Teaching Resource
Understanding the Structure of Poetry
These terms and definitions may be helpful when teaching young learners about poetry.
|
Poetry Term |
Definition |
|
Line |
*The main organizational unit of a poem. |
|
Stanza |
*The grouping together of lines arranged according to a fixed plan, such as line length or rhyme scheme; stanzas are set apart by blank space. |
|
Rhythm |
*The regular repetition of a beat, the rise and fall of syllables, and the arrangement of them from word to word and line to line. |
|
Meter |
*The regular rhythmic pattern in a poem; the arrangement of beats or accents in a line of poetry designated by a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that helps establish the rhythm of the poem. |
|
Free Verse |
*Poetry that makes use of natural cadences rather than a fixed metrical pattern. |
|
Enjambment |
*The break at the end of the line that interrupts the natural rhythm or grammar and is dragged onto the next line. |
|
Limerick |
*A humorous nonsense poem. |
|
Lyric Poem |
*The focus is on the poet’s feelings, observations, thoughts and perceptions. |
|
Couplet |
*A two-line stanza. |
|
Tercet |
*A three-line stanza. |
|
Quatrain |
*A four-line stanza. |
|
Iambic Pentameter |
*Five iambs in one line. |
|
Concrete Poem |
*Poem whose shape is composed to match its theme. |
|
Formal Poetry |
*A predetermined, uniform, and regular pattern of lines, rhythm, and stanzas. |
|
Sonnet |
*Has 14 or 16 lines and is written in iambic pentameter. |
|
Repeating Lines |
*Words, or phrases as a way that poets make poems musical. |
*Definitions Cited from: Poetry Lessons to meet the Common Core State Standards
Additional Poets and Poems to Consider throughout the Unit
|
Poet/Artist |
Poem or Published Work |
Connection to Unit |
|
Nikki Giovanni |
Hip-Hop speaks to children: A Celebration of poetry with a beat |
Includes poems by Nikki Giovanni and various poets that talk about Black beauty and empowerment. |
|
Langston Hughes |
“My People” |
Short poem that depicts the beauty of being Black. |
|
Maya Angelou |
“Phenomenal Woman” |
Poem that declares and celebrates Black women. |
|
Alicia Keys |
“Girl on Fire” |
Contemporary song that celebrates the strength of women. |
|
Common, John Legend |
“Glory” |
Lyricists speak of standing up for justice against brutality. |
|
Black Eyed Peas |
“Where is the Love” |
Call to action for love due to the condition the world is in, with hate and violence. |
|
Aaradhna |
“Brown Girl” |
Speaks of having more to offer than what is seen on the outside. |
|
Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar |
“Freedom” |
Highlights being free in a society that captivates Black Americans. |
|
Louis Armstrong |
“What a Wonderful World” |
Speaks of the beauty that makes up the world. |
|
Marvin Gaye |
“What’s Going On?” |
Call to action for peace and brotherhood. |
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