Step-by-step instructions:
1. Tape the poem that you selected to the middle of a larger piece of colored paper
2. Annotate around the poem in neat writing:
- Underline or circle important words and define
- Write thoughts, conclusions, or comments with arrows connecting to the poem
- Write questions
- Draw a picture of a vivid image or words the poem evokes.
- Comment on words or phrases you particularly like
3. Identify the THEME of the poem.
4. Write a brief summary explaining what the poem means to you.
Again, here’s the list of poems to choose from:
- “Mentor” by Thomas Murphy http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/163.html
- “Wheels” by Jim Daniels http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/021.html
- “The Meadow” by Kate Knapp Johnson http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/033.html
- “In the Well” by Andrew Hudgins http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/041.html
- “Otherwise” by Jane Kenyon http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/050.html
- “Lesson” by Forest Harner http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/059.html
- “I’ve Been Known” by Denise Duhamel http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/065.html
- “My Life” by Joe Wenderoth http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/079.html
- “Hate Poem” by Julie Sheehan http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/127.html
- “Before the World Intruded” by Michele Rosenthal http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/148.html
- “Kyrie” by thomas Transtormer http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/166.html
- “End of April” by Phillis Levin http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/178.html