Life and Landscapes in the Classroom

On March 26, 2012, the poetic world will celebrate Robert Frost’s 138th birthday. Frost is most known for his poetry about the rural life and landscapes of New England. He was a San Francisco native, born in 1874, but moved to Massachusetts at age eleven. At only twenty years old, Frost sold his first poem, “My Butterfly,” for fifteen dollars–equal to at least $300 in today’s American currency. It was published on November 8, 1894, in New York’s newspaper, The Independent. Over his lifetime, Frost was awarded four Pulitzer Prizes.

To celebrate his poetry and influence, bring New England to life in your classroom.

Frost's Poetry

Begin by projecting photos of New England’s scenery in the 20th century for your class to observe while reading aloud some of Frost's famous works, many of which can be found on J.J. Ketzle's website. Frost's first published poem, “My Butterfly” can be read there. Another favorite,“The Road Not Taken,” begins:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

You can read the second half here. A great image to go along with this poem can be found here. If you'd like to go beyond reading, introduce poetic concepts based off the poem, such as the fact that each stanza follows an ABAAB pattern. 

More suggested favorites to read aloud:

• Nothing Gold Can Stay
• Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Day
• Fire and Ice
• The Lockless Door
• Stars

Burgeoning Poets

After students are inspired and ready to write their own poem, have them choose their favorite scenic image of New England. Then, allow them to quietly and closely observe the image and brainstorm different ideas to write about. Once they are ready, they can begin to write their own poem in pure Frost fashion.

Allow enough time for the young writers to type their final draft, which they can print and display alongside their inspirational image. Matting them on colorful construction paper would be a great way to show them off around the classroom.

The Reading

a poetry reading is a great way to incorporate public-speaking practice in the classroom. Start by arranging chairs into a half-circle, dimming the lights, and creating a “stage” for the poet. Have each poet in your classroom take turns sharing their image of inspiration, explaining why they chose it before reading their poem. If time allows, solicit positive feedback with regard to their peers’ poetry. If you have some shy poets, offer to read their poems out loud yourself or allow other classmates to read for them.

To close the poetry reading, read one final poem. A great poem to end on is “Into My Own.”

One of my wishes is that those dark trees,
So old and firm they scarcely show the breeze,
Were not, as 'twere, the merest mask of gloom,
But stretched away unto the edge of doom.

I should not be withheld but that some day
Into their vastness I should steal away,
Fearless of ever finding open land,
Or highway where the slow wheel pours the sand.

I do not see why I should e'er turn back,
Or those should not set forth upon my track
To overtake me, who should miss me here
And long to know if still I held them dear.

They would not find me changed from him they knew--
Only more sure of all I thought was true.

Explore these other resources for delving into Frost's work:

Making Connections between Robert Frost's Life and His Poetry
High schoolers become acquainted with Robert Frost and his poems. They participate in various online learning activities to get to know Frost’s personal and poetic life.

Figuring Out Frost
Elementary students read a poem by Robert Frost, analyze it through discussion and writing, and then compare it to their own experiences. The poem focuses on themes of youthful behavior and attitudes, and readers discuss Frost's success at addressing these themes.

Poetry Symbolism
This session is scaffolded for different levels of English proficiency, allowing ELLs of every level to actively engage with Frost's symbolism. Poetic techniques, such as figurative language and personification, are also addressed.