• Primary source document
• Highlighters or colored pencils
• Poem template or blank paper
• Sample found poems for modeling

Select a primary source with rich language. Create a sample found poem from a different text. Prepare poem templates with line spaces. Gather highlighters.

1. Introduce found poetry: Poems created using words from existing texts, rearranged into new form.
2. Show sample: A found poem from the Gettysburg Address, highlighting words used.
3. Today's source: Letter from a Civil War soldier.
4. First, read the entire document for understanding.
5. Second reading: Highlight or underline powerful words, phrases, or sentences that stand out.
6. Select 15-25 words/phrases from your highlights. These become your poem's raw material.
7. Arrange your selections into a poem. You may:
8. Change line breaks
9. Repeat words for emphasis
10. Rearrange order
11. Use ellipses (...) to show gaps
8. You may NOT add words that aren't in the original.
9. Write your final found poem, including a title.
10. Share in small groups. Discuss: What choices did you make and why?

Pre-highlight potential words for struggling students. Provide poem structure templates. For advanced students, require multiple stanzas with thematic unity.

Evaluate word selection for significance to theme. Check that poem conveys understanding of source. Assess creative arrangement and line breaks.