Topic: Using Models (Patterns) to Write Poems

10-second review: Suggests that younger students begin to write poetry by using the following: free verse, Haiku, Cinquain, Diamante, Quinzaine, and Quintain.

Title: “Exploring Poetry Patterns.” Iris M. Teidt. Elementary English [No Date]. p. 1082-1084. Elementary English was the NCTE elementary school publication preceding Language Arts.

Summary:

Free Verse: no rhyme. Ideas and images.

Example: The moon is a sun drowsing,/but never going to sleep./ The stars are faces in the sky./ Time is how long it takes you/ to do your homework. Phyllis Dyer.

Haiku. Ancient form of Japanese poetry. No rhyme. Three short lines totaling seventeen syllables. Line 1, t syllables. Line 2, 7 syllables. Lin3, 5 syllables. References to nature. Few articles.

Example: Lightly a new moon/ Brushes a silver Haiku/ On the tips of waves.

Cinquain (sin’ kain). 5 line verse. Line 1: one word. Title. Line 2: Two words, adjectives. Line 3, Three words, verbs. Line 4: Four words, phrase. Line 5: One word, summary.

Example: Bed/ Soft, warm/ Fun, bouncy, tumbling/ Fun on my bed/ Comfortable.

Diamante (Dee ah mon tee). Contrast. 7 lines. Line 1, subject, (one word). Line 2, adjectives (two words). Line 3, participles (three words). Line 4, nouns (four words). Line 5, participles (three words). Line 6, adjectives (two words). Line 7. noun, opposite of the subject (one word).

Example: Air/ Balmy, soft/ Floating, wafting, soothing/ Typhoon, wind, gale, cyclone/ Twisting, howling tearing/ Bitter, cold/ Blast. Vera Harryman. In the shape of a diamond.

Quinzaine (kan zen’). Makes a statement followed by a question. 3 lines: 7 syllables, 5 syllables, 3 syllables.

Example: Boys screaming in the distance--/ When will they be still/ On this dusk? Irma Johnson.

Quintain (kwin ten’). Syllable progression: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.

Example: Poems/ Read for Pleasure/ Before the bright firelight/ Words meant for all those who enjoy/ Delightful, soothing, lovable music. L. Willie.

Comment: You can extend the same principle for older students to include a sonnet. RayS.