Thread: reading poetry

What Is a Poem?
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A poem is a concise verbal snapshot of a poet's thoughts.
Poems work through the images they paint, the sounds they create,
and the ideas they communicate.

You need to read a poem more than once--
and at least one time out loud, so you can hear the sounds and rhythms.
Close your eyes and try to see the pictures painted by the words.
Try to share the poet's feelings and perception.
Then ask yourself,"What does this poem say to me?"

The Elements of a Poem
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Poets combine sounds, image, and shapes
to make a unique creation in words that
communicate with you, the reader.

The Music of Poetry: Its Sounds Poetry
needs to be aloud. As you read, listen
for words that rhyme and for a rhythm you
can tap your fingers to, like music. Listen
for words that imitate sounds you hear around you in real life.
And listen for letter
sounds that repeat.
All these sounds add to the effect of the poem.

The Images of Poetry: Its Pictures As you
read poetry,
let the poet's words paint pictures in your mind.
Poets use sensorys
images to appeal to sighy, hearing, taste,
smell, and touch.
Poets aften use comparisons that give you new ways of looking at
familiar things.

How Structuer of Poetry: Its shape Pay
attention to how the poet has placed the
words on the page.
A new stanza or verse
may signal a change of focus or of tone.
The poet may repeat lines or words to emphasize
important ideas.

How to Read a Poem
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Think of reading a poem as having a conversation with the poet.
The poet is saying
what's on his or her mind and you're listening.
But don't just sit there---get involved!
Ask questions.
Make comments.
Express your feelings.
Give your opinions.
Share your experiences.
You can record your side of the conversation in your Response Journal.


I'll tell some strategies for reading poetry later on