Discovering Traditional Sonnet Forms

In this lesson, students read and analyze sonnets to discover their traditional forms. Students chart the poems’ characteristics, including the poetic features and their emotional responses to the poems. They then review the details for similarities, deducing traditional sonnet forms that the poems have in common. After this introduction, students write original sonnets, using one of the poems they have analyzed as a model. (from site) Using the u201cInteractive Sonnet Characteristics Chartu201d (provided in the lesson plan), the instructional plan to this lesson provides the teacher with a step by step process in terms of close analysis of a sonnet.

Weblink address (URL):

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

Students will:

discover the forms of traditional sonnets through analysis.
learn terms describing the elements of sonnets.
compose an original sonnet based on their discovered format.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Applying

Extension suggestions:

Now that students have created their own poems modeled on Shakespeare’s sonnet, move to a more sophisticated exploration of the rhythm of sonnets, by completing the EDSITEment lesson plan, Listening to Poetry: Sounds of the Sonnet. Since students have internalized the rhythm of iambic pentameter, the formal analysis and labeling of the structure is a natural extension.
For a more detailed exploration of Emma Lazarus’ sonnet, “The New Colossus,” follow this lesson with the EDSITEment lesson, The Statue of Liberty: Bringing the ‘New Colossus’ to America.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

Sonnet Characteristics Chart Printout
Shakespearean Sonnet Checklist Printout

References

Contributors:

David Sneed

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation