Poetry Writing: Creative Response to Nonfiction

If you are looking for a way to engage even your most reluctant students more meaningfully in nonfiction responses, creative writing, or poetry writing, this lesson is just what you need!

This unique type of nonfiction-inspired poetry entices students who typically dislike verse, yet it is still engaging for those who enjoy it. Most importantly, nonfiction-inspired poetry encourages students to think critically about nonfiction sources, to establish an author's purpose, and to write eloquently.

This poetry writing activity encourages students to compose poetry that is inspired by nonfiction texts. Crots (short snippets, fragments of thought) blur the lines between prose and poetry. They are innovative and fresh. They have elements of concrete poetry, found poetry, and collages and can also incorporate visual elements like magazine cut-outs and other artistic forms.

To get started, all you need is a high-interest nonfiction article (you can also use this activity with fictional texts, if you prefer). Students can choose their own based off of a topic of interest, you can provide options, or you can assign one. With creative writing, I've always found that more choice results in more inspired writing. Still, some students can be paralyzed with too many choices. With this assignment, you can decide which approach will work best in your classroom.

Art supplies, colored paper, and magazines are additional materials you may wish to have on hand to provide students with options. A digital option is also included if you prefer Google Slides™.

In this creative writing poetry resource, you will find:

1. a teacher directions page for how to front-load the activity

2. a student directions page to walk them through the steps they need to complete

3. a slideshow lesson to introduce this unique style of poetry writing

3. a brainstorming graphic organizer with specific prompts

4. a brainstorming organizer with specific reminders for revising and editing

5. 2 examples - one digital and one print you can use to model and discuss expectations

6. a teacher notes page to walk you through discussing the example non-fiction inspired poetry

7. suggestions for enrichment

8. a single-point rubric for quick grading

9. both PRINT and DIGITAL options for use

Use this creative nonfiction-inspired poetry as part of a:

- multi-genre project

- genius hour

- poetry unit

- creative writing class

- nonfiction response unit

- and more!

This creative writing assignment, which deepens critical thinking after reading nonfiction, has always been one of my students' favorites. I recommend it for use with high school students. Middle school students who are ready to respond to nonfiction thoughtfully and symbolically could also be successful with this assignment.

This lesson takes approximately 3 days of 50 minute class periods. Plan for four days if you intend to walk students through the process as a class before turning them loose (which is what I would recommend).

If you enjoy this engaging resource, you might also be interested in:

Get Schooled! Figurative Language and Literary Devices Board Game

Figurative Language Truth or Dare

Texting Couplets Poetry Assignment

Playlist of My Year Engaging Writing Activity

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