Found Poems

After Reading Routines

Found Poems

Encourage students to discover how authors use specific words and

images to capture the essence of their writing and what they are trying to
convey to readers.

Found Poems not only encourage writing; they also help students to focus
on vocabulary and key ideas in their reading.

The Key to Success: allow students to select an interesting piece of writing

within the content area of learning and have them carefully consider the
authors purpose through their word choice.

Teachers Objective
Emphasize purposeful reading, making
sure students focus on the meaning of the
article rather than technical aspects of
creating the poem

Found Poem
1.
2.

3.
4.

Circle/List strongest words in the reading. Look for powerful verbs, nouns,
well-chosen adjectives. Cross out any words that are repetitive not needed.
Start poem with a strong word or phrase. Try to honor the authors original
order of words.Think about which phrases require emphasis, and consider
line breaks accordingly. Strong words and phrases should stand alone.
Edit poem for verb tense. Keep adding on words for grammatical sense to
a minimum.
Finally title poem and write a final draft. Be sure to add a complete citation
for the text you used.

Article
Dance Education in the Arts and Dance
Education in Physical Education
Pair up and read selection. Create your own
found poem from the reading.

Sample Poem
Dance Education: Arts or PE?
depends on goals or outcomes
creating, performing, responding...arts
health, social and recreational, physical activity...PE
different pedagogical preparation for dance specialists and physical educators
both legitimate, must not be confused
dance (art) must be taught by a qualified dance instructor

Sources
Bonbright, J. (n.d.). NDEO Works! Making a
difference in Dance Education. Retrieved
March 15, 2015, from http://www.ndeo.
org/content.aspx?
page_id=22&club_id=893257&module_id=9403
1
Hobgood, J.M. (1998). Found poetry. Voices