All posts in Poems

Another Planet (8th)

Today, we read “Another Planet” by Dunya Mikhail and discussed the personification and similes that she used to help create this new world for the reader. (This lesson was adapted from a lesson by […]

‘Beautiful like a sea orchid’

On the second day of our 6th Grade poetry residency at Sayre Elementary, we compared stories about what we did over the weekend and what we noticed–in particular: the sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and […]

‘The sweet trophy of MVP’

On the second day of our 5th Grade poetry residency at Sayre Elementary, we compared stories about what we did over the weekend and what we noticed–in particular, the sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and […]

“Crystal skies, spring comes” Haiku with South Loop Poetry Club

In honor of our last week of Black History Month with South Loop Poetry Club, we read a selection of haiku from Richard Wright to begin our unit on Poetic Forms, starting with haiku. […]

Wish Poems: Deseo ir al espacio y descubrir secretos no descubiertos…

What is something you wish could be true even though you know it’s not really possible? Walking on clouds, pizza everyday, 900,000 stuffed animals, and infinite wishes from a genie were just a few […]

‘lilac color skies cover my glass roof’: Experimental Poems

Students made the old school paper game, called a ‘Cootie Catcher’ which is a form of origami used in children’s games. As you may recall, parts of the ‘catcher’ are labeled with words that […]

Wonderland Thoughts

It was great meeting Hamline Elementary 6th graders last Wednesday. A few students had some experience writing poetry with their teachers. They already knew various poetry terms and styles such as rhyme, simile, and […]

‘we go in rows/ do as told’: Gwendolyn Brooks Imitations

Students read Gwendolyn Brooks’ classic poem, ‘We Real Cool’ before crafting their own ‘cool’ poems using their own words and ideas for what is cool, rhyme repetition, and the short form. We Real Cool […]

The Art of Revision

All the best poets know that the real poetry comes with revision. So it felt fitting that for our halfway point, Waters poets revised old or recently-written poems. First we talked about food, and […]

Dreaming Rooms

The students made stanzas as rooms within which to fill their dreaming selves and wishes. Mr. Charmelo, 7th grade, 1st period The Wisher by Alexis V. I wish to the intelligence like Albert Einstein. […]

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I’M FROM THE CITY LIGHTS / STREAMING OUT IN THE NIGHT / AND HUGE SKYSCRAPERS / TOWERING OVER THE LAKE – MELISSA E., 7TH GRADE POET