Do your students have a negative attitude about poetry? Do you wish you could change that?
One way to combat this is by showing students that poetry is cool (or whatever the latest term is for being awesome).
My interactive bulletin board displays–which also come with presentations and a fun quiz handout–show students that the music they may listen to is similar to classic poetry. Plus, they are sure to pique your students' interest and challenge them. I offer these packs on TpT; click on the images or links below to learn more about each in my store.
IS IT GREEN DAY OR WALT WHITMAN?
Your students will be surprised by how much lyrics from a Green Day song and lines from a Walt Whitman poem have in common. Whitman is the father of free verse and lover of retrospect and while Green Day loves a rhyme, they also go deep and reflective. Here are a few samples:
So, how did you do?
IS IT QUEEN OR EMILY DICKINSON?
Again, the similarities are very surprising! Dickinson's lines are lyrical and Queen's are creative and sometimes a little out there. A perfect pairing. See for yourself:
What did you think about those?
IS IT TUPAC OR SHAKESPEARE?
Tupac made it known that he loved reading (and acting in) William Shakespeare plays. Some of his lines in his rap music are taken straight from the Bard:
It's guaranteed to bring a new appreciation for both Shakespeare AND rap music!
What other pairings would you like to see? Drop me a suggestion in the comments and if I create it, I'll send it to you free!
FREE DISPLAY:
POEM IN YOUR POCKET DISPLAY
This free download features short poems that are easy to print, cut, and have available for students to take. I provide a fun pocket display in which you can stick the poems. I like to keep this up all year long so students always have poetry available.
You can find additional ideas at poets.org for Poetry Month or any time of the year. Also, check out my poetry Pinterest boards:
POETRY/LYRICS
POETRY in SONG LYRICS
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH RESOURCES collaborative board
I hope these help your students connect more with poetry and have a great attitude about it. Thanks for reading! -Tracee