1.
Choose a poem that you love.
Look at the criteria below to help you make your decision.
2.
You will be reading the poem to the class so be sure you understand it.
Qualities
of a Mentor Poem
á You love it.
á It touches you in a special
way.
á You can read it fluently.
á You understand what the poet
was trying to get you to understand.
á You can discuss it
intelligently.
á The poem demonstrates
qualities of good poetry and you can learn from it for your own poetry.
Read-Aloud
Guide
á Read the poem two or three
times silently or as many times as you need to so you donÕt stumble on any
words.
á Include the title and author
in your reading.
á Pay attention to the
punctuation.
á Find out the meaning of any
words you donÕt know.
á Pay attention to the line
breaks and meaning and group words accordingly.
á Decide where you need voice
changes-louder, softer, whisper, angry.
á Read it to someone, paying
attention to his/her suggestions.
á Read it aloud again and
again until it sounds perfect to you and the person you are reading it to.
3.
Copy or photocopy the poem onto a plain sheet of paper.
4.
Illustrate the poem, choosing the medium and style that best suits the
subject and mood of each poem. Plan
your illustration before you past the poem in.