Unpacking Poetry- A Reading and Writing Poetry Workshop

What makes a poem a poem? Let's unpack poetry together! We'll learn about poetic styles and language, discuss what each poem means to us, and use what we learn to write poems of our own. If you love poetry this class is for you. If you don't like poetry, this class might just change your mind! This class is for all types of learners, will help strengthen reading comprehension, and be a lot of fun! 

Poetic Terms Covered- 
- Figurative Language, Metaphor, Simile, Hyperbole, Imagery, Personification, Allusion, Onomatopoeia, Rhyme Scheme, Tone, Alliteration, Couplet

Class Structure- 
In each class, students will read and discuss poetry together. We'll unpack poetic terms and discover the things we like and wonder about in each poem. We'll also use the poems we read in class to inspire our writing. We'll use the authors' style, poetic devices, and our creativity to create poems of our own. There will be time in each class to share the poetry we've written with each other.

Teaching Style- 
I believe in students centered learning and in the importance of structure in a classroom. I set classroom agreements to help create a safe, fun, inspiring space for all students to feel supported, want to participate and be able to learn. I encourage participation but do not force it. I use high-interest poetry to help students connect and find interest. 

Interaction- 
I encourage participation throughout the class through both the chat and verbal. I make sure to answer all questions and call on all students who wish to participate. Students will interact with each other through discussion and when sharing the poems they create. 

Prior Experience- 
Students do not need prior knowledge or experience with poetry to learn and/or enjoy this class.