Teaching poetry can be daunting for some, so I hope my new pack of Poetry Analysis handouts will help you and your students through the entire process. They are designed to work with ANY poem, so you get to choose the perfect poem for your students.
I divided the sections into five areas of analysis:
• Form (Structure)
• Word Choice & Tone
• Figurative Language & Imagery
• Theme & Author's Purpose
• Context
Each area has its own page of critical-thinking questions, so they can be used individually rather than all together. For example, if I want my students to practice just figurative language one day, I can select a poem and have them just complete the Figurative Language & Imagery questions.
They are also perfect for sub plans.
OPTIONAL: STATION ROTATIONS
I know many teachers love to use stations and have their students rotate from each station to the next (having them get up and move is great for the brain, too). So I included station signs that you can use and even helpful cheat sheets for a few of the stations.
Station 1: Form (Structure)
This area focuses on the structure and form of the poem. Students analyze the stanza breaks, the rhyme scheme, the rhythm (meter), and how it all contributes to the tone/mood of the poem. I include two helpful cheat sheets on identifying a rhyme scheme with examples and how to identify the meter/rhythm.
Station 2: Word Choice & Tone
This area focuses on the specific words and their effect on the poem. Students analyze the rhymes (and lack thereof); specific verbs, adjectives, and adverbs; and sound devices such as alliteration and consonance. They specifically dive into the negative and positive connotations of words. I include a cheat sheet with the definitions of all the different examples of assonance, consonance, and rhetorical devices used in poetry.
Station 3: Figurative Language & Imagery
This area focuses specifically on the figurative devices used to create imagery in the poem. Students identify and explain the different figurative language types used, including metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and symbolism. I include a cheat sheet with definitions and examples of each figurative language device.
Station 4: Theme & Author's Purpose
This area focuses on the meaning of the poem. Students look at the title, analyze the subject matter, and think about why the author wrote it.
Station 5: Context
This area is an extension of theme and author's purpose. It asks students to research what was going on in the world and even in the author's life at the time. Because many poems have connections to world or regional events, or are inspired by people, places, or things, this is a way for students to learn about the context of the poem that can bring an even deeper understanding to the work.
Using the stations is OPTIONAL. The handouts themselves do not have the station number on them.
I hope you find these helpful for your poetry unit. These, along with ALL of my poetry resources, are included in my mega bundle.
