Poetry

Unit Aims 1.To introduce you to a wide range of new poetry 2.To allow you to read, respond to and enjoy different poetry 3.To let you discuss poetry, with me and each other 4.To improve your ability to read and write creatively

What is poetry?

Write a sentence to explain what you think poetry is.

Your Tasks 1.Group work – WAIT!! – Dont move until I have finished explaining 2.You are going to be given 6 poems, one at a time 3.Each poem, your group must decide: a)Is this a poem? b)How or why did you reach that decision? c)Why was it written? d)Do we, as a group, like this poem? 4.Record your decisions on the handout. 1.The TALLEST person in the group will be todays writer

Poem 1 –Is this a poem? –How did you reach that decision? –Why was it written? –Do we, as a group, like this poem? Nine Mice - Jack Prelutsky Nine Mice on tiny tricycles went riding on the ice, they rode in spite of warning signs, they rode despite advice The signs were right, the ice was thin, in half a trice, the mice fell in, and from their chin down to their toes those mice entirely froze. Nine mindless mice, who paid the price, are thawing slowly by the ice still sitting on their tricycles …nine white and shiny micicles

Poem 2 –Is this a poem? –How did you reach that decision? –Why was it written? –Do we, as a group, like this poem? Fog – Carl Sandburg The fog comes On little feet It sits looking Over the harbour and city On silent haunches And then moves on.

Poem 3 –Is this a poem? –How did you reach that decision? –Why was it written? –Do we, as a group, like this poem? Paprika Sirloin Steak Wrap 1 Sirloin steak, fat removed Extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon smoked paprika A handful of rocket 2 ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped Juice of 1 lemon 2 tortilla wraps Teaspoonful of sour cream 2 tablespoons of hummus

Poem 4 –Is this a poem? –How did you reach that decision? –Why was it written? –Do we, as a group, like this poem? Streemin - Roger McGough Im in the botom streme Which meens Im not brigth Don't like reedin Cant hardly ryt But all these divishns Arnt reely fair Look at the cemetery No streemin there

Poem 5 –Is this a poem? –How did you reach that decision? –Why was it written? –Do we, as a group, like this poem? This is just to say – William Carlos Williams I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox and which you were probably saving for breakfast Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold

…and finally…

- Sir Probably The nearest thing to A definition Of poetry Is that it is written In lines: no attempt Is made to make A regular margin on The right hand side: Capitals mark the left Sometimes. But strictly All those things we call Poems have nothing In common except That they are All called Poems. Probably. Yours, J Gillie Letter to the Guardian – J. Guille

…just checking… 1.Poems should always rhyme 2.Good poems are about love 3.Poems have to have good spelling and punctuation 4.Poems are always written for an important reasons

Homework! Write a short poem explaining what a poetry is. This could be in form of: a letter, or … traditional rhyming verse, or … make up your own.