Types of Poems
Lesson 1
Lesson 1
We will be reading, studying , analyzing, and writing many different types of poems.
But before we can begin, we need to learn about the different types of poems we will be looking at.
Acrostic - an unrhymed poem where the first letter of each line spells a word, and each line has something to do with the word that is spelled.
Limerick - a five-line form of humorous verse with an A-A-B-B-A rhyme scheme.
Color - a poem that makes colorful comparisons in poetic form by using the senses to make the comparisons.
Concrete - a concrete poem uses words in a special way. The words are arranged in a shape that helps express the idea or ideas of the poem.
Haiku - a three line poem of Japanese origin, usually about nature. The first and third lines generally have 5 syllables, and the second line has 7.
Ode - a poem where the poem is praising and glorifying a person, place, or thing. The first and third lines rhyme in each stanza.
Couplet - a poem made up of two lines whose last words rhyme. They are often silly.
Triplet - a poem made up of three lines whose last words rhyme. The pattern can be AAA or ABA.
Quatrain - a poem made up of four lines whose last words rhyme. The pattern can be AABB or ABAB.
Cinquain - a poem that is usually unrhymed and follows a specific format: noun - description of noun - action - feeling - synonym of initial noun.
Narrative - a poem that focuses on telling a story.
Nursery Rhymes - a traditional rhyme or song that often tells a story.
Tongue Twister - a poem that is made up of lines that are hard to say fast because of the use of alliteration.
Alphabet - an unrhymed poem where each line begins with the letter of the alphabet in order. It usually tells a story.
Diamond - Diamond Poetry usually shows change. The beginning line and the last line are opposites or contrasting words. The poem shows gradual change from the first to the last line. The poem is in the shape of a
diamond.
Autobiographical - a poem that follows a specific format: your name - 3 personal/physical characteristics - mom/dad name - 3 people/things/ideas - 1 emotion and 1 thing - 3 things needed - 3 things given - 3 things feared - 1 place/person - 1 item/idea - teacher and school - nickname or last name.
These are just basic definitions to help you build some background knowledge. We will go into more detail as we study each poem.
Use the Google Doc and the definitions above to figure out the different types of poems. Remember to make a copy and save it in your writing folder.
When you are finished with the assignment, here is what you can do:
Just keep writing.
Keep adding seeds.
Add to a already started seed.
Decide to take a seed through the writer’s process.
Reread your writing.
Edit your writing.
Work with a writing partner (with permission).
NEVER say "I am finished"
You need to be writing for a minimum of 30 minutes.