Using A Thesaurus to Understand Poetry

Objective:  to gain a greater understanding of "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost using a thesaurus

Materials:

     thesaurus

     pencil

     highlighter

     copy of poem

     piece of lined paper

     piece of computer paper

Time Line:  Approx. 2 Class Periods Assessment: When finished, please write a 3 sentences summary of what new insights you now have that you didn't after the first reading of "The Road Not Taken"

Procedure:

1.  Print out a copy of "The Road Not Taken" POEM

2.  Read through the poem at least 2 times

3.  Highlight 5 words in each of the 4 stanzas (20 words total)

     hint: highlight words that you do not understand

             avoid highlighting articles or conjunctions

4.  Look each of the highlighted words up in the thesaurus

5.  Write a synonym for each word directly above it

6.  Reread the poem with your new words making sure each word is appropriate

7.  After all words are found, rewrite your new poem on computer paper.

     hint: put the lined paper under the computer paper so you have a straight line to follow

             remember to separate each stanza