Deniz Özbeyli teaches English at Yaşar University, İzmir, Turkey. B.A. in English Linguistics; M.A. in ELT and PhD in History; M.A. in Human Resources Management and Development. Özbeyli finished the Advanced Language Proficiency Skills Course at Defense Language Institute in Texas and took Managerial Communications classes at Wayland University in the U.S.A. He is into many topics from ELT workshops to short story writing. He has more than 100 short stories, essays, and travel notes published in language, literature and art magazines. Email: deniz.ozbeyli@yasar.edu.tr

 

Writing and using poetry in ELT classes is not as complicated as some might believe. Contrarily, it is much easier to get production if you are motivated enough. Also, it brings more opportunities for your students to be able to use the language and play more freely among the words. Poetry adds positive vibes to your classes. Considering the fact that fun is a crucial component of all kinds of teaching, we can absolutely include poetry writing in our lessons. Beginner, pre-intermediate, intermediate and so on, all are different levels that we teach in Turkey. The levels form the teaching objectives in your syllabus and eventually shape the way we practice. Suppose you teach elementary level, repetitions, chain replacement drills, mechanical grammar and vocabulary exercises, short answers to the questions, using simple language all are parts of your life. That’s your professional life, however, there is also a fun side. After all, each level has its own features and dynamics. I ask my students to write short poems in my classes. They enjoy very much and I observe they learn a lot, too. For proofreading, and the mistakes they make, you can follow the same steps you follow in other writing activities. It even takes a shorter time and is easier to conduct. As a matter of fact, regarding the comparatively flexible nature of poetry, students usually feel themselves much better when they are engaged with words and try different combinations. This process helps them to focus on the precision of the meaning they want to convey to their readers. That’s the student side.  As an instructor, also you can and must write poems, too. It’s not a matter of talent. In addition to that, we don’t necessarily have to go after a competitive artistic concern. So, somehow, everyone can write poetry and I wrote these poems. While I was writing the poems, I wanted to reflect what an instructor may witness on different levels every day. Besides, I chose the grammatical structures and vocabulary levels accordingly. I also tried to add some humour to what I wrote. Consequently, the poems you are reading here came about.

 

HARDWORKING BEGINNERS

Is Miss Brown walking in the park?

Yes, she is.

Is she in the park?

Yes, she is.

Does she like the park?

Yes, she does.

What is she doing in the park?

Walking.

Is she running or walking in the park?

Walking.

Is he running in the park?

No, she isn’t.

Is that a park?

Yes, it is.

Where is Miss Brown walking?

In the park.

Who is walking in the park?

Miss Brown.

How does Miss Brown feel?

Happy.

Why is Miss Brown walking in the park?

Why!

Why, Why, Why, dear teacher

My, my, my, level is just beginner

When you overcome the difficulties

And then next level, please.

 

CURIOUS PRE-INTS

Why is Miss Brown walking in the park?

I think, it’s her right, after working so hard.

Is she walking happily there?

Seems to be happy, her mind, though, you can’t know where.

When is she walking in the park?

Difficult to guess, but I assume before it gets dark.

 

FOR FOUR SKILLS

Ah, dear all

That’s your role

For more input

As much as you could

Read and listen

Knowing that’s the right step to glisten

In the wonderful forest of language

Fill all the practice into your luggage

Please speak and write

To make your English bright

Writing more and more

Improves you surely for

Your future and the coming years

So, grab a coffee and say cheers.

 

UPS AND DOWNS

Time flies and levels change

So, stay in the range,

Or return to the previous

Rather, pass to the next please.

 

FABULOUSLY ADVANCED! YES, THEY HAVE

Should I utter a few words to add

That certainly makes the teacher glad

See all of those I’ve read

Now, I assume, all the objectives are met.