Browse lesson plans

Figurative language: Metaphor

This lesson is a part of a unit on poetry and figurative language. It is designed to teach students the characteristics of metaphor within the context of poetry.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 English Language Arts)

By Nancy Meyers.

An integrated poetry unit

My students have always disliked poetry. The different ways in which this lesson approaches poetry and the connection it makes to their "March Madness" studies seems to make poetry more enjoyable, fun, and relevant for my students. In order to integrate with the sixth grade math and social studies teachers, I teach this unit during the ACC tournament to coincide with the "March Madness" unit that is covered in the math classes.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 English Language Arts)

By Nancy Guthrie.

A matter of identity: Writing an extended metaphor poem

Students apply their knowledge of literary devices by reading and analyzing the poem “Identity” by Julio Noboa Polanco. Students then create their own poem incorporating the literary devices studied and analyzed in the above mentioned poem. This lesson includes modifications for a Novice Low Limited English student.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–10 English Language Arts and English Language Development)

By Susan Brooks and Carrie Mabry.

Maya Angelou: Study and response to "Still I Rise"

Students read biographical information on Maya Angelou and her poem, "Still I Rise." Students identify support and elaboration in poem, then respond by either writing a letter to the author or his/her own poem in response.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7–8 English Language Arts)

By Barbara Groome and Jo Peterson Gibbs.

Poetry from prose: A different kind of "book report"

Students use a word-processing program to write a poem that summarizes important themes or events central to the plot of a novel. Once the poem is proofread, students type the poem according to specific directions. They then print their work and illustrate over or around the writing for an illustrated "book report." Students incorporate details from the novel in their writing and in their illustrations of their poems. In this way, students focus on the themes or events in the novel that appeal to them most -- the ones they feel are most important to the novel's meaning.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts)

By Sally Watts.

Singing the "Song of Life"

This lesson requires students to use their reading, comprehension, and analysis skills to analyze a poem and respond creatively to the selection.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts)

By Angela Taylor.

Teaching voice

This lesson helps students to develop an effective voice by selecting words that are clear, concrete, and exact. Exercises are based on model sentences from world literature selections.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–10 English Language Arts)

By Pamela Beal.

Write on!: Hooking the reader

Students will recognize new and innovative ways to write a narrative by discovering various ways to "hook" the reader with catchy beginnings and using figurative language and writing components to write an interesting story.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 English Language Arts)

By Tina Duckwall.

Resources on the web

Reading and writing workshop: "Freak The Mighty"

This lesson plan from ReadWriteThink is a novel study of Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. The lesson includes the modeling and practicing of specific reading comprehension strategies, vocabulary and word study, a figurative language activity,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

What am I? Teaching poetry through riddles

Riddles are an excellent vehicle for introducing students to poetry and poetry writing. In this ReadWriteThink lesson, students explore, analyze, and discuss how metaphor, simile, and metonymy are used in riddle poems. They will use metaphor, simile, and... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink