How to Read a POEM

Pam Winarski

9th grade Literature B

Updated 5 January 2010

1. Read the poem without stopping

As you read the poem, follow the punctuation used; do not stop at the end of every line, unless the punctuation tells you to

Even if you do not understand every word, you will come away with something

Read the poem out loud without stopping as well; hearing the poem will help with rhyme, rhythm, and understanding.

2. Read again, more slowly this time

Read again, more slowly for comprehension (a CLOSE reading)

Look up every word you do not know and write down what it means (short hand)

(Superficial knowledge has no place in the world—you don’t want a doctor with that kind of knowledge)

3. Use a graphic organizer to help with notes

After reading for comprehension, try using a graphic organizer to help you record the information you need.

We will use a graphic organizer called TP-FASTT.