How to Write a Math PoemThere are many ways of writing math poems.
Here is what Ms Beatty did in her class:
To create the math poetry I divided the
class into groups of 4 and placed a metaphor on chart paper that they were to add to. The groups rotated from station to station until all had contributed to each sheet. Some of the metaphors used were:
Math is a sandwich because they both ......
Math is a quilt because they both ......
Math is a journey because they both ......
Math is a plant because they both ......
Math is a sport because they both ......
Math is an emotion because they both ......
We discussed the charts and chose which statements made better images and why. Then I asked the students to brainstorm metaphors related to a math topic. We discussed
different types of math topics and each student had to list at least 10 metaphors on their topic of choice. They were asked to write a poem on the subject and to choose at least 4 metaphors from their list. The poems
needed editing because some reflected random thoughts and didn't have a focus. I found that those students who had an excellent understanding of math concepts and vocabulary produced the better poems. This activity
would work better at the end of a math unit as a review of the concepts taught rather than the open topic of just math.
Karen Beatty, Teacher grade 4/5 gifted
