Syllable Count Poems Lesson

Students Use a Rhythm Pattern to Create Original Poetry

© Kellie Hayden

Haiku Example Poem, Kellie Hayden

Students learn about rhythm and counting syllables from poetry books. By writing and illustrating a poem, students express individuality and learn poetry techniques.

It is all about rhythm. This poetry lesson on syllable count poems allows students to be creative with rhythm and counting. Syllable count poems have a set number of syllables per line.

Preparation for the Poetry Lesson on Rhyme Poems

Example Items for a Handout on Syllable Count Poems

Haiku -- a three line poem

Traditional Japanese haiku poems were about nature. However, students can experiment with any topic.

Example Haiku -- After the Rain

Sparrows circle high (5 syllables)

Sunny rays stream through gray skies (7 syllables)

Water drips from leaves (5 syllables)

Tanka -- a five line poem

Tanka poems date back almost 1200 years ago, and they focus on nature, seasons, love, sadness and other strong emotions. However, students can experiment with any topic.

Example of Tanka -- Dancing Snow Dots

Snow drifts by my glass (5 syllables)

Spiders of ice form a branch (7 syllables)

Dancing on a breeze (5 syllables)

Small white dots move back and forth (7 syllables)

Sway to Mother Nature's call (7 syllables)

Cinquain -- a five line poem

The traditional cinquain uses syllable count. The modern cinquain is based on words of a certain type, but for the syllable count lesson, students should focus on the syllables.

Example of cinquain -- Playful Puppies

Puppies (2 syllables)

Ornery fun (4 syllables)

Playing, barking, sleeping (6 syllables)

Favorite little loving friends (8 syllables)

Playful (2 syllables)

Teaching the Syllable Count Poem Lesson

1. Read three-to-five great examples of syllable count poems with enthusiasm to the class. Point out the syllable count in each line of the poem. Place the books on a chalk tray or table for students to use as model poems.

2. Give students the handout on syllable count poems. Make sure to spend time explaining how students figure out the syllable count of a word. Most students know this from elementary school, but a quick review is usually needed.

3. The average middle school student will be able to find and count syllables in words to create a haiku, tanka, cinquain or limerick. For the advanced poetry writers, explain stressed and unstressed syllables, iambs, feet and meter. They can try writing sonnets.

4. Spend time brainstorming topics for the poems. It is easier for students to write poetry about something in which they have an interest.

5. Allow time for students to start a rough draft of the syllable count poem in class.

5. Assign students to write a final copy of the rhythm poem for homework. Students should illustrate it too.

Other relevant articles: Theme Poetry Project ,Shape & Concrete Poem Lesson , Rhyming Poem Lesson


The copyright of the article Syllable Count Poems Lesson in Middle School Lesson Plans is owned by Kellie Hayden. Permission to republish Syllable Count Poems Lesson must be granted by the author in writing.


Haiku Example Poem, Kellie Hayden
Cinquain Example Poem, Kellie Hayden
Tanka Example Poem, Kellie Hayden
   

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