Young poets learn the value of using a thesaurus when crafting and revising poems. They examine poems rich in figurative language and then a revised version with the figurative language removed. To demonstrate what they have learned, participants offer feedback on the draft of a poem.

Concepts

poetry, poetry analysis, revision, diction, synonyms, alliteration, personification, stanzas, figurative language

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Instructional Ideas

• Conduct the unit during April's Poetry Month
• Remind class members to keep all materials from the unit in their writer's notebook

Classroom Considerations

• Third in a 12-lesson unit designed for seventh graders
• Requires copies
• Class members must have access to a thesaurus

Pros

• Links are provided to extra materials for instructors
• Offers teacher tips

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.7.1 RL.7.4 RI.7.4 W.7.4 W.7.5 SL.7.1.a SL.7.1.b SL.7.1.c SL.7.1.d SL.7.2 L.7.3.a