Grades 3–6
PoetryLessonsIn this activity, students learn key components of odes, practice using descriptive writing techniques like personification and simile, and craft an ode to an ordinary object of their choosing.
Students write odes to an ordinary object of their choosing.
Begin with a class reading of the example ode on the “Odes to Ordinary Objects” handout. As students read an example of an ode to an ordinary object, they can highlight and note key elements from the poem on the same handout.
Ask students:
From here, have students choose an ordinary object to focus on in an ode of their own. To help students choose an object from their everyday life, ask:
Once students have chosen an object, they should brainstorm ideas and do some preliminary planning using the second portion of the “Odes to Ordinary Objects” handout.
Time for drafting! Students then write a draft of an ode to their object. Students’ odes should have at least 4 stanzas, with 4 lines in each stanza. Remind students that an ode should thank the object, and encourage students to be as specific and descriptive as possible, employing all 5 senses to describe the sights, sounds, textures, smells, and even tastes, of their chosen object.
Next, review the definition of personification (giving human characteristics to nonhuman objects). Ask your students:
As an additional challenge, have students review the definition of similes (comparisons using “like” or “as”).
Students will practice writing examples of personification and similes for their ordinary objects using their “Revision and Editing” handout.
Students should add 3-5 different lines to their odes using their examples of similes and personification, or other descriptive details they can come up with. Some questions to help students come up with other descriptive details include:
Conclusion
Students should share their odes to ordinary objects if time allows. If they finish early, students can publish another ode, decorate their ode, or practice reading their ode aloud before sharing.
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