MINING FOR GOLD: POETRY WRITING IN THE SECONDARY ESL CLASSROOM

Abstract

This paper discusses the many benefits of using poetry writing in the teaching of English, along with suggestions for implementing it. It is argued that poetry can be effective in promoting motivation, personal growth, conceptual development, fluency, creativity and imagination, use of concrete language, appreciation for the nuances of word meaning, and sensitivity to word usage. The author describes a series of activities, suitable for students who typically have written little or no poetry previously, and often have misconceptions about it. The paper concludes with an overview of how poetry writing can develop conceptual and other skills needed for successfully coping with the increasing complexities of the modern world.