The Process
Over the years poets from all various cultures have found a number of very different ways to write poetry. They have used different styles and created genres to express their feelings and ideas. Some have chosen to change the number of syllables in each line, rhyme words, or make different patterns of accented words, (sort of like the beats in a song), which can be called meter. The first step in this WebQuest is to look at online examples of a number of these genres. In a group of three, follow the links below. Read about the rules that define each genre and the examples of each genre. Use the Poetry Venn Diagram Guide Sheet to help you as you sort through the information about the variou stypes of circles. Note the important features, similarities, and differences of each type of poem.
Each group member will become an expert by choosing one of the three main forms of poetry to research. Once you have finished looking through the sites, your group will reconvene and select 1 type of poem from each of the categories (rhymed/metered, syllabic, and free verse). As a group write one verse that your favorite band could put to music for their song in each of the 3 categories.
Once you have completed your 3 verses, your group will present each of the songs and select the one that is your favorite and explain why it is your favorite. Your favorite songs will be compiled in a book to be shared with the class, parents and other students.
Rhymed/Metered:
Poetry that uses different patterns of rhyme and stress that
creates a sort of rhythm.
Limericks:
http://www.sfu.ca/~finley/discussion.htmlSonnets:
http://www.bridgetown.ednet.ns.ca/Amanda-Lynn%20Baskwell/WEB/sonnets.htm
Syllabic:
Poetry that is patterned by the number of syllables in each line.
Cinquain:
http://www.ahapoetry.com/cinqhmpg.htm
Free Verse:
Poetry that does not necessarily have a readily seen pattern of rhyming, syllables, or stress.
Free Verse:
http://www.manassas.k12.va.us/round/ClassWeb/Slough/Poetry/freeverse.htmAn example of Free Verse by Walt Whitman:
http://www.bartleby.com/142/188.html
Walt Whitman is one of the most important and famous free verse poets.
Some links you may find helpful:
Rhyming Words:
http://www.rhymezone.com/Writing Poetry:
http://www.poetry4kids.com/