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7 Tips for Teaching Poetry to Teens

 

  1. Poems are Stories:
    A poem serves to tell the life story of its author. Therefore, it is important to inform students of the fact that poems need to stem from the heart and be fueled by true emotions and experiences.
  2. Language:
    In order for poems to truly convey the emotions of their authors, the language used must be that which resonates with the writer. Colloquial words and expressions often make a heavier impact on readers and listeners as opposed to ones that are larger and lesser-known, because it makes the poetry more conversational and intimate.
  3. Voice:
    Poems are meant to be read aloud, so it should be encouraged that all students share their poems among a group. An author’s written words can only be truly understood when they are spoken with their own voice, allowing for more passion and audience understanding of their story.
  4. Open Environment:
    Students writing poetry must be made aware of the fact that the classroom they are in is a free, non-judgmental environment in which every form of language and expression is acceptable and that any information they reveal in their poetry is kept confidential.
  5. Where to Write:
    Sometimes a blank notebook can be an inspiration but do not overlook the writing implement that is for the most part always with a student-their cell phone. A poem can just as easily be composed on mobile device as the traditional way. Encourage students to write often, to become comfortable with this form of expression, and to write anywhere.
  6. Support:
    Every individual responds well to positive feedback, so after each individual reads their poetry aloud in a group, the other group members should be required to make a positive comment about the poem. Encouraging comments from peers will help to build confidence among poetry writers, which is not only beneficial when it comes to writing, but life in general.
  7. PowerPoetry:
    Encourage students to engage in PowerPoetry.org, where they can share their poetry with all other members of the website and receive feedback on their poems as well. PowerPoetry is a community of individuals all brought together for the goals of using poetry as an emotional outlet and for individuals to write the story of their own lives.