Poetry Connects to Personal Experience
Grade 6 Art Discovering How Poems Speak to Our Lives
I Can Statements
I can identify lines and stanzas in a poem I can find rhyming words that sound alike I can picture images that poems create in my mind I can choose a poem that connects to my personal experience
Hook Question
Which small thing that you keep feels special to you?
What Makes a Poem?
Lines - each row of words in a poem Stanzas - groups of lines that go together Rhymes - words that sound alike at the end Imagery - words that create pictures in our minds
Let's Read: 'My Pocket'
In my pocket, small and deep, I keep a marble, round as sleep. I keep a feather, soft as air, and a secret I won't share.
Let's Read: 'My Shadow'
My shadow follows where I go, it stretches tall, it shrinks down low. It waves hello, it runs with me— a quiet friend I always see.
Poetry Detective Work
Work in small groups of 2-4 students Use colored tape to mark lines and stanzas Put stickers on rhyming words Draw one image the poem creates in your mind
Scaffolded Questions
Easiest: 'Point to one line in the poem' Medium: 'Which two words rhyme together?' Hardest: 'What picture shows round as sleep?'
Choose Your Poem
Look at 6 poems from Small Wonders Pick the one that connects to YOUR life Complete: 'I picked this because ____' Think about your personal experiences
Wrap-Up & Reflection
Share your poem choice with a partner Complete your exit card Remember: Poetry connects to our lives Next time: We'll perform our chosen poems!