Poetry writing/reading unit...hints & tips

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Poetry writing/reading unit...hints & tips
By TeacherCarrie

I am writing up my lesson plans for the weeks after we return from break in early January. I really want to begin our poetry unit for writing and reading. Last year, I started it probably in October with just writing.
We studied many different kinds of forms of poetry and wrote our own versions for each form we studied. They also read several different styles of poems here and there throughout the year.

But, this year I want to do more reading and the same amount of writing. I am planning on doing this in addition to our regular writing and reading curriculum. The only thing is, I'm only able

to fit it in for half an hour once a week...in order to use it as an additional piece of my lessons...otherwise, goodness knows when I'd be able to fit it in at all.

Since it's only for 30 minutes I'm starting to think towards this sort of a schedule. I'm not sure yet if it will be the same week to week, depending on what we are reading, writing, or even what form we are studying (since some are harder than others).
Read aloud poems/Practice poems: 5 minutes
Introduce/Study different form: 15 minutes
Write own form of poem: 10 minutes

They would probably have to finish their poem during centers, free time, or the following week...it all depends.

I would like to know how you introduce a poetry unit initially and then how do you go about it during the actual unit. What sort of poetry do you study (authors, specific poems, styles, etc.)? How much do you have them write? Do you have them memorize and recite poetry dramatically? Please share your past and present experiences and curriculum! Thanks so much.