Teach the basic principles of rhythm in poetry starting with meter. Types of meter include iambic, trochaic, spondaic, anapestic, dactylic and pyrrhic.
Present examples of meter in both classic and contemporary poetry and song.
Teach the basic structure of line lengths. They include: monometer, dimeter, trimeter, tetrameter, pentameter, hexameter, heptameter and octameter.
Present examples of line length in classic and contemporary poetry and song. Many poems will contain multiple meter lengths in the same poem, offering opportunity to address multiple line lengths simultaneously.
Explain the roots of contemporary vocal music and that it is an evolution from lyrical poetry, meaning poetry that was written specifically to be sung.
Share examples of lyrical poetry, such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee” or Emily Dickinson’s “Dying.” Students should be able to discern the meter.
Share example of contemporary hip hop music. Perhaps no other style of contemporary music addresses the rhythm of poetry better than hip hop. With knowledge and examples of meter already under their belts, students should be able to pick out the meter in hip hop.
Teach the meaning of figures of speech. Take the time to address metaphor, simile and symbolism in particular, as these occur most often.
Present examples from classic poetry. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 is full of figurative language examples.
Present examples of contemporary artists who are noted for the poetics of their lyrics, particularly with regard to figurative language. Some acclaimed artists include Bjork, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan and Incubus.
Assign students to write poems of their own using the principles they have learned from examples in both poetry and music. Have them annotate examples of meter, line length and figurative language.