Written Expression
Strategy: Free Verse Poetry
Appropriate Grade Level: 6th-12th grade
Procedures/Steps:
Free Verse gives students the opportunity to explore words without worrying
about rhyme.
1) Present a free verse poem to the class/student.
2) Create a free verse poem with the student, using pictures as a
beginning point. Ask questions like what is the person
thinking/feeling in this photo. Write all the ideas down so that
students can build from each others ideas. Encourage students to use
their imagination. Also explore fiction, biographical and historical
free verse poems.
3) Have the student create their own free verse poem.
Comments and/or tips:
This strategy is a very good tool to use to see the level of word use the
student is at. Since this is free verse words do not have to be repeated or
rhyming therefore the student can really explore use of new words. I would
also encourage the use of a thesaurus and dictionary.
Source:
Smutny, J., (2001) Creative strategies for teaching language arts to
gifted students (K-8). Eric Digest E612, 1-7