Laura J. Namnoum
Poetry should be a source of pleasure for young readers and act as a way to develop the dimension of sound in communication. Too many times, students worry that poetry is something that is hard to read. They might even think that reading poetry isn't interesting. This unit is designed to give students analytical skills and experience to help them enjoy reading poetry by making it easier for them to read and understand through rhythm. Students will be exposed to a variety of authors both old and new. They will be trained to listen to the words and the rhythm or meter the author intended. They will ask and answer questions pertaining to the author's crafts, word choices, and structure chosen. They will inquire about the poems and answer each other's questions with their own thinking. After they are well versed in the author's techniques they will practice writing some of their own poetry.
Students will have an analytical look at poetry and how words and structure are purposeful and can be experienced in a rhythmic way. Students will gain the skills needed to appreciate poetry independently throughout their life. Reading and writing will be the focus subject areas for this unit.
