Module 3: Poetry Choice: Poetry That Does Not Rhyme

Janeczko, Paul B. 2005. A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms. Illus Chris Raschka. Massachusetts: Candlewick. ISBN: 978-0763606626.





Janeczko's poetry anthology features poems in different formats and is the perfect addition to any library. He provides the reader with the type of poem, an example of this type of poem and a simple explanation of the poem's format. The following (untitled) poem by Kristine O'Connell George is an example of a Senryu poem, which doesn't rhyme, has a set number of syllables per line and its content focuses on human nature.

by Kristine O'Connell George

First day, new school year,
backpack harbors a fossil...
last June's cheese sandwich.

George's poem, although short, provides humor and irony for the reader. Any student between the ages of 10-13 will relate to this poem in that they haven't touched their backpack since the previous school year, although the unforgotten 'treasures' they find will vary!

Extension

On the first day of school and using this poem as an example, encourage students to write a poem about something interesting they found in their backpack or something they wished they had in their backpack. Display Janeczkos's book, along with other titles featuring different types of poems around the room to give the students ideas. Allow them to share their poems aloud with eachother.