Favorite Poem Project
For this assignment, you will have to choose ONE poem to present to the class. Your
poem can be by absolutely anyone, as long as it is a legitimate, published
poem(published in a book or collection of poetry or even on some internet sites).
The poem must be school appropriate. You cannot use song lyrics. Sorry, but you
cannot use Shel Silverstein either. Poems must be a minimum of 10 lines.
You can earn bonus by reciting a poem that is longer than the minimum required.
15-20 lines = 5 bonus points
21-25 lines = 10 bonus points
Once you have chosen a poem, read it, then re-read it, then re-read it again! Think
about why you like it and what it means. Make sure you choose a poem that you
actually enjoy and that you can explain to the class. Tips for your presentation
can be found on my blog.
You will:
1. Choose a poem and complete the form at the bottom of this page. You must turn in
your completed form by Friday, February 17th.
2. Copy your poem CLEARLY and NEATLY on a blank sheet of white paper. Be sure to
include the title and name of the poet at the top. Also, be sure to write out
the poem EXACTLY the way the poet wrote it.
3. Include some kind of artwork or visual illustration to accompany your poem.
4. On the back of the paper, write an INTERPRETATION of your poem. An
interpretation is simply your thoughts on what the poem means. There is no
“wrong” answer when interpreting poetry, AS LONG AS you can support your
interpretation with evidence in the poem itself. Try to find the deeper,
figurative meaning behind the poem. What do you think the poet was trying to
say? Your interpretation should be at least one paragraph (5 sentences) long.
5. Under your INTERPRETATION, identify three POETIC DEVICES in your poem. Can you
find examples of figurative language (Remember to use SSPOPIAM)? Be specific and
tell me WHAT LINES contain the poetic device. For example, “In line 3, the poet
says, „Life is like a river.‟ This is an example of a simile.”
6. You will present your poem to the class. You will recite your poem, explain your
interpretation, and explain the poetic devices you found.
--------- Complete and return by Friday, February 17th ------I understand that I have a poetry recitation assignment due by Friday, March
9th. The poem I have chosen to recite is titled ________________________________
written by ______________________________.
_______________________________________
Student Signature
____________________
Date
I understand that my child has a poetry assignment due by Friday, March 9th.
_______________________________________
____________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Favorite Poem Assignment Rubric
 Poem, Interpretation, and Poetic Devices
Category
Possible
Points
Poem Neatness
5
Illustration
5
Interpretation
20
Poetic Devices
20
Total
50
Points
Earned
 Oral Presentation
Category
Possible
Points
Title & Author Stated
5
Memorization
20
Voice (expression, enunciation,
projection)
10
Eye Contact
5
Interpretation/Poetic Devices
5
Total
50
Points
Earned
 Final Score
Category
Possible
Points
Poem, Interpretation, and Analysis
50
Oral Presentation
50
Total
100
Bonus (if applicable)
---
Final Grade
A
B
C
Points
Earned
D
F