1. Discuss one poem at a time, making sure each person has a copy of the poem.
2. Take turns reading the poem aloud in an interpretive way that will help the group understand it better. The owner of the poem should read last. No discussion can take place until all members have read.
3. Take turns sharing your general impressions. What is it about the poem that stands out after these readings? The owner should go last.
4. Once the initial impressions are shared, take a few minutes to work individually and make some notes on your copy of the poem. Think about:
Words/phrases that create vivid imagery
The poets use of literary devices (simile, metaphor, alliteration, etc.)
Favorite lines
Questions about parts that puzzle
Notes about the feeling of the poem or what it makes you think about
Main idea the poet was trying to get across
5. When the individual note taking is finished, take turns sharing ideas on one of the note taking topics. Make sure that everyone has a chance to explain personal views on that topic before moving on to a new one. As always, the owner should go last.
6. Spend 10-15 minutes on each poem and then reach a group consensus. Together come up with three or four specific characteristics that make the poem interesting, memorable, unique, worth reading and discussing. All members should record their conclusions on their copy of the poem.
7. Repeat the process with a different person's poem.