If you’ve never heard of KENNINGS, let me introduce you!
A kenning is a literary device in which TWO WORDS are used to describe or name something. A compound word or pair of words is used as a poetic substitution for a noun.
Here are some examples of KENNINGS:
- COUCH POTATO
- RUG RAT
- GAS GUZZLER
- BOOKWORM
- SKYSCRAPER
There is an interesting history behind them, but it’s even more interesting to me that people have continued to create and use them. We all love to come up with short metaphorical phrases that capture the attributes or activities of something or someone.
I’ve created a lesson that introduces this unique poetic structure in riddle form, intended for use with 2nd -4th graders, but it’s certainly adaptable for use with older students as well. I encourage you to view and/or download the entire lesson, which includes student handouts. It details an engaging way to introduce and present the slides. Preview the slides HERE and make a copy HERE.
DOWNLOAD the ENTIRE LESSON
This lesson will be included in a mini-unit I’m working on under the universal theme of STRUCTURES, which you can read about HERE and/or view the video below to learn more! It has an obvious connection to the S.C.A.M.P.E.R. thinking method applied to poetry, too, since kennings are SUBSTITUTIONS and invite students to imagine creative ways to describe something.
RESOURCES from other EDUCATORS
In my research, I discovered this fun poetry page featuring Ian Bland, also aimed at presenting this to primary students.
Chicago Poetry Center: We’re Not Kidding About Kenning Poetry – 3rd-5th graders write kenning poetry to describe themselves!
Poetry 4 Kids – How to write a Kenning poem
ENJOY!