River of Words Entry Process Exercise

The Missouri Ozarks Heritage Regional Art and Poetry Contest

Contest Entry Process Exercise

by Donita Prock
4th Grade Teacher, Mountain Grove Elementary

Background: Students demonstrate familiarity with poetry forms, i.e. haiku, diamante, cinquain, couplet, triplet, free verse, etc. from previous lessons.

1. Prewrite

a. Discussion of Missouri habitats
b. Viewing of photos - Conservationist magazine, outdoor photos, etc.
c. Jot list of possible topics. Use chart paper or board. Example below:

2. Mini - Lesson: Model poetry form on a selected topic. Write poem together. Discuss illustration.

3. First draft - students write individually

4. Peer checks and teacher-assisted editing

5. Final copy

This lesson was completed during two fifty-minute Communication Arts blocks.