Written by Eleanor W. Hoomes, Ph.D.

Create a Poem is divided into 7 sections: Beginning Activities, The Shape of Poetry, Types of Poetry, Elements of Poetry, Getting and Developing Ideas, Poetry Showcase, and Student Poetry. There are 45 student activities. Among the forms featured are: “If I Could,” Parodies, Jingles, and Name Poems; Stanzas, Cinquains, Haiku, and Tanka; Diamond, Column, Alphabet, and Concrete Poems; Limericks; and others. Also covered are similes, metaphors, understatement, overstatement, oxymora, paradoxes, personification, apostrophe, idioms, aphorisms, sensory language and more! 



As teachers we cannot expect students to write poetry unless we introduce them to poetry in a pleasurable way. It is best to build on what students already know and currently experience in their popular culture. Look at song lyrics; reread nursery rhymes; look at Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, and Robert Service. Examine commercial jingles and songs and chants used in games, such as jump rope. 



Create a Poem takes a light-hearted approach to writing poetry. If you wish to introduce more serious poetry to your students, just substitute that type of poetry for the examples provided.



It is unlikely that you will want to use the whole of Create a Poem. with your students. Pick and choose what you can use; put it together in a different order; use it any way you choose, but do remember, HAVE FUN! 


Grades 5–8. 



Grades 5 and up. 



The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*: 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6 



Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. 

Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story, drama, or poem. 

Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described. 


Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. 

Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors in context. 

Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. 

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama. 

Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events. 


Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.


Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.


*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers 

Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts 

Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. 

Copyright Date: 2010