Writing a Shakespearean Sonnet
Grade Level: 10th
This lesson is designed to assist students in understanding one type of
lyric poems, English Sonnet. Through the study and analysis of
Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 tilted "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s
Day". By studying the form of sonnets, students can understand the
English Sonnets more effectively in their future reading if them, and they
will also have the tools to compose a sonnet of their own.
1.
To explore the meaning of Shakespeare's Sonnet 29
2.
To learn the form of Sonnets
3.
To learn to compose your own sonnets
Overview
Objective
Environment
Students will be working in a computer lab and library setting.
Standards
11.3.1
Students are able to analyze characteristics of subgenres, types of writings
such as satire, parody, allegory, and pastoral which are used in poetry,
prose, plays, novels, short stories, essays, and other basic genres.

A copy of Sonnet 18 and Sonnet 29 for each group

A sheet that has sonnet form outlined for each group to prepare
their sonnet
Materials
Procedure
Evaluation
Students will work in groups of two, and they will have copies of Sonnet
29 & 18.
1. The groups will read each sonnet, and determine what the common
characteristics of the two are.
2. They will then look up more information about the sonnets,
specifically about iambic pentameter and rhyme scheme.
3. Finally, each group will write their own sonnets.
4. Each group must use GradeFix to organize the different steps of their
project. They will have to organize it into different sections such as a
“reading” category and when that section of the project is due.
Students will hand in their sonnets which will be evaluated for proper
rhyme scheme, use of Iambic Pentameter, and theme in order to see if
they have a good understanding of what they have learned. Also, their
GradeFix schedule pages must be printed off and handed in, in order to
ensure that they have learned the proper organizational tools.
Website: http://www.schoollink.org/csd/pages/engl/sonnet.html