Poetry Portfolio
For this project, you will create your own poetry portfolio. It can be as simple as a folder with poetry in it, or as
creative as you would like – a box, a jar, a mobile, etc. The way you present your portfolio, however, should be
a statement and/or reflection of yourself, so you need to think about what a portfolio that represents you would
look like. Poetry also must be legible.
You will need to include in it 12 (twelve) types of different poems, including, but not limited to:
-
a ballad
a blank verse poem
a poem in iambic pentameter
a free verse poem
- a conceit poem
- a narrative poem
- a sonnet
- an ode
The above list contains eight (8) types of poems – the other four (4) required poems are broken down as
follows:
- two (2) poems of your choice that have been published (must contain at least 8 lines)
- two (2) types of poems repeated from the list (meaning: of the list above, choose two (2) types and write
an extra poem for each type; so you can write an extra ballad and narrative, or conceit and sonnet, or
blank verse and ode, etc.)
The topics for each poem are only restricted in the manner of the qualifications for a poem. For example, a
narrative poem must tell a story; what the story is about is entirely up to you, as long as it is school appropriate
and fits the mold of the poem in question. Look for inspiration in class discussions, peers, nature, family, and
simply quiet time alone in contemplation. Your poems should represent a variety of subjects and/or topics, not
just a series of poems about bananas, love, etc. If you have questions about what to write about, whether
something is appropriate, or just questions in general, please feel free to ask Ms. C!
Every poem included must be paired with a reflection on the poem on a separate page. The reflections should
include your thoughts about the quality of the poem, your intentions in writing it, and anything else relevant
pertaining to the poem in question. For the poems that you choose to include that have already been published
by another author, your reflection should include your reasoning for choosing to incorporate it into your
portfolio, as well as your thoughts regarding the quality of those poems and what the author’s inspiration might
have been in writing it. You should also analyze these two poems for any poetic devices used, discussing how
those elements benefit the poem.
At the end of the unit, we will have a poetry coffee house where we all share our poetry together in a relaxed,
supportive atmosphere (with real coffee!). Students may feel free to dress as artsy as they desire, though it is not
required. You will have to share one of your OWN poems (not one previously published) that you think is the
best in your portfolio. We will vote on the best poem as a class, and the top three will have a choice of prizes.
SCHEDULE:
December 13/14: Bring in first two poems (cannot be published)
January 6/7: Bring in second two poems (cannot be published)
January 20: Tentative due date for portfolio (date may change as necessary; students will be given notice)
LET’S RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH SOME FABULOUS POETRY!
Poetry Portfolio Rubric
I. Poems:
a. A ballad ____/ 10
b. A blank verse poem ____/10
c. A poem in iambic pentameter ____/10
d. A free verse poem ____/10
e. A conceit poem ____/10
f. A narrative poem ____/10
g. A sonnet ____/10
h. An ode ____/10
i. A published poem ____/10
j. A published poem ____/10
k. Choice poem from list ____/10
l. Choice poem from list ____/10
**Ratings will be given based on content, creativity, phrasing, style, and structure.**
II.
Reflections:
12 reflections at 5 points/each poem = ____/60
III.
Presentation during Coffee House: ____/10
IV.
Creativity of Portfolio: ____/10
TOTAL: ______/200 = _________