We will be analyzing how the author uses parts of speech to create meaning by looking closely at Infinitive and Prepositional Phrases and Meaning and Effect of Text (as related to parts of speech).

Structurally, we will look at the overall body of each particular poem; students will use commentary and evidence to support their analysis and interpretation.

Combining close reading with grammar study can be an ideal opportunity to familiarize students with the basic parts of speech and types of phrases.  Each part of speech functions in a different way to convey meaning to the reader. Isolating the words and phrases that function in similar ways in a text can provide clues to tone and theme. 

Review the definitions of the terms you are going to teach before you begin this kind of activity.  

First, students should fill out the Parts of Speech Chart as a group, with volunteers finding the important nouns, verbs, adjectives (including prepositional phrases used as adjectives), and adverbs (including prepositional phrases used as adverbs.  I will include a sample chart filled out, using Jack Prelutsky's poem "The Witch" as well as a copy of the poem.