Unit 3
Introduction




3.1 Lesson: Poetry Past, Present, and Future


Target


Assignment


What is Poetry?


From 100 year old classic poetry to modern rap, poetry is everywhere. It is in children's books, in greeting cards, on the bus, "in the lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore", and in the whisper of the wind in the trees.
Image source: Pixabay


Who are Poets?



Anyone can be a poet.

  • Toddlers who love to combine unusual sounds: balloon-pop, doo-de-doo, hummer, fummer, stummer, gummer and pitty cuke are poets.

  • Children at recess or on the bus, who play skipping games or hand clapping games, like Eenie Meanie Sassaleeny or Shimmy shimmy coco puff, shimmy shimmy pow are poets.

  • Teens who want to express their intense emotions are poets.

  • Song writers are poets.

  • Bankers are poets.

  • Cowboys are poets.

  • Rap artists are poets.



Note It

Poetry is like a rocket booster to the brain.  It shifts your brain into high gear because it uses so much original language and creativity.

Please jot down any unusual or original words in this unit, or in everyday life to use in the poems you will create.



Self-Assessment

Please provide your general impression of poetry by taking the short self-assessment quiz on the next page. 


  Please contact your teacher if you have questions.