What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

I'm starting my poetry unit with my 7th graders and I would like to add some new poems. Any suggestions?

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

Well, what poems do you already teach them?

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

Some of the poems I teach are:
Mama's Hands
Mother to Son
October Saturday
Ozymandias
Nothing Gold Can Stay
The Eagle
Night
Motor Cars

Any you teach that you like?

Message edited 2/25/2008 9:32:09 PM.

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

Well, I don't teach middle school, but I did student teach (way back when) in 8th grade, and those kids loved ALL Langston Hughes poetry. There's also "Richard Corey," which works at any age, I think, if you can handle the subject matter that young. Another one I love -- but also, the content might be an issue -- would be "My Father's Waltz." Sorry if this isn't helpful. I'm trying to come up with some off the top of my head. How about Billy Collins' "Introduction to Poetry?" It's terrific to teach metaphors and similes.

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

Thank you. Those look like good ones

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

Welcome! Glad I could help.

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

"O Captain, My Captain" by Walt Whitman is a part of my Lincoln assassination lesson (8th grade). One of my favs of the entire year. The symbolism is easy enough for them to "get".

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

"Red, Red Rose" by Robert Burns

Excellent for simile and a good model if you want to students to move on to write a simile based poem

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

Do you work with Nancy Atwell's stuff at all?
She has a poetry section that Ive used.
She features "Ode poems" by Neruda. Some of them are a little much, but I have used them as models.

Also, I second anything by Langston Hughes.

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

Thanks everyone!Keep them coming if you think of anymore

Message edited 2/25/2008 10:22:45 PM.

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

I love "Identity" - Julio Noboa Planco.
Great poem about being an individual versus a follower and a great discussion starter for middle level learners.

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

There are also Geraldine Brooks and Nikki Giovanni -- both good poets (I think) for this age.

Message edited 2/26/2008 5:38:35 PM.

Re: What poems do you love to teach to middle schoolers?

The Bells by Poe is great to do with a class!