Well detailed discussion of the use of the couplet in poetry. A number of different kinds of couplets are defined and explained (short couplet, split couplet, heroic couplet, Alexandrine couplet, Qasida), and a "How To" section suggests...

Contains plans for eight lessons in a poetry unit that asks students to write poetry in various forms after reading models. In addition to objectives and standards, this instructional plan contains links to sites used in the lessons as...

Wonderful multicultural/diversity poetry unit created by a Queens high school teacher. Students explore poetry from different cultures, including their own (in English and/or their native language).

This site is actually meant for teachers but students will find much of it useful, too. The writer, a teacher, describes her lesson plan for teaching children to write poetry. While her lessons are meant for elementary students, as she...

Guide for exploring the poetry of Emily Dickinson provides historical context, author biography, discussion questions, and a ten-lesson unit for teachers. Includes a radio show and transcript with poems cited from The Poems of Emily...

Nice lesson plan for grades 5-6 that explores poetry and personal expression through the work of Gwendolyn Brooks. Has lots of activities but could easily be modified for time. Has nearly everything you need to do the lesson!

Students will select a favorite poem from a class poetry unit, from Poem Finder, included in the Alabama Virtual Library, or from other online sources or poetry collections in the school library, and create a collage or...

Guide to the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, including historical context, author biography, discussion questions, and a ten-lesson unit of study with discussion activities, homework assignments, and essay topics.

Thirteen day poetry unit plan provided by The Academy of American Poets designed for ninth or tenth grade students. Contains individual lessons on spoken poetry, written poetry, poetry as social commentary, and voice. Each lesson...

This lesson discusses Sylvia Plath's works including The Bell Jar. It has students look at biographic information and commentaries about Plath. As students read the novel, they complete response logs and write essays. They debate topics...

In this lesson, 5th graders learn how to analyze figurative language in the poem, "Casey At The Bat."

A brief biography of Stanley Kunitz, who was known not only for his poetry, but for his unfailing support of young poets. This site includes the texts of several of his poems, as well as transcripts of several interviews and critical...

"The House of Dies Drear," is a powerful novel by Virginia Hamilton.

Insight into the private poems by President John Tyler. With quotes of his works and a link to an original transcript.

Academy of Achievement biography of Rita Dove, former Poet Laureate of the United States and now Commonwealth Professor of English at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

This teaching unit is based upon a "teacher trek" to the area in 2000 and focuses on essential questions on wealth and poverty. Activities are offered to help students explore the religion and culture of this country. Activities are...

As part of a unit on Emily Dickinson and her poetry, this classroom activity provides a brief classroom project and includes lesson plan ideas, web links, and additional texts.

Discover the world of American Literature when you visit this site. This resource offers lessons, units, genre studies and more.

Features a biographical note on the poet A. E. Housman (1859-1936)and news about poetry in the United Kingdom. Includes photo and bibliography.

Nice unit designed to help students of Puerto Rican descent learn about their cultural roots. Students research Taino culture and read Taino myths, legends and poems; create their own myths and poems; and practice Spanish vocabulary....

The Antislavery Literature Project is a collaborative electronic publishing venture that provides educational access to the literature and history of the antislavery movement in the United States that is crucial to understanding African...

A political cartoon depicting a Union and a Confederate veteran united in support for the Spanish-American War. A painting entitled Twelve-Inch Gun depicting elegant officers and ladies aboard a battle ship, civilizing gentility and the...

Insect rhymes, crafts, coloring printouts, and quizzes are collected by Enchanted Learning. Color pictures, diagrams, and charts are included.

Poet laureate Robert Hass writes about Walt Whitman and the controversies that have often surrounded his writing and life.