Using Poetry As a Model for Creating English Poems

Abstract

This article describes how poems can effectively be used in English language classes to reinforce students’ knowledge of the English language - vocabulary and grammar- and foster their creative writing. A careful selection of poems appropriate to students’ language requirements was incorporated into the curriculum of English Language Teaching. Employing the Writing-using models technique, a three-step guided writing was developed to consolidate students’ language knowledge and creative writing skills. Feedback obtained from the students through student journals and interviews demonstrated that the use of poetry has contributed to students’ practicing effectively and meaningfully their knowledge of grammar; it offered them opportunities for vocabulary enrichment; it broadened their imagination, and freed them from the routine procedures in the classroom. Sample writings of poems produced by learners are included in the article to demonstrate how the efficient exploitation of this literary genre can maximize learner involvement and creativity.