Theme Poems

Theme Poems enables users to create poems based on a particular theme using a hands-on, five-step program. To begin, users create a profile, click continue after the profile is created, and are then provided with an example of a theme poem. Users can then select from one of the five available themes—Nature, School, Sports, Celebrations, and Shapes.  Upon selecting a theme, users are then able to choose from several thematically related objects. Once an object is selected, users can brainstorm words and/or phrases related to the selected object. After brainstorming, users are able to create a title and begin writing their poem. When writing, users’ brainstormed words and/or phrases can be referenced, or new poetic language can be composed. The poem appears on the object as it is typed.  When finished, users may save the poem to their photo library, or share via email.

Instructional Ideas

1. After studying poetic language, teachers can have students use Theme Poems to practice creating poetic language. For example, a teacher could require students to write a poem that contains a certain numbers of metaphors, similes, lines, stanzas, a specific rhyme scheme, and/or use of imagery.
2. Teachers can have students independently select an object within Theme Poems to create a thematic poem. When complete, students can email their poems to the teacher. The teacher can then read each of the poems aloud while students attempt to figure out what object is being described in the poem. This will help students recognize effective versus ineffective thematic descriptions in poems.
3. Teachers can use Theme Poems as part of a group poetic-portfolio assignment. For example, a teacher could divide students into groups and then assign each group a theme. In their groups, students will discuss the theme and generate different ideas for composing poems. Students will then individually compose poems. Once all group members have composed their poems, the teacher can instruct students to share them with their group mates and ask for feedback. Once all group members are satisfied with their groups’ poems, the poems could be printed out and made into a portfolio. The teacher can end the project by having groups share their portfolio with other groups.
4. Teachers can use Theme Poems to have the entire class compose a poem about the same object. When complete, the teacher could print out their poems and have the students color the objects. Colored poems can then be hung in the classroom for students to peruse. After perusing, teachers can have students write responses to their classmates’ poems by identifying what they liked or did not like in the poem and offering ideas for future revisions. Responses can then be shared with each student to provide him or her with additional feedback.

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