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Words of Appreciation

Students will write and illustrate a poem to express appreciation for someone special in their lives.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Heavy Paper
  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Odes are poems written in celebration of a person, place, or thing. This form of poetry originated in ancient Greece where they were often performed with a musical background. Poets such as Pindar, John Keats, and Allen Tate are known for writing odes. Most odes are serious, but there are light-hearted ones as well. The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wrote a poem called "Ode to My Socks." Students may choose to read this as inspiration for their own poetry.

  • Step 2

    Have students compose a poem about someone special in their life. Encourage them to write about the person's exceptional qualities and how they inspire the student. They can begin by drafting a version and then editing it until they're satisfied with the words. Have them fold a piece of heavy paper or card stock into a card  then write the edited version of the poem onto a piece of paper that they will glue onto the card. They can then illustrate a scene or background images that would have special meaning to the recipient and also incorporate photos if they'd like. 

  • Step 3

    Have students read their poems to the class and discuss the special someone they appreciate. Then have them present their poems to the person they wrote about.

Standards

LA: Apply knowledge of how language functions in different contexts to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading, writing, speaking, and/or listening. 

SEL: Social Awareness: Understand the perspectives of and strengths of others.

Adaptations

Have students find a poem that is meaningful to them. You might suggest poets or titles to get them started. Ask them to present it to the class the way odes were presented in ancient Greece, which was with musical accompaniment. They can choose a song or instrumental piece that fits the tone of the poem as they read it or recite it from memory to the class.

Challenge students to write an additional poem in a different style about the person they celebrated; for example, a haiku, an acrostic, or a quatrain.