Poetry: people seem to adore it or abominate it.
Like many of my middle and high school ELA students, I didn’t enjoy reading poetry in high school. I often felt lost, overwhelmed, or frustrated because I couldn’t decode the “hidden meaning” behind the lines. But when I studied literature to become an English teacher, I was challenged to read more poetry and design engaging, accessible poetry lessons. The more I read, the more I appreciated the craft—and the more I realized that teaching poetry doesn’t have to be intimidating.
To make poetry accessible, relevant, and enjoyable for secondary students, we have to bridge the gap using audio, high-interest video clips, modern spoken word, and real-world connections.
Whether you are prepping for National Poetry Month in April, looking for quick poetry bell ringers, or building a comprehensive poetry unit, here are the best engagement strategies, media resources, and free teaching tools to transform your classroom.
1. Hook Students with Unforgettable Videos & Pop Culture
Before asking students to analyze figurative language or rhyme scheme, win them over with compelling media. Video clips and author talks immediately break down the misconception that poetry is outdated or boring.
Dead Poets Society: Use video clips from this classic movie to spark discussion about why poetry matters. A student favorite is the scene where Robin Williams’ character, Professor Keating, tells his class to rip out the textbook’s mechanical introductory pages because poetry isn’t meant to be measured like laying pipe. Another powerful quote to feature:
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race.”
- John Green & Crash Course Literature: Young adult author John Green offers an entertaining analysis of Robert Frost’s classic poem, “The Road Not Taken,” debunking common misunderstandings about its meaning. His Crash Course Literature episode on Emily Dickinson is another fantastic, high-energy way to introduce secondary students to the enigmatic poet.
- TED Talks for ELA: Introduce literary critic Stephen Burt’s insightful TED Talk on Why Open-Mindedness Matters in Poetry, or share former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins’ hilarious, animated TED-Ed talks featuring poems about dogs.
2. Leverage Spoken Word, Modern Poets, & Humor
If you want to reach reluctant readers, bring modern voices and humor into your ELA classroom. Spoken word and contemporary poetry provide a vital emotional outlet for teenage angst, identity exploration, and real-world issues.
- Use Humor to Lower the Stakes: Lighthearted, relatable poems prove that poetry can just be fun. Performer Taylor Mali’s hilarious spoken word piece, “On Girls Lending Pens,” instantly resonates with middle and high school students.
- Amaze Them with Form: Show students how clever poetic formatting can be with Jonathan Reed’s reversible poem, “Lost Generation.” Read top-to-bottom, it sounds cynical; read bottom-to-top, it offers a message of hope. It never fails to captivate a room.
- Inspirational Spoken Word: Share Harvard graduate Donovan Livingston’s powerful commencement poem, “Lift Off.” His performance encourages audience participation through snapping, clapping, and rejoicing while delivering a compelling message about education, equity, and society.
- Diverse & Contemporary Voices: Tap into the Academy of American Poets’ Dear Poet project. You can share video playlists where modern poets read their work aloud—such as former U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera reading his vibrant poem, “You Can’t Put Muhammad Ali in a Poem.”
3. Free Websites & Instructional Resources for Teachers
Incorporate these trusted digital archives and national programs to find audio recordings, lesson plans, and classroom materials:
- Poetry Out Loud: Created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, this national recitation competition awards $50,000 in prizes and school stipends. More importantly, Poetry Out Loud activities build public speaking skills, literary analysis habits, and student confidence. Their website offers lesson plans, recitation guides, and inspiring videos of student performances.
- Poets.org (Academy of American Poets): Head straight to the source for National Poetry Month materials! You can request a free annual poster, access thousands of poems, and explore their curated “30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month” resource guide.
- Poetry Foundation: A goldmine for ELA teachers. Explore featured podcasts, browse poems by theme or grade level, and play their “Audio Poem of the Day” as a quick, zero-prep classroom warm-up.
4. Try an Inquiry-Based Approach to Poetry
If you want your students to discover the power of poetry on their own terms rather than feeling preached to, shift from traditional lecturing to an inquiry-based model.
By asking open-ended questions, encouraging group investigation, and pairing poems with song lyrics, artwork, or paired prose passages, students build authentic analytical skills and ownership over their reading.
Take Your Unit Further with Ready-to-Use ELA Resources
Looking for more print-and-go poetry activities? Visit my Teachers Pay Teachers Store to find:
- Poetry Bell Ringers & Daily Warm-Ups: Build daily analysis habits with quick, bite-sized prompts.
- Poetry Paired Passages: Strengthen critical thinking by pairing classic and contemporary poems with non-fiction articles and novel excerpts.
- Creative & Argumentative Poetry Writing Units: Scaffolded guides that walk students step-by-step through crafting their own original poems and analytical essays.
What are your favorite poetry tools?
There are endless incredible poetry resources available online. What are your go-to poems, videos, or activities to engage reluctant readers? Share your favorite tips in the comments below!
4 Comments
Thank you for this post! I am a high school special ed, English teacher and teaching poetry is always difficult when it comes to student buy-in. Our entire school just received Chromebooks, which is wonderful because a lot of my students don't have technology at home. I think this will be an amazing post to help me when I tackle poetry in a month. Thanks!!
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Wonderful! I'm so glad that I was able to provide you with some ideas to use with your students. Thank you for sharing!
I love this! Thanks for sharing! so many great ideas
Thank you!