Western Education
Math Poems
The logic, rhythm, and beauty of math sometimes get lost amidst numbers and variables. Amplify math's lyricism with a poetry project that uses metaphors and similes to compare mathematical concepts to other images.
National History Day
Poetry from the Trenches of World War I
Often, the real-life experiences of soldiers gets lost back home when the war seems so far away. Scholars investigate the personal side of World War I in the trenches of Europe to complete a collaborative social studies activity. When...
Curated OER
Poetry Assignment Instead of a Test
"The Last Song" by Bernie Taupin and Elton John is the inspiration for an analysis assignment. Individuals read the song and answer nine questions about the speaker, figurative language, and significance of the lyrics. Use this as an...
Tiny Mobile
Poetry Creator | Verses
Construct from a canvas of words, lyrical expressions that your budding poets can share and post. Based on refrigerator magnet poetry, creative writers can develop their poetry independently, or from a given prompt from their...
A to Z Teacher Stuff
The Gingerbread Man
You may not be able to catch the Gingerbread Man, but you can sing a catchy song about him! Incorporate a poem into a study of poetry and/or the alphabet in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Curated OER
Figurative Language & Poetic Devices Activity: Firework by Katy Perry
Sure to engage your class in poetry, this resource requires them to identify, label, and explain poetic devices and figurative language used in Katy Perry's hit song "Firework". A well-organized page that chunks the lyrics so learners...
Literacy Design Collaborative
Catching a Grenade: How Word Choice Impacts Meaning and Tone
Beyonce's "Halo" and Bruno Mars' "Grenade" provide eighth graders with an opportunity to consider how a writer's choice of words can create a very different tone even when the subject is the same. After a close reading of both lyrics,...
Curated OER
Dialect Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar
Explore different dialects with your English class. This handout contains four poems from Paul Laurence Dunbar. Use the poems to introduce your class to a new dialect. No exercises or activities are included.
California Federation of Chaparral Poets, Inc
Poetic Devices
Have everything you need to know about the elements of poetry with a nine-page handout. Split into four categories—word sounds, meanings, arrangement, and imagery—budding poets may reference terms, read definitions, descriptions, and...
Poetry4kids
How to Write a Silly Song Parody
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery—and it's a great way to learn about poetic structure! Young poets use familiar tunes to write a song parody based on straightforward guidelines.
Desire2Learn
Alliteration Worksheet
Learners love literary lyrics! Practice alliteration with an activity that encourages kids to find a line of alliteration for every letter of the alphabet. After they finish, they can create a line of their own alliteration and explain...
Curated OER
All Along the Watchtower Questions
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 5 short answer and essay questions based on the lyrics of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower."
Curated OER
Reading: Home on the Range
In this cowboy poetry instructional activity, students read about stories and poems in the American West. Students read the lyrics of "Home on the Range". Students answer 7 multiple choice questions.
Curated OER
Song Writing
In this music worksheet, students identify specific tips for composing a song. They use strophic form where each verse has the same melody. Students also select a chord sequence and use cadences at the end of each phrase and modulations...
Curated OER
Limericks Activity
In this limerick worksheet, students read about limericks, read an example, fill in blanks to complete a limerick and complete 4 short "lyrical limerick" activities.
Curated OER
Vocab-u-lous! Build a Fabulous Vocab
In this vocabulary activity, students select the best word choice to complete the sentence. The words all correspond to the theme of Valentine's Day.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Rap as Lyrical Poetry
Here is an excellent way to engage your students in the study of poetry; use rap! PBS provides the materials you will need. Students will examine central themes, hip hop culture, political, social and cultural events that may have...
Luminarium
Luminarium: Essays and Research on the Renaissance
Use this comprehensive site to learn more about English Renaissance Literature. This site is a gold mine of information. It has several essays that illuminate this genre. Find out more about this period in literature through this...
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Hyperboles
This tutorial focuses on the use of hyperbole; it defines the term and explains when it is used. It offers two video clips: the first demonstrates the use of hyperbole in song lyrics as it highlights them, and the second shows the use of...
Other
Bob's Byway: Glossary of Poetic Terms
Calling itself "unique," Bob's is easy to use, with cross-links throughout, phonetic pronunciation guides when necessary, and many examples and quotations. Click on the letter and scroll for the word.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Grammar Basics: Metaphors
Learn about similes and metaphors through this multimedia presentation. First view a slide show describing different types of metaphors as well as a simile. Then watch a video [3:13] showing similes and metaphors used in popular songs. A...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The Mc Ardle Notebooks: Dawn at the Alamo
Henry Arthur McArdle's "Dawn at the Alamo" notebook is "packed with letters, notes, and photographs," which McArdle used when researching for his well-known painting recording this important moment in Texas history. Browse the pages to...