Video Writing Prompt: National Poetry Month

The TeachHUB Elves

April is National Poetry Month!

Launched in 1996 as a way to increase appreciation of poetry and poets, National Poetry Month is celebrated in April in both the United States and Canada (Britain celebrates it in October).

This Video Writing Prompt will help students learn more about different types of poetry, discover the country’s poet laureate, and improve their writing skills.

Grades 3-5: What is Poetry?

Poetry has a long history and the art form varies across cultures. Have students research the origin of poetry and the different types of forms poems can take. Then, ask them to answer the following questions

  • What is poetry?
  • Why is ‘rhythm’ important to a poem?

Grades 6-8: The United States Poet Laureate

The U.S Poet Laureates is a poet officially appointed by the U.S. Library of Congress. They are responsible for overseeing a series of poetry readings and lectures at the library. Have students research the topic and ask them to answer the following questions:

  • Who is the current United States’ Poet Laureate?
  • When was he/she appointed?
  • What is his/her most famous work(s)?

Grades 9-12: Poetry in Music

Poetry comes in many forms…even song lyrics can be considered poetic! Have students pick a song they think could also be interpreted as a poem. Then, ask them to:

  • Write a paper briefly explaining why they picked the song they chose. Students should be able to explain the rhythmic pattern of the lyrics and identify what poetic form, if any, the lyrics take.