English 10-2

Isherwood

October Sky Film Study

Tanka Poetry Assignment
Name:____________

Due Date:___________

Tanka poems are written about nature, seasons, love, sadness and other strong
emotions. This form of poetry dates back almost 1200 years ago.
Instructions: Put yourself in Homer Hickams shoes after Part 1 of October Sky.
Focusing on the strong emotions he is feeling, write a Tanka poem from his point
of view.

Remember to:
Use active verbs to create vivid imagery
Use at least two types of figurative language (simile, metaphor,
personification etc)
Use specific and descriptive words
Follow the format provided
Give your poem a creative and appropriate title

Format:
Snowy Morning
Line one - 5 syllables
Line two - 7 syllables
Line three - 5 syllable
Line four - 7
syllables
Line five - 7 syllables

Beautiful mountains
Rivers with cold, cold water.
White cold snow on rocks
Trees over the place with frost
White sparkly snow everywhere.

If you need assistance, please ask! Good luck, and happy writing!
Tanka Rubric

Adapted from http://www.edu.pe.ca/stjean/playing%20with%20poetry/Hennessey/how_to_write_a_tanka_poem.htm

English 10-2

Isherwood

http://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?code=C66W58&sp=yes&

Total: _____/15

Percentage: _____%

Comments:

Adapted from http://www.edu.pe.ca/stjean/playing%20with%20poetry/Hennessey/how_to_write_a_tanka_poem.htm