Using an easy-to-formulate cinquain or diamante structure, Ms. Richmond's third grade class, Ms. Lovingood's fourth graders, and Ms. Russell's fifth grade class tried their hand at poems about famous artworks this week. This is a great lesson for letting students look a little more deeply at some artworks they may not have been exposed to, as well as for reinforcing the parts of speech (nouns, verbs, and adjectives). Here are a few samples along with the artworks that inspired them.
The Gulf Stream, Winslow Homer
Boat
Cinquain by Michael A.
Boat
Broken, small.
Tired marooned slave,
Lonely, tired, sad, mad.
Ship.
The Dance Class, Edgar Degas
Ballerinas
Diamante by Elizabeth P.
Ballerinas,
Serious, tall.
Waiting, standing, relevaing.
Reflection, point, shoes, tutus.
Tying, watching, talking.
White, satin
Ribbons.
Room at Arles, Vincent Van Gogh
Bedroom
Diamante by Tabitha M.
Bedroom,
Still, empty.
Waiting, breathing, reflecting.
Pictures, window, bed, blanket.
Sleeping, comforting, remembering.
Blue, full
Memories.
Freedom from Want, Norman Rockwell
Thanksgiving
Diamante by Gavin C.
Thanksgiving,
Happy, loud
Smiling, waiting, serving.
Table, plate, family, food.
Speaking, placing, dining.
Joyful, wealthy
Home.
