Unit Plan

Using Poetry to Explore Change and Belonging

Students read poems about change and growth and consider their own sense of belonging.

  • Grades: 6–8

Overview

Growth cannot occur without change. Growing up is not always easy, but a sense of belonging makes change less scary. Some people feel they belong to a place. Others feel at home in groups. Students will read poems that pertain to change and growth and think about their own sense of belonging.

Objective

Students will:

  1. Understand and appreciate poetry
  2. Understand the following literary terms: form, sound, imagery, figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification)
  3. Recognize the distinguishing features of poetry

Lesson Plans for this Unit

Culminating Activity

Students will brainstorm one of their familiar experiences from growing up. They will write a poem describing that experience. The poem must be descriptive with example (s) of: simile, metaphor, rhyme, personification, etc. Students will create an illustration, drawing, or collage for their poem. Students will also research The Poetry in Motion program -developed by the Poetry Society of America and the MTA New York City Transit in 1192 to make the experience of using public transportation more pleasurable. The program places poetry generally written by recognized and published authors on colorful posters in subway cars and buses. The class will create their own "Classroom in Motion" program, and display their poems and illustrations in the classroom.

Supporting Books

Book List for Teaching Poetry to Explore Change and Belonging
  • Part of Collection:
    5 Great Thematic Unit Plans from Scholastic Teacher Advisors
  • Everything You Need:
    Poetry Month: Everything You Need
  • Subjects:
    Changes and New Experiences, Reading Fluency, Drawing Conclusions and Making Inferences, Literary Devices, Reading Response, Research Skills, Creative Writing, Poetry Writing, Writing Process, National Poetry Month
  • Skills:
    Drawing Conclusions, Making Inferences, Research Skills, Descriptive Writing, Poetry Writing
  • Duration:
    2 Days
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