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 and the meaning of the stanza.
The example provided is for stanza one.
Lines: 4
Rhyme Scheme: A: “Revere”, B: “Five”, B: “alive”, A: “year”
Meaning: There isn’t a man alive who remembers April 18, 1875, the midnight ride of Paul Revere.
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 lines, rhyme scheme, and meaning.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event Analysis | Written explanation of the scene clearly and accurately explains the event and why it's important to the story. | Written explanation of the scene attempts to explain the event and why it's important to the story. Some explanations may be unclear. | Written explanation of the scenes fails to correctly explain the event and why it's important to the story. |
| Storyboard Scenes | Illustrations are clear and accurately depict the written descriptions. | Illustrations are someone clear and depict the written descriptions, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand or fail to capture a specific event in the text. | Illustrations do not accurately depict the written descriptions. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the storyboard were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Storyboard is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
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 and the meaning of the stanza.
The example provided is for stanza one.
Lines: 4
Rhyme Scheme: A: “Revere”, B: “Five”, B: “alive”, A: “year”
Meaning: There isn’t a man alive who remembers April 18, 1875, the midnight ride of Paul Revere.
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 lines, rhyme scheme, and meaning.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event Analysis | Written explanation of the scene clearly and accurately explains the event and why it's important to the story. | Written explanation of the scene attempts to explain the event and why it's important to the story. Some explanations may be unclear. | Written explanation of the scenes fails to correctly explain the event and why it's important to the story. |
| Storyboard Scenes | Illustrations are clear and accurately depict the written descriptions. | Illustrations are someone clear and depict the written descriptions, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand or fail to capture a specific event in the text. | Illustrations do not accurately depict the written descriptions. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the storyboard were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Storyboard is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
How Tos about Structural Elements of a Poem
Organize students for a poetry structure scavenger hunt
Divide your class into small groups or pairs and assign each group a different poem. Students will search for and record key structural elements—like stanzas, lines, and rhyme schemes—then share their findings with the class through quick presentations. This active approach boosts engagement and helps students internalize poetic structure.
Model analyzing a poem’s structure using a think-aloud
Display a poem on your board and walk through identifying the stanzas, lines, and rhyme scheme out loud. Explain your thought process as you go, showing students how to break down each element and make meaning from the structure. This modeling helps students gain confidence before working independently.
Guide students to compare structures in two poems
Select two short poems and ask students to chart their structural similarities and differences. Encourage them to note the number of stanzas, lines per stanza, and rhyme schemes. This comparison activity sharpens analytical skills and deepens understanding of poetic forms.
Facilitate a class discussion on why poets choose certain structures
Pose questions about how a poem’s structure affects its meaning and mood. Invite students to share ideas about why a poet might use a particular rhyme scheme or stanza length. This discussion encourages critical thinking and helps students connect structure to purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions about Structural Elements of a Poem
What are the main structural elements of a poem?
The main structural elements of a poem include lines, stanzas, and the rhyme scheme. These elements help organize the poem's ideas and create its rhythm and flow.
How do you identify a poem's rhyme scheme in the classroom?
To identify a poem's rhyme scheme, assign a letter to each line's ending sound. Lines that rhyme get the same letter. This helps students see patterns, such as ABAB or AABB, making it easier to discuss poetic structure.
What is the best way to teach students to find the meaning of a stanza?
The best way is to have students summarize each stanza in their own words, discuss context clues, and connect the stanza's content to the poem's overall theme. Visual aids and guided questions support understanding.
How can 4th or 5th grade teachers make poetry structure lessons engaging?
Teachers can make lessons engaging by using interactive activities like drawing scenes from stanzas, group discussions, and creative assignments where students write their own poems or act out lines to explore structure.
What is an example of analyzing a stanza from 'Paul Revere's Ride'?
An example is examining stanza one: it has 4 lines, an ABBA rhyme scheme, and its meaning relates to remembering Paul Revere’s midnight ride. This method helps students break down and understand poetry.
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