How to Write a Poem
on Goodreads (669)
What’s inside...
In this inspiring and practical guide, award-winning poet Kwame Alexander offers a comprehensive introduction to writing poetry. With step-by-step instructions and exercises, Alexander covers topics such as observing the world around you, brainstorming ideas, crafting a poem's form and structure, and editing and revising your work. He also includes examples from his own poetry and from other famous poets to illustrate different techniques and elements of poetry. This book is designed to help both beginners and experienced writers tap into their creativity and find their unique voice in poetry. In the companion book, Alexander teams up with poet Deanna Nikaido and Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet to celebrate the magic of discovering your very own poetry in the world around you. The book encourages readers to listen, feel, and discover the words that dance in the world around them—poems just waiting to be written down.
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading this book?
Can you think of a moment in your life that you'd like to write a poem about?
What did you learn about using words to express your thoughts?
How do you think the structure of a poem affects the way we understand its message?
If you could ask the author one question about writing poems, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read the poems in the book aloud together, emphasizing rhythm and emotion to deepen understanding.
Encourage your child to write a short poem after finishing the book, providing them a safe space to express themselves creatively.
Discuss the illustrations and how they complement the text, asking your child how visuals can enhance written words.
Use examples of different poetry styles from the book to inspire your child to experiment with their own poems.
Praise your child’s efforts in writing and discussing poetry, focusing on the enjoyment of expression over perfection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The book guides children through the imaginative process of writing a poem, encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by journaling or creating their own poems to articulate their emotions and experiences, fostering emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Understanding Language and Structure
Explanation: Through learning about different poetic structures and devices, children gain a deeper understanding of language.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps in better comprehension and usage of language in their academic work and daily communication.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Literature
Explanation: By exposing children to poetry and its various forms, the book cultivates an appreciation for literature and arts from a young age.
Real-World Application: Children can carry this appreciation into adulthood, enhancing their cultural awareness and empathy towards different expressions of human experience.
Example Lesson: Patience and Persistence
Explanation: The book shows that writing a good poem often requires revision and persistence, teaching children the value of patience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of perseverance in all pursuits, whether academic, personal, or hobby-related, shaping a resilient character.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Analysis
Explanation: As the book encourages children to analyze poems, it sharpens their critical thinking skills.
Real-World Application: This skill is transferable to problem-solving and analytical thinking in real-world scenarios, such as interpreting information and making informed decisions.