represented in the picture.

35. LOVE LETTERWrite a love letter to the "thing" you love most (shoes, baseball cap, computer, ice cream, photo, cell phone, iPod, etc.) Tell your favorite thing why you love it. Student example: Oh, my beloved bed. How I love to fall Into you each night After a stressful day. You are still there With open arms And welcoming smile. Thank you for everything. Thank you with all my heart. --Elia Miller (Grade 9)

36. RHETORICAL QUESTIONSStart your poem with a rhetorical question. A rhetorical question is one that you ask but do not expect an answer from your listener; you provide it yourself.Student example:RAINDROP FEELINGSI wonder if they like being raindrops?I suppose they doThey always have friends around themThey never travel aloneSome people save them to wash their hairThey make trees grow---Tierra Jones (Grade 10)

37. SOMEDAY POEMSBegin each line with the word Someday... and complete it with a wish you have. Make the first two or three lines say something about your everyday wishes and slowly move away from yourself to the world in general. You may end the poem with the word Someday....

Student examples:SOMEDAY...Someday I will play the guitarSomeday I will have a jobSomeday I will get marriedSomeday I will have kidsSomeday I will be richSomeday I will be noticed---Melissa Manor (Grade 10)

38. CHANCE POETRY (See Handout) Using just a restricted list of pre-selected words, write a poem. Start by jotting down words that jump out at you. Then try to form them into a poem that has some sort of meaning.

39. SONG LYRICS AS POETRYSong lyrics are poetry. Have you ever written a song? You could start by trying to write different words to your favorite tune. Then come up with an original song.

40. FIVE SENSES POETRYThink of a noun. Then write one word that describes that noun for each of our five senses. Any order will work.Formula ExampleNoun: ________ FIRESight/See: ________ OrangeTouch/Feel: ________ HotHear: __________ CracklingTaste: _________ SaltySmell: ________ SulfurRepeat Noun: _______ FIRE

BONUS FORMULAS, ONLINE ACTIVITIES, & HANDOUTS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES.


Bonus: CIRCLE POEM (See Handout)(Adapted from Kyle Reynolds: http://home.cogeco.ca/~rayser3/poetunit.txt)Directions:• Write a poem where your title "triggers" the word or phrase of your first line, which in turn"triggers" the next line, and so on.• Try to surprise us with each new line, taking us each time to a new place or new feeling.• Your poem will end when your last line "circles back" to the beginning, approximating your title.• Your poem should have at least 10 words.

Student Example: “Snow Tracks” Snow Tracks Bird madness PetroglyphsTombstonesStonehengeThe Great Wall Yin-Yang Lost & Found Wedding gownNo sound Wet windowpaneSnowbound (Dana Cargill, 7th grade)

Bonus: NUMBER POEM (See Handout)For this poem, you will use a number (telephone, social security, birthday, etc.) that has some meaning for you. This will determine the number of syllables per line. You must have at least six lines, and zeros (0) count as ten (10).

Bonus: BLOTZ POEM A blotz poem is designed to describe an object which is not necessarily real. It places an emphasis on alliteration.Line 1: Name your creature. (This is ___)Line 2: Tell where your creature lives. All words begin with the first letter of the creature's name and should list at least four places.Line 3: Tell what your creature eats. Use the same first letter and include at least four items.Line 4: Tell what your creature likes. Use the same first letter and include at least four items.Line 5: Tell something about your creature. Use the same first letter and include at least three items.Line 6: Tell about something your creature did to you.

Bonus: ACROSTIC POEM (See Handout)An acrostic poem consists of using the letters of a word, which is the subject of the poem, to begin each line of the poem.

WRITING POETRY: ONLINE ACTIVITY LINKS

These are great sites where students can create their own poems online.

1. Magnetic Poetry Online: Students can create “magnetic” poems & submit them to the website. http://www.magneticpoetry.com/play.html

2. Word Play: Similar to magnetic poetry.http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/poetry/wordplay/game.shtml

3. Instant Poetry Forms: Students can choose different poetry formulas from the left-hand side of the web page. When they select that form, an interactive page comes up to prompt them for each line. http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm

4. Dada Poem: Directions for creating an art-inspired “Dada” poem.http://redstudio.moma.org/interactives/chance/

5. Wordle Poem: Using the Wordle website, students can type in any of their poems they’ve written and create their own “word art.” Words that are repeated more often will appear larger.http://www.wordle.net/create

6. Pic Lit: Create your own poem picture. Use this site for inspiration for your “Phoetry” poem, as well.http://piclits.com/compose_dragdrop.aspx

USE WHILE READING POETRY:A great we-based project is the “My Favorite Poem” project. Includes wonderful videos of regular teens (as well as famous people) reading their favorite poems & explaining why they like it. For students who love to make videos, this is an excellent enrichment project. More videos can be found on YouTube by typing in “My Favorite Poem Project” in the search option.http://www.favoritepoem.org/


http://home.cogeco.ca/~rayser3/poetunit.txt




http://www.magneticpoetry.com/play.html

http://www.magneticpoetry.com/play.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/poetry/wordplay/game.shtml




http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm

http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm

http://redstudio.moma.org/interactives/chance/

http://redstudio.moma.org/interactives/chance/

http://www.wordle.net/create

http://www.wordle.net/create

http://piclits.com/compose_dragdrop.aspx

http://piclits.com/compose_dragdrop.aspx

http://www.favoritepoem.org

http://www.favoritepoem.org

Handout: Chance Poems #1 Name: ___________________________________

Write a “chance” poem by using only the list of words below.


Chance Poetry: Word List #1

the a if when we you go take steal love hate speak scream dizzybleed run jump skip red glisten desolatedrive home words green light gold lightwhite moon water allow eyes glare heartsee blue borrow hallow sparkle soar soddenpure friend jaded broken yearn for endlesstwilight look inside reach convert stillness peacefight confront zephyr I because or neveryour let live life create fabricate ecstaticfortunate poignant agonize entry dine abate aboveache keen call jagged emerald he shelabor diamond place are is to completeschool learn book drove hit touch teardance fence want girl boy sand shorecold frost thread less wrinkle need measurecouch sleep and tainted peel crimson closecloudless itch ion facade smile wisp handpepper fly whistle screech gale force junkgame pattern simple injure sane vein forestpleasure hate smack bounce snap ache laughdream journey claim road cement grain hand

Handout: Chance Poems #2 Name: ___________________________________

Write a “chance” poem by using only the list of words below.


Chance Poetry: Word List #2

Handout: Number Poem Name: ________________________________For this poem, you will use a number (telephone, social security, birthday, etc.) that has some meaning for you. This will determine the number of syllables per line. You must have at least six lines, and zeros (0) count as ten (10).

Example: 254-5672 (Syllables)Line 1: 2 syllables Changing Chang•ingLine 2: 5 syllables To feel like myself To•feel•like•my•selfLine 3: 4 syllables I’m looking back I’m•look•ing•backLine 4: 5 syllables Not moving forward Not•mov•ing•for•wardLine 5: 6 syllables Like a leaf falling down Like•a•leaf•fall•ing•downLine 6: 7 syllables Slowly, drifting, fluttering Slow•ly•drift•ing•flut•ter•ingLine 7: 2 syllables Stalling... Stall•ing

Write your number poem below:

Number: _____________________________________________________

Line 1: _____________________________________________________________________________

Line 2: _____________________________________________________________________________

Line 3: _____________________________________________________________________________

Line 4: _____________________________________________________________________________

Line 5: _____________________________________________________________________________

Line 6: _____________________________________________________________________________

Line 7: _____________________________________________________________________________


Handout: Bio Poem Name: ________________________________Answer the prompts and finish the statements to form your Bio Poem. (May be used for a character from literature, as well.)

Line 1: (Your Name): _________________________________________________________________

Line 2: (Three words describing you): ____________________________________________________

Line 3: Who lives with: ________________________________________________________________

Line 4: Who loves (three things/people): __________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Line 5: Who feels (three things/feelings): __________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Line 6: Who needs (three things): ________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Line 7: Who gives (three things/feelings): _________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Line 8: Who fears (three things): ________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Line 9: Who'd like to see: ______________________________________________________________

Line 10: Who dreams of: _______________________________________________________________

Line 11: A student of: _________________________________________________________________

Line 12: (Nickname or repeat your first name): _____________________________________________


Handout: Circle Poem Name: ________________________________• Write a poem where your title "triggers" the word or phrase of your first line, which in turn "triggers" the next line, and so on.• Try to surprise us with each new line, taking us each time to a new place or new feeling.• Your poem will end when your last line "circles back" to the beginning, approximating your title.• Your poem should have at least 10 words.

First Word/Phrase: ___________________________________________________________

Next Related Word/Phrase: _________________________________________________










Last Related Word/Phrase: _____________________________________________________ (Should relate back to the first word/phrase)


Handout: Emotions/Feelings Poems Name: ________________________________Sometimes it is hard to put your emotions and feelings on paper. The following patterns for poems are designed to allow you to get used to putting your emotions into writing.

Formula 1

Line #1: What if ___________________________________________________________________

Line #2: I might ___________________________________________________________________

Line #3: What if ___________________________________________________________________

Line #4: I could ____________________________________________________________________

Line #5: What if ____________________________________________________________________

Line #6: I would____________________________________________________________________

Line #7: Ask a question: ______________________________________________________________

kFormula 2

Line #1: (describe an action) When I _____________________________________________________

Line #2: (describe where action takes place)_______________________________________________

Line #3: (Write 2 to 3 words that describe how you feel) _____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Line #4: (describe an action) I wish I could________________________________________________

Line #5: (Tell the reason why) __________________________________________________________


Handout: Emotions/Feelings Poems Name: ________________________________Sometimes it is hard to put your emotions and feelings on paper. The following patterns for poems are designed to allow you to get used to putting your emotions into writing.

Formula 3

Title: (EMOTION) ___________________________________________________________________

Line #1: (describe what you did to show how you were feeling) I ______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Line #2: (Write 3 words that describe how you felt) _________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Line #3: (Make a statement or ask a question with regard to what is written in the first two lines)

__________________________________________________________________________

kFormula 4

Line #1: If I could be _________________________________________________________________

Line #2: (describe what you would do) I'd _________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Line #3: (describe how you would do it)__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Line #4: (describe where you would do it) _________________________________________________

Line #5: (Exclamation that shows how you would feel) ______________________________________


Handout: Emotion Poem Name: ________________________________Choose any emotion as a subject. (happy, angry, love, nervous, jealous, etc.) Think about that emotion and fill in the blanks for your poem.

Line 1: (Emotion:) ____________________________________________________________________

Line 2: If ________________________________________________ (emotion in line #1) were a color,

Line 3: It would be ___________________________________________________________________

Line 4: As _____________________________ as a _________________________________________.

Line 5: If ________________________________________________ (emotion in line #1) were a taste,

Line 6: It would be just like ____________________________________________________________.

Line 7: If ______________________________________________ (emotion in line #1) were a feeling,

Line 8: It would be ______________________ as a _________________________________________.

Line 9: If ________________________________________________ (emotion in line #1) were a smell,

Line 10: It would be _____________________ as a _________________________________________.

Line 11: If ______________________________________________ (emotion in line #1) were a sound,

Line 12: It would be _____________________ as a _________________________________________.


Handout: I AM... Poem Name: ________________________________Use the prompts to finish the statements about yourself (or can be used for a character in a novel, story, movie, etc.).

I am (two special characteristics) _________________________________________________________

I wonder (something you are actually curious about) _________________________________________

I hear (an imaginary sound) ____________________________________________________________

I see (an imaginary sight) ______________________________________________________________

I want (an actual desire) _______________________________________________________________

I am (the first line of the poem restated) ___________________________________________________

I pretend (something you actually pretend to do) ____________________________________________

I feel (a feeling about something imaginary) _______________________________________________

I touch (an imaginary touch) ____________________________________________________________

I worry (something that really bothers you) ________________________________________________

I cry (something that makes you very sad) _________________________________________________

I am (the first line of the poem repeated) __________________________________________________

I understand (something you know is true) _________________________________________________

I say (something you believe in) _________________________________________________________

I dream (something you actually dream about) _____________________________________________

I try (something you really make an effort about) ___________________________________________

I hope (something you actually hope for) __________________________________________________

I am (the first line of the poem repeated) __________________________________________________


Handout: Bio Poem (Variation) Name: ________________________________Use the prompts to finish the statements about yourself (or can be used for a character in a novel, story, movie, etc.).

Line 1: (First name) ___________________________________________________________________

Line 2: (four words that describe you) ____________________________________________________

Line 3: Relative of (list close family members) _____________________________________________

Line 4: Resident of (place where you live) ________________________________________________

Line 5: Who reads (four books, magazines, and or newspapers) _______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Line 6: Who likes (three things you like) __________________________________________________

Line 7: Who loves (three things you love) _________________________________________________

Line 8: Who fears (three things) ________________________________________________________

Line 9: Who wishes (three things) _______________________________________________________

Line 10: Who admires (three) __________________________________________________________

Line 11: Who needs (three things you need) _______________________________________________

Line 12: Who aspires to (at least two aspirations) ___________________________________________

Line 13: (Last name) __________________________________________________________________


Handout: Diamante Poem Name: ________________________________Use the prompts to fill in the blanks for your “Diamante” poem. It should look like a diamond when completed. (Note: It may be easier to come up with lines 1 and 7 first before writing lines 2-6.)

Line 1: Noun or subject - one word

Line 2: Two Adjectives that describe line 1

Line 3: Three 'ing words that describe line 1

Line 4: Four nouns - the first two are connected

with line 1; the last two are connected with line 7

Line 5: Three 'ing words that describe line 7

Line 6: Two adjectives that describe line 7

Line 7: Noun synonym for the subject


______________________

_____________________ _____________________

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

____________________ ____________________ ____________________

_____________________ _____________________

______________________

Handout: Acrostic Poem Name: ________________________________An acrostic poem consists of using the letters of a word or name--which is the subject of the poem--to begin each line of the poem. See the examples for “Joe” and “Sky.” The lines in each poem describe the subject, which is spelled downward.

Example for “JOE” Example for “SKY”

Just a simple guy who Sparkling blue, white clouds, red

Only listens to country music and Kite sailing,

Eats meat and potatoes every day. Yearning to swallow it up.

Your Turn: Choose a subject or name and spell it down the page. Then create a line for each letter that relates to or describes that subject. Use additional paper if you need more room.


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