Kenning Creation Capers

Worksheet Description

This worksheet invites students to compose a poem made entirely of kennings, which are two-word phrases that describe something metaphorically. The task is to select an animal and write a poem about it, with each line of the poem being a separate kenning that illustrates a characteristic or common action of the chosen animal. By focusing on this structured, creative task, students learn to think symbolically and craft language that is both descriptive and poetic. The worksheet offers an opportunity for students to engage with language in a concise yet creative manner, distilling complex descriptions into two-word poetic expressions.

The worksheet is designed to teach students about the literary device known as a kenning, which is often used to add richness and depth to poetic language. Students learn to create vivid imagery and metaphorical descriptions within the confines of a two-word phrase. The exercise enhances their ability to think creatively about the language while expanding their vocabulary and understanding of figurative language. Ultimately, this activity fosters an appreciation for the brevity and beauty of poetic expression and its power to convey complex ideas in just a few words.