FREE VERSE POETRY
Second graders have been immersed in poetry writing. This year, our Author’s Walkabout books will be a collection of each student’s work. We are currently focusing on free verse. This literary device can be defined as poetry that is free from limitations of regular meter or rhythm, and does not rhyme with fixed forms. The craft skills we have been practicing in class include:
- Looking at ordinary objects through poet’s eyes
- Using line breaks to highlight important words
- Word repetition
- Focusing on the feeling they want the reader to experiene
- Creating a picture in the reader’s mind
- Using sound effects
- Using precise words – poems are short compared to books so every word counts and ordinary words should be kept to a minimum
Read poetry with your child. At this age, children are drawn to this genre. Start a list of topics that you and your child are interested in. Create a poem together. Celebrate different poets. Children’s favorite poets are Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky, Eloise Greenfield, A.A. Milne, Valerie Worth and Dr. Seuss.
Other types of poems we will be exploring are:
If you have a favorite poem or if you and your child create a poem, please share it with us in the Comment Section below. We will share these to the class during Morning Meeting.
