Poetry

I have started my poetry unit. Much like the rest of you educators, it's that time of year! Last week I had my students try writing a limerick. It was St. Paddy's day after all! Boy, did they find it difficult. I was surprised at how many of my students didn't know rhyme. They had difficulty hearing which end sounds were the same. Then there was the difficultly with rhythm. It took us several attempts at reading the limericks of Mr. Lear to get this down, but finally we got it! Whew! We were all exhausted, but....was it worth it? YES! How can students fully appreciate poetry if they don't understand rhythm? After all, poetry is meant to be read aloud. I am hoping that this activity and the poetry read alouds that I have planned in the coming weeks will give students an appreciation for this art form. Let's cross our fingers!