READING A POEM

1.  Read the title.

2.  Read the name of the author.

3.  How many stanzas are there in the poem?

4.  Notice the punctuation used in the poem.

5.  Read the poem.

6.  Who is the speaker?

7.  Paraphrase the poem.

8.  Reread the poem (You may have to do this several times.)

9.  Answer the questions.

(Younger students should be encouraged to locate and read rhyming words.  They should also be encouraged to reread the poem to feel the rhythm.)