Poetry (2020)

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 9

6th Grade

Lesson 2 of 17

Objective


Differentiate between verse and free verse. 

Explain the purpose of rhyme scheme in a poem.

Readings and Materials


  • Poem: “Invitation” by Shel Silverstein 

  • Poem: “A Poem is a Little Path” by Charles Ghigna 

  • Poem: “At the Library” by Nikki Grimes 

  • Poem: “I, Too” by Langston Hughes 

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Target Task


Question 1

Reread “At the Library” by Nikki Grimes: What is the rhyme scheme? 

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Sample Response

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Question 2

Why might an author use rhyme scheme?

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Sample Response

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Question 3

Why might some poets such as Langston Hughes in “I, Too” choose not to use rhyme scheme? What is the benefit of writing in free verse?

Key Questions


Read “Invitation.”

  • Explain whether it is verse or free verse. If it’s verse, what is the rhyme scheme? 
  • What is the mood of this poem? In other words, how does the author want you to feel when you read this poem?
  • What is this poem about?

Read “A Poem Is a Little Path.”

  • Explain whether it is verse or free verse. If it’s verse, what is the rhyme scheme?
  • What is this poem about?

Read “I, Too.”

  • Explain whether it is verse or free verse. If it’s verse, what is the rhyme scheme?
  • Why do you think the poet chose not to use rhyme scheme here? Possible answer: Rhyme scheme can be binding and would undermine the meaning in this poem. 
  • What is this poem about?

Vocabulary


rhyme scheme
free verse

Notes


  • This lesson connects to a unit test question.
  • Optional: Students choose one of the poems today and write their own poem using the same rhyme scheme. 

Common Core Standards


  • RL.6.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
  • RL.6.5 — Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.

Next

Explain the difference between metaphor and simile. 

Explain the literal meanings of similes and metaphors.

Lesson 3
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