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Poetry in Motion

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Lesson Plan

Poetry in Motion Lesson Plan

Students will connect poetry with movement by reading verses and expressing them through creative dance, promoting both literary and physical expression.

This lesson encourages students to combine creative literacy with physical activity, enhancing motor skills and emotional expression while making poetry engaging and accessible.

Audience

2nd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive session with warm-up, creative movement, and cool-down phases.

Materials

Background Music Playlist, and Poetry Prompts

Prep

Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review and test the Background Music Playlist to ensure proper volume and selection.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Poetry Prompts to guide the creative movement activity.
  • Ensure the available space is safe for movement and free of obstacles.

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Begin with gentle stretches and light aerobic movements to prepare the body.
  • Play soft background music from the Background Music Playlist to set a calm atmosphere.

Step 2

Creative Movement Activity

20 minutes

  • Read a selected poem or use the Poetry Prompts to inspire movement.
  • Encourage students to interpret the poem by creating dance moves that express emotions or actions from the text.
  • Guide students to form small groups to share their interpretations, fostering collaboration and discussion.

Step 3

Cool-Down

5 minutes

  • Gradually slow down with deep breathing and stretching exercises.
  • Ask students to reflect on their experience and share what they felt during the movement.
  • Conclude with quiet background music to help students relax.
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Slide Deck

Poetry in Motion

Welcome 2nd graders! Today, we will explore how poetry and movement can connect. Let's have fun moving to the rhythm of words!

Introduce the lesson and engage students by asking if they've ever moved to music or a poem before.

Warm-Up

  1. Perform gentle stretches
  2. Light aerobic movements
  3. Listen to soft background music from the playlist

Guide students through gentle stretches and light aerobic moves. Remind them to listen to the background music which sets a calm mood.

Creative Movement Activity

  1. Read a poem or use a poetry prompt
  2. Express the poem through dance moves
  3. Work in small groups to share your interpretation

Explain the creative movement activity. Encourage students to listen to a short poem or choose a prompt, then move in a way that expresses its meaning. Use prompts on board if needed.

Cool-Down

  1. Slow down with deep breathing
  2. Stretch and relax your body
  3. Reflect on how the movement made you feel

Ease into a cooling down session by leading deep breathing and stretching exercises. Ask students to share their feelings about the movement activity.

Reflection

Let's talk:

  • What did you enjoy about today's movement?
  • How did the poem make you feel?
  • What new ideas did you discover about poetry?

Conclude the lesson with a reflection and discussion. Encourage students to comment on what they enjoyed and learned.

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Activity

Poetry Prompts for Movement

Below are some simple and engaging poetry prompts to help inspire your movement. Each prompt is designed to evoke emotions or actions that you can express through dance. Choose one or more to guide your creative movement !


1. Gentle Breeze

Imagine a soft, gentle breeze blowing. How does it feel?





  • Move slowly, swaying gently like the wind.

2. Flowing River

Picture a flowing river moving gracefully. How might you mimic its movement?





  • Create movements that are smooth and continuous, just like water.


3. Sunrise Joy

Visualize a bright sunrise that fills you with happiness. What does that look like?





  • Stretch your arms wide as if embracing the new day, and add joyful jumps or spins.

4. Dancing Leaves

Imagine leaves dancing in the wind during the fall. How can you show that playfulness?





  • Light, fluttery movements that mimic leaves twirling and floating.

Choose the prompt that inspires you the most and let your body express the words of the poem! Feel free to mix and match or create your own variation from these ideas.

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Warm Up

Background Music Playlist

This playlist is designed to set a calming and inspiring tone for the Poetry in Motion lesson. The instrumental tracks have been carefully selected to complement the gentle movements and creative expression of poetry. They are suitable for young children and help create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Playlist Includes:


  1. Soft Piano Melodies
    A collection of gentle piano pieces that evoke calm and focus.


  2. Nature Sounds
    Sounds of flowing water and rustling leaves, perfect for evoking a natural, peaceful ambiance.


  3. Light Classical Instrumentals
    Subtle string and woodwind compositions that inspire creative movement and imagination.


  4. Ambient Soundscapes
    Soothing background tones that help maintain a balanced, serene classroom environment.



    Note: Ensure to test the volume and track sequence before the lesson to maintain an optimal atmosphere for the activities.
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Poetry in Motion • Lenny Learning