Using Ghostbusters Characters to Teach Poetry
Grade Level: 6th–9th
Time Needed: 1 class period (approx. 60 minutes)
Subject: English Language Arts / Creative Writing
Objectives:
Identify and understand key poetic devices: metaphor, simile, alliteration, imagery, and onomatopoeia. Analyze character traits through a poetic lens. Write and perform original poetry using pop culture references. Build confidence in creative expression.
Materials Needed:
Printed character sheets or photos (Peter, Ray, Egon, Winston, Slimer, Gozer) Lined paper or poetry journals Markers, pencils, and highlighters Optional: toy microphone, flashlight, or Ghostbusters theme song (Optional) Copies of the Poetic Devices Mini Guide [provided below]
Lesson Procedure:
1. Hook: Ghostbusters Intro (10 minutes)
Play the Ghostbusters theme song. Brief discussion: “Who are the Ghostbusters? What makes each character unique?” Ask: “What kind of ghosts might show up in a poem?”
2. Teach Poetic Devices (15 minutes)
Use Ghostbusters-inspired examples:
Device
Example
Metaphor
Slimer is a floating bucket of green jelly with an appetite unchained.
Simile
The ghost floated like fog over a forgotten grave.
Alliteration
Peter pesters poltergeists with proton packs.
Onomatopoeia
Zap! Fwoosh! Boo!
Imagery
The ectoplasm glowed like toxic honey under blacklight.
Hand out the Poetic Devices Mini Guide for reference.
3. Writing Activity (30 minutes)
Prompt: Choose a Ghostbusters character or ghost. Write a poem from their perspective or about their experience. Use at least 3 poetic devices.
Student Poem Example (Egon Spengler):
In data and diagrams I trust,
Not ectoplasmic fear or lust.
But when the air turns cold and dim,
I face the ghost with a steady limb.
Let students brainstorm and draft.
4. Poetry Jam (15 minutes)
Students read their poems aloud. Optional: Read in-character using props or music. Applaud creativity, highlight poetic devices used well.
Assessment:
Informal: Participation in discussion and poetry reading Formal: Completion of a poem using at least 3 poetic devices
Optional Rubric:
Criteria
Excellent
Good
Needs Work
Use of poetic devices
Creativity
Clarity & voice
Participation
Poetic Devices Mini Guide (for printing)
Metaphor: A direct comparison (e.g., The ghost is a whisper in the wind.)
Simile: Comparison using “like” or “as” (e.g., It flew like a plastic bag in a storm.)
Alliteration: Repeating initial consonants (e.g., Ghouls giggle grimly.)
Onomatopoeia: Words that sound like their meaning (e.g., Bam! Clink! Woosh!)
Imagery: Descriptive language appealing to the senses (e.g., The room smelled like burnt wires and fear.)