How to teach a poem

Taught by Prof. Paulgunasekar from EFLU in 2009

1. How To Teach A Poem P. Arul Nehru B Ed (English) EFLU

2. 1. Introduce the theme of the Poem Through Individualized work Class discussion Group work Pair work 2. Read the Poem aloud (With the students’ books shut)  Ask a (global) question or two  Help class recall words, phrases, lines from the poem

3. 3. Read the Poem aloud again (with students’ book still shut)  Help the class rebuild the poem from memory 4. Read the Poem aloud yet again but with students following it in their books  Help the class combine their auditory and visual experiences 5. Ask the class to study the Poem silently  Supplement the glossary with explanations, if necessary  Encourage them to consult the glossary/note

4. 6. Discuss the content, structure and style of the Poem  Use the comprehension questions  Ask supplementary questions , If necessary factual (significant details, cohesion etc) evaluative (implications, literal Vs figurative, etc) extrapolative (personal response) global (coherence & overview)

5. 7. Read the Poem aloud again or have it read out  Reconstitute the Poem! 8. Read out a thematically similar poem, if possible

6. Thank You