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9-10
Writing Poetry
Project type: Assignment
Related topic:
Al Purdy, An Uncommon Poet
Al Purdy, An Uncommon Poet
Subjects
English Language Arts
Summary
Students will explore Al Purdy’s poetry and readings and write poems that convey a mood.
Duration
2 lessons
Purpose
To learn about tone and mood in poetry, to practice writing a poem
Materials
collections of poetry
Before Exploring
Al Purdy once said, “there is simply nothing at all like writing what you believe to be a good poem.” However, he wasn’t able to explain how to write a good poem or how long it would take. Some of his poems were written in 20 minutes; others took seven years to complete.
Direct students to the topic Al Purdy, An Uncommon Poet on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site and have them browse all the clips, paying particular attentions to Clips #1, 3, and 6. Have students note examples of Purdy’s poetry. When they are done, discuss as a class what Purdy means when he says that a poem may not say something, but that it will convey a mood, and a mood says something.
Outline the Opportunity
Have students write a poem, on a theme of their choice, that tells a story and conveys a mood, as Purdy’s poems do. The poems may be rhymed or unrhymed, structured or free verse, but every word must serve a purpose in the poem. They should pay particular attention to rhythm and imagery.
Revisit and Reflect
One of Purdy’s friends says in Clip #7 that Purdy does not pause properly after he reads a poem, but that people listen closely to his readings anyway. Ask students what they notice about the way Purdy reads his poetry. Invite them to read their own poems aloud in a way that emphasizes the mood they want to convey.
Extension
Ask students to brainstorm in their notebooks what they would like to pursue if they could “follow their bliss” and make a career out of their passions. Ask: What does Purdy’s example teach us?
