How Do You Write an Ode?

When it comes to writing poetry in a specific format, there can be a lot for students (and teachers!) to remember. Here’s what you need to know when teaching your students how to write an ode:

• Purpose – The purpose of an ode is to express thoughts and feelings about a topic.
• Structure – Odes can have several lines or several verses. 
• Language – Odes include imagery such as simile, metaphor and personification.
• Rhythm – Traditional odes have a distinct rhythm, based on the number of syllables in each line. Modern odes do not tend to follow these rules.
• Rhyme – Traditional odes have a distinct rhyming pattern. Modern odes do not necessarily need to rhyme.

An Ode Template for Elementary Students 

To make the process of writing an ode easier for your students, Teach Starter has created this set of four worksheets. Using these worksheets will set your students up for success by guiding them through the process of planning and writing an ode on a topic of their choice.

Here’s what you will discover inside this ode template pack:

1. Ode Overview – This page explains everything your students need to know about odes. It also includes an example ode about chocolate.
2. Ode Graphic Organizer – This page supports students in brainstorming topics and language features for their own ode. 
3. Ode Scaffolding Sheet – This page supports students in writing an ode by providing a labeled example structure for them to follow.
4. Ode Writing Sheet – This page has been included for students to produce a polished final copy of their ode.

Poetry can be tricky for beginners! By using this resource, your students will become familiar with the purpose, structure and language features of odes. They will be supported through the process of brainstorming and writing an ode on a topic of their choice through the use of a labeled scaffold, while also having the freedom to write about a topic they find interesting or inspiring.

Download to Teach How to Write an Ode

This resource downloads as an easy-print PDF or an editable Google Slides file. Use the Download button to access your preferred version of this resource. Please note that you will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides file before accessing it.

Brittany Collins, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator, contributed to this resource.

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