Activity Overview
In this activity, students will identify the structural components of the poem, including stanzas and lines. Students will also determine the rhyme scheme in each stanza by labeling the lines with the letters of the alphabet. Most importantly, students will analyze and describe the main idea of the stanza.
The example provided is for the first stanza:
- Lines: 16
- Rhyme Scheme: AABCDDEEFFGGHHII
- Meaning: Wolf is hungry and gobbles up the frightened grandmother, but he is not satisfied.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify the structural components of the poem including stanzas and lines.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Complete the description boxes.
- Create images that depict each description box. Be sure to use appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elements | The three common elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give context to the scene, and are accurate and appropriate. | Two elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give some context to the scene, and are somewhat accurate and appropriate. | One or none of the elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give little context to the scene, and are somewhat or are inaccurate or inappropriate. |
| Illustrations | The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will identify the structural components of the poem, including stanzas and lines. Students will also determine the rhyme scheme in each stanza by labeling the lines with the letters of the alphabet. Most importantly, students will analyze and describe the main idea of the stanza.
The example provided is for the first stanza:
- Lines: 16
- Rhyme Scheme: AABCDDEEFFGGHHII
- Meaning: Wolf is hungry and gobbles up the frightened grandmother, but he is not satisfied.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify the structural components of the poem including stanzas and lines.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Complete the description boxes.
- Create images that depict each description box. Be sure to use appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elements | The three common elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give context to the scene, and are accurate and appropriate. | Two elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give some context to the scene, and are somewhat accurate and appropriate. | One or none of the elements of a poem are correctly identified. The explanations give little context to the scene, and are somewhat or are inaccurate or inappropriate. |
| Illustrations | The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Structural Elements of Poems
Use anchor charts to reinforce poem structure concepts
Create a colorful anchor chart that illustrates key poem elements like stanza, line, and rhyme scheme with clear definitions and examples. Display it in your classroom as a reference so students can easily recall these terms during poetry activities.
Model identifying stanza and line breaks with shared reading
Select a short poem to project or display. Read aloud with your students, pausing to point out where each stanza and line begins and ends. Invite students to highlight or underline stanzas and lines as you go, making the structure visually clear.
Guide students to label rhyme schemes using poetry cards
Prepare small cards with individual stanzas from a familiar poem. Ask students to work in pairs to read each stanza and label the rhyme scheme by assigning matching letters to lines that rhyme. Review together to reinforce understanding.
Encourage students to write their own stanza with a set rhyme scheme
Challenge students to compose a four-line stanza using a rhyme scheme such as ABAB or AABB. Support them in brainstorming rhyming words and checking for structural accuracy. Share their work aloud to build confidence and reinforce concepts.
Facilitate peer review to analyze poem structure and meaning
Pair students and have them exchange their written stanzas. Direct each student to identify the stanza, label the rhyme scheme, and summarize the main idea of their partner’s stanza. Discuss findings as a class to deepen understanding and celebrate creative efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Structural Elements of Poems
What are the main structural elements of a poem students should look for?
The main structural elements of a poem include stanzas (poem sections), lines (individual rows of text), and the rhyme scheme (pattern of rhymes at the end of lines, often labeled with letters). Understanding these helps students analyze the poem’s form and meaning.
How do you identify the rhyme scheme in a stanza?
To identify the rhyme scheme in a stanza, read each line’s ending word and assign a letter (A, B, C, etc.) to each unique rhyme sound. Lines with the same ending sound get the same letter, revealing the rhyme pattern (e.g., AABBA).
What is the best way to help students understand the main idea of a poem’s stanza?
The best way is to have students summarize each stanza in their own words, discuss key details, and connect the stanza’s events or feelings to the overall poem. Visual aids or drawings can also help clarify meaning.
How can I teach structural components of poems to 4th or 5th graders?
Use interactive activities like labeling stanzas and lines, identifying rhyme schemes together, and having students create simple illustrations for each stanza. Relate the lesson to familiar stories or poems for better engagement.
Why is it important for students to analyze the structure of a poem?
Analyzing poem structure helps students understand how poets organize ideas, use rhyme for effect, and build meaning across stanzas. It supports reading comprehension and appreciation of poetry.
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