Literacy Lesson Plan: Writing Poetry for Year 1-2 Students

Overview

This lesson plan is designed for Year 1-2 students in New Zealand following the New Zealand Curriculum standards for literacy. It aims to introduce young learners to poetry through engaging and interactive activities. This lesson will help students express their thoughts and feelings creatively while learning about the basic elements of poetry.

Curriculum Area and Level

• Subject: English - Literacy
• Curriculum Area: Writing
• Levels: Level 1 (Years 1-2)

Duration

• Total Duration: 40 minutes
• Class Size: 23 students

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand simple poetic concepts such as rhyme and rhythm.
2. Create a short poem using their senses and immediate surroundings.
3. Share their poems with the class, fostering a supportive environment for creative expression.

Materials Needed

• Chart paper
• Markers or crayons
• Paper and pencils for each student
• Example poems suitable for Year 1-2 students (for reading aloud)
• New Zealand Curriculum Document:
  • English - Learning area

Pre-Lesson Preparation

• Prepare example poems that feature simple language and clear, engaging imagery.
• Set up a comfortable reading corner for the story time segment.

Lesson Plan

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Welcoming and Settling In:
   • Begin with a welcoming ritual and make sure all students are comfortably seated.
2. Introduction to Poetry:
   • Briefly explain what poetry is. Describe it as a form of art that uses words to share feelings and stories.

Guided Practice (10 minutes)

1. Reading Aloud:
   • Read a short poem aloud to the class. Choose a poem with clear rhymes and rhythms.
   • Discuss the poem with the students, asking questions about how it made them feel and which words they liked most.

Activity: Writing Our First Poem (20 minutes)

1. Brainstorming Session:
   • On chart paper, brainstorm words with students that they associate with a chosen theme (e.g., playground, favourite animals, or seasons). Emphasise sensory words – what they see, hear, smell, feel, and taste.
2. Writing the Poem:
   • Encourage each student to choose words from the brainstorming session and write a four-line poem. Guide them to think about rhymes or repeating sounds.
   • Circulate around the room, providing support and making sure each child understands the task.

Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)

1. Sharing Poems:
   • Invite students to share their poems with the class. Applaud their efforts and highlight creative uses of language or interesting ideas.
2. Group Reflection:
   • Discuss what was enjoyable about the writing process and what challenges the students faced.

Conclusion

• Summarise key learning points of the day.
• Praise students for their creative efforts and bravery in sharing their work.

Post-Lesson Activities

• Display the students’ poems on a bulletin board or in a class book that they can look at during free reading times.
• Plan a follow-up session where students can illustrate their poems.

Assessment

• Informally assess students’ understanding of rhyme, rhythm, and sensory language through their participation and the poems they create.

Link to additional resources and further reading on poetry for educators:

• Teaching English in the New Zealand Curriculum Guidance

This lesson not only introduces students to the joys of writing poetry but also aligns with the early literacy goals of New Zealand's education system, fostering a love for reading and creative writing from a young age.