How to Read a Poem

Poems are meant to be read slowly and more than once.

Let's learn

1. Read the poem aloud once for the sound.
2. Read it again and follow the punctuation, not the line breaks.
3. Note words or lines that stand out.
4. Ask: what is happening, and how does it make me feel?

Watch out for

• Stopping at the end of every line. Pause only where the punctuation tells you.

Make it fit your reader

• Easier: Read a short poem twice.
• Harder: Read a poem three times and note a new detail each time.

Practice activity

• Three reads: read a poem three times and write one observation after each.
• Read aloud: perform a poem following its punctuation.