Description
Teach your students all about sonnets through a focused and engaging analysis of William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 138. This lesson is designed to build both foundational knowledge and analytical confidence, making it a strong fit for any poetry or Shakespeare unit.
(1) Students begin with a PowerPoint lesson that clearly introduces the essential elements of sonnets. The presentation covers the definition and structure of a sonnet, the characteristics of Shakespearean, Petrarchan, Spenserian, and Miltonic sonnets, and key poetic concepts such as iambic pentameter, volta, two-part thematic structure, and rhyme scheme. A guided notes worksheet is included to help students follow along and organize their learning.
(2) Next, students apply this knowledge by completing a close analysis of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 138. They answer a mix of comprehension and literary analysis questions that encourage careful reading and interpretation of language, structure, and theme. An answer key is provided for easy review and assessment.
(3) Finally, students extend their learning through a creative writing task in which they write their own original Shakespearean sonnet. Clear directions and guidelines are included to support students as they apply poetic structure, meter, and rhyme in their own work.
Perfect for middle school and high school ELA, this sonnet lesson blends direct instruction, close reading, and creative writing to help students truly understand how sonnets work—and how to write one themselves.