Five Line Poems

Introduction    Printable Worksheets    Example

Introduction:

A stanza is a group of lines of poetry (usually 4 or more) arranged according to a fixed plan.

"Five Line Poems" are a great way to introduce the idea of a stanza to a child -- each stanza of the poem is five lines (you'd usually have the children complete three or four stanzas).

When doing five line poems with children, give them the first or last line of each stanza and have them design the rest.  Remember, not all poems have to rhyme!

For example:

• I am _________ and _________.  Could be the first line of each stanza.  The kids would fill in the blanks and then design the rest of their poem accordingly.
• Stanza 1:  When I was a baby, with the rest of the stanza indented.
  Stanza 2:  When I was in kindergarten,  
  Stanza 3:  Now that I am in Grade ___,  
• Stanza 1:  Spring is the season of growth.
  Stanza 2:  Summer is the season of warmth.
  Stanza 3:  Fall is the season of colors.
  Stanza 4:  Winter is the season of white.
  The children would use the above as the last line of each stanza

Printable Worksheets:

• Worksheet 1:  Information about stanzas and space to write an unguided three stanza, five line poem.
• Worksheet 2:  Information about stanzas and space to write a "I am ____ and ____." poem.
• Worksheet 3:  example of completed worksheet 2 (can be handed out with worksheet 2 to provide inspiration).
• Worksheet 4:  Information about stanzas and space to write a "When I was..." poem.
• Worksheet 5:  Information about stanzas and space to write a "Seasons" poem.

  
Example:

I AM FAST AND FUN
by Tasha (Age 9)

I am fast and fun.
I can dream, dreams that nobody has dreamt before.
I would go on adventures all over the world.
I want to write out my imagination.
I enjoy seeing peace.

I am fast and fun.
I want to fly and taste the air.
I am not afraid to say what I want.
I feel such smooth things that touch my fingers.
I find such pretty things in nature.

I am fast and fun.
I want to be a soccer star.
I think hard about things.
I wonder where we go when we fade.
I feel so great when I help someone.