What Does a Poet Do?

1. Writes creative titles
   
   – Writes titles that hint about the poem; chooses words for a special reason
   


2. Says things in unusual ways
   
   – Might leave out, make up, or repeat words just for the fun of itand to make us think
   


3. Uses powerful vocabulary
   
   – Chooses words carefully
   
   – Uses Wow! words to catch our attention
   


4. Uses punctuation in special ways
   
   – Uses punctuation for a special purpose and to help the reader
   


5. Arranges words in different and unusual ways
   
   – Helps us see and hear all the different lines in the poem as we read
   


6. Makes comparisons
   
   – Looks for unusual things to compare
   
   – Uses comparisons to make us think
   


7. Shares feelings
   
   – Sets a mood; might make us feel sad,happy,cheerful,silly, amazed,or concerned


8. Paints mental pictures
   
   – Describes using colors,sounds, sights,smells,feelings,actions, and thoughts as tools
   


9. Shares messages and ideas
   
   – Chooses words and phrases carefully to share the message, to help us think,and to help us enjoy the poem
   


10. Plays with words
    
    – Mixes the order of words, tries new endings,and looks carefully at every word to see where it fits best
    

© 2008 Sopris West Educational Services.
Specific Writing Assignments
Step Up to Writing • Primary