Lesson Plan: Fall Poem

Subject: Writing

Grade: 5th (can be adapted for other grade levels)

Title:  Fall Poem

Integration of Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to write a short poem about fall.
• Students will be able to complete the steps of the writing process.

Standards

• 1.4.5.A: Write poems, multi-paragraph stories, and plays.

o   Include detailed descriptions of people, places, and things.

o   Include literary elements and devices.

• 1.5.5.F: Use grade appropriate conventions of language when writing and editing.

o   Spell common, frequently used words correctly.

o   Use capital letters correctly.

o   Punctuate correctly.

o   Use correct grammar and sentence formation.

• 1.5.5.D: Write with an understanding of style, using a variety of sentence structures and descriptive word choices (e.g., adjectives, nouns, adverbs, verbs) to create voice. Include specific details that convey meaning and set a tone. 

Procedures

Beginning

· Introduce assignment. Explain that students will write an acrostic poem about fall, Halloween, or other related themes. Students must have a sensory detail in each line. Students must use all five senses. Show an example.

Middle

Students will:

· Begin rough draft of poem in writing notebook

· Students can peer edit

· Have poem checked by teacher.

· Write poem on construction paper

· Decorate poem.

End

· Share poems with the class.

Differentiation

· Students can choose a topic about fall that interests them.

· Model so students know the expectations.

Formative/Summative Assessment

· Rubric

· Checking poems

Materials/ Technology

· Writing notebooks

· Rubrics (found on Teachers Pay Teachers page)

· Sample poem

· Construction paper

· Colored pencils, markers, or crayons

Reflection of Instruction

The activity was a filler activity, but it still met standards and was still instructional.  Students were actually really excited to write a fall poem. Many of them chose to do a Halloween-related poem.  Many of them were excited and worked hard on them.  Some even wanted to do it for homework.  The interest level was certainly very high.  Poetry can be scary, but the acrostic poem eased them into it.  They had to include sensory details to make their writing stronger.  They had a previous lesson on sensory details, which was why I decided to include it.

Other Adaptions:

I also used this activity during Grandparents Day. Grandparents helped the students create their acrostic poem.