Poetry Creates Imagery Lesson, Rubric, & "STAAR" like Comprehension Questions

Document in MS Word so you can edit it if you want to.

* Poetry Creates Imagery Lesson with Grading Rubric
*10 “STAAR” Like Comprehension Questions
Aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

This Imagery Lesson offers 2 simple and effective lessons that address the following TEKS:

English Language Arts and Reading Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS )
TEKS 3.6 A Reading/Comprehension of Literary Text/Poetry. Describe the characteristics of various forms of poetry and how they create imagery (e.g., narrative poetry, lyrical poetry, humorous poetry, free verse).

This lesson defines imagery; asks students to highlight all words that describe what the speaker sees, smells, tastes, or hears; draw a picture of the mental images created by reading this poem; and share your drawing with a friend. It also has a grading rubric for a quick grade. The second assignment is 10 “STAAR” like comprehension questions that address central idea, drawing conclusions, characteristics of narrative poetry, setting, feelings created by the poem, builds background knowledge, predict future actions of the character, vocabulary in context, infer character’s actions, and compare lines from the poem to find an example of personification.

Every year, I begin my poetry unit by reading my favorite poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost. I am always surprised how my students relate to this poem and enjoy it, so I always read several of Robert Frost’s poems at their request. My purpose has always been to model how I enjoy reading (sometimes I bring my book from my nightstand as proof!!). However, this year I decided to develop this lesson just to see if they could “dig a little deeper”. OMG! They were captivated for 90 minutes of whole group instruction! So, I taught “The Road Not Taken”, and I couldn’t believe they did another 90 minutes for that poem as well! Then, I continued teaching my typical lessons using Shel Silverstein, but I learned a valuable lesson!

Use any poem YOU love to teach this lesson or find “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost at this link: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/20519.

You can differentiate these two assignments by filling in more information for students that require more supports to be successful and highlighting the words that create imagery. These graphic organizers are perfect for small group instruction, math centers, reteaching skills, extending the lesson, and state assessment preparation. GT, ELL, ESL, bilingual, special education, general education, and struggling students will happily participate with these lessons! You may change these forms to fit your individual classroom needs; however, please do not copyright the new creation or sell it. I reserve the right to sell this product. Good luck and I hope you have fun teaching this poetry lesson!