Reading and Writing Poetry

How do you write a list poem?

Read the poem "Valentine for Ernest Mann" by Naomi Shihab Nye. It's a poem about the various places where you can find inspiration for writing poetry. Make a list poem using the worksheet. List what makes you happy, angry, or sad. Ask yourself, "Is a poem hiding here?"

Write about what you see and observe. What makes this world beautiful or mysterious? Make a list of all the things that you think are beautiful or mysterious. Ask yourself, "Is a poem hiding here?"

Write about the world around you. What do you watch or read in the news? Make a list of things you read in the news. Ask yourself, "Is a poem hiding here?"

Write about things that make you wonder. Do you have any questions about your life at school or at home? Make a list of the things you wonder about. Ask yourself, "Is a poem hiding here?"

Use your lists to make a poem. Share your lists with a partner. Make sure you use rhyme, alliteration, metaphor, and simile.

Check your stanza and line-breaks. Check spelling and punctuation for Homework.