We know that our brains learn things more deeply when we use multi-modal instructional practices. In this blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of using whole-class poetry to not only teach content but imbed syntax, phonics, and vocabulary.
One of the most popular and easy to replicated poems from GLAD is the Here, There Poetry Frame. There are extension and processing activities that go along with this poetry to deepen student learning and grow all four language domains (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
Step 1 - Plan Your Poem
Before you begin writing your poem on chart paper, you'll want to plan out what it will look and sound like. I've created a Here, There Poetry Frame that can easily be recreated (or you can download a copy here) to plan.
The color coding on this planning document comes directly from the Sentence Patterning Chart. See the Key/Legend below:
adjective noun verb prepositional phrase
You can use the Sentence Patterning Chart to complete the Here, There Poetry Frame or you can come up with your own words. However, the words you choose must follow the Parts of Speech color coding to successfully create a poem.
Step 2 - Transfer to Chart Paper
Once you have your Here, There Poetry Frame completed, you can transfer your work to the chart paper. Color coding is also essential here. The repeated chorus should always be in the same color and each verse or stanza should have its own, unique color.
Step 3 - Call and Response Singing with Students (Session 1)
Once your poem is written up, you're ready to start singing -- or chanting -- with students. The first time that you do this activity, you'll want to read one line at a time, adding gestures* for each word, and then have the kids repeat it to you. Students will likely catch on to the chorus by the second chorus. You can have students repeat that part with you, rather than doing call and response. Once you've read the poem line-by-line with students, you can practice singing the poem all the way through. Notice how the gestures bring the poem to life!
*Adding gestures makes this strategy multimodal and therefore cements long-term learning for students. I love to teach my students American Sign Language from Spread The Sign for gestures, but you can also ask students to help you come up with gestures that make sense to them.
Step 4 - Highlight Student-Selected Words (Session 1)
Because one of our academic goals in incorporating poetry is to teach vocabulary and content, asking students to identify words that seem important or are unknown, is essential in growing knowledge. After reciting the poem together as a class, take out a highlighter or yellow marker and ask students, "What words feel important? what words are unknown?" Students will self-select vocabulary to highlight and the teacher will add a small sketch next to the word to scaffold new learning. Be sure to draw a line from the word to the sketch to aid in making connections.
Step 5 - Label Parts of Speech (Session 2)
Using poetry has many applications in your classroom and for that reason, you'll likely want to break out these activities into different sessions or days to keep engagement high. Using this Parts of Speech Legend, you'll go through the poem and have students help you identify the various
parts of speech. You'll want to be sure to follow the shape and color coding on the key, to create
consistent patterns for your students, especially if you are using the Sentence Patterning Chart in your instruction.
Begin with adjectives and ask students to identify any describing words they see. Once they are identified, you'll shape and color-code directly on the chart. Repeat this step with each of the Parts of Speech in the following order: noun, verb, adverb (if applicable)*, and prepositional phrase.
*The Here, There Poetry Frame does not include a space for adverbs. They can be included in the second verse, after the verb. (e.g. tiny seeds sprouting slowly)
Step 6: Processing (Session 3)
Although this is the last step in the process of poetry, I'd argue that it is the most important. Processing poetry enables students to make deep connections with the content and the vocabulary that has been introduced in this activity. To set up processing poetry, you'll want to print out high-quality photos and back them on construction paper (be sure that all photos are backed on the same color for each unit). For repeated use, I recommend laminating your backed photos. You'll also want to write some "word cards" (see green cardstock words below) with the important and unknown words that students identified in Step 4. You don't need a picture or word card for everything on the chart. About 15 pictures and word cards isare plenty. Also, roll 15 pieces of tape for students to easily grab as they add their pictures and word cards directly to the poetry. Pass out the pictures and word cards to students following expected behavior. Then, you'll read the poem, incorporating gestures, and as you read words that match pictures and word cards, students will come up and add them to the poem. Word cards should go directly over the word on the chart while pictures will go next to the line that corresponds to the image. It is okay for students to cover their sketches with their images.
After you complete the poem, you'll want to ask your class if everyone was able to place their pictures and/or word cards. If there are students that have not placed their word cards, have a class discussion about where they should be placed on the chart. Sometimes, students will disagree with where a picture card is placed. This is a great opportunity to discuss why the card was placed there-- students explaining their reasoning is an important skill to be practiced.
A completed poetry chart may look like this:
Extension Activities
We love when students can own their learning and apply what they've learned. As an extension activity, students can create their poems using the Here, There Poetry Frame. Their poems can have the same noun as your poem and the adjectives, verbs, and prepositional phrases can be different or they can choose their noun (related to the current unit of study) and create their poem. You can add these poems to their reading folders as additional resources to read during literacy time.
Implementation & Prep Tip
While you will want to use a fresh poem each year, saving a "master copy" of the poem on chart paper can be a real time-saver. To store charts like this, I fold them and store them in a gallon-size plastic bag with all the materials I need for the strategy (i.e. picture cards, word cards, Parts of Speech Legend). Then, when I'm ready to teach this poem the following year, I can unfold the poem and trace it onto fresh chart paper. Then, all of the materials I need to teach are conveniently located in the same spot. I recommend teaching one poem per week. While this is rather frequent, I may not do the Parts of Speech for every poem I do, to save time.
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