Shaundalyn Elliott's Diary
The First 180 Days

Narrative Poetry Lessons

Week 27

Editor's Note: This week, as her students enjoy spring break, Shaundalyn Elliot shares her favorite lessons on teaching narrative poetry.

Objective:
Introduce students to narrative poetry. They will learn to recognize the features of narrative poetry, follow a sequence of events, and summarize a narrative poem.

Day 1: Objective:
Students become acquainted with the songlike rhythm of narrative poetry.
Introduction:
Narrative poetry tells a story. Narrative poems present dramatic elements in a vivid way by using some of the same elements as short stories, such as plot, characters, and dialogue.
Methods and Procedures:

• Students read Alfred Noyes' poem, The Highwayman aloud in class.
• Following a brief discussion, students listen to the poem again on tape.
• Students are quizzed on the events in the poem.

Day 2: Objective:
Students examine the role rhythm plays in poetry.
Introduction:
"The Cremation of Sam McGee" is a spooky but comical poem that quickly catches the reader's attention. Students will enjoy its haunting and humorous themes.
Methods and Procedures:

• Students read The Cremation of Sam McGee aloud in class. They use their knowledge of the components of narrative poems to understand the poem.
• Following the reading, students listen to the poem on tape. To set the spooky tone of the poem, classroom lights are turned off or dimmed.
• After a discussion of the poem, students are quizzed on the events in the poem.

Day 3:
Objective:
Students examine the role of rhyme in poetry and evaluate its effect in a poem.
Introduction:
"Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out" is a narrative poem about a young girl who refuses to do a chore. Students will enjoy this poem because it is easy for them to identify with. They will also appreciate its rhyme pattern.
Methods and Procedures:

• Students read Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out aloud in class.
• Students use their knowledge of narrative poetry to understand the poem.
• Following the initial reading, students compete to see who can read this tongue-twister poem the fastest.
• After the contest, students briefly discuss the poem.
• Students are quizzed on the events in the poem.

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