Prepare the muti-media presentation; the text of a poem must be readily available. Have the writing materials ready for the student to take notes. As the first step, introduce the poem, state its form (whether a sonnet, ode, villanelle, free verse) and read the poem slowly and emphatically. Hearing the poem being read out is an important first step toward the student's understanding.
Ask the student if he understands the theme or main idea of the poem. This main idea should be summarized in one or two sentences.
Point out the means and methods through which the poet communicates the theme, or main idea. Are there metaphors or similes, is the tone sad or happy, hopeful or cynical? Ask the student to identify some interesting metaphors.
Once the student is engaged in the task of reading and explicating, invite her to see how the poet manages to use the poetic form to create visual impressions or provoke thoughts or emotions. Explain how poetry uses fewer words than prose, but greater rhythm and more rhyme to excite the imagination.
Once the poem is completed, ask the 10th-grader what he has learned from the poem about poetry itself. As a follow-up task, discuss ideas that he may use as themes to write a short poem of his own.