Grade 5 Poetry Rubric Description This rubric is designed to assess Grade 5 students’ poetry writing skills across four key areas: creativity and originality; use of poetic devices; structure and organization; and language and word choice. Each category is evaluated on a scale from emerging to exemplary; providing clear expectations for student performance. In the creativity and originality category; students are assessed on their ability to express unique ideas and emotions in their poems. Strong performance in this area demonstrates imaginative thinking and personal voice; which are essential for developing confident writers. The use of poetic devices evaluates students’ application of techniques such as similes; metaphors; alliteration; and rhyme. Mastery of these elements enhances their ability to craft engaging and expressive poetry. Structure and organization focus on the poem’s flow; line breaks; and overall coherence. Well-structured poems show an understanding of how form supports meaning; helping students refine their compositional skills. Language and word choice assess the precision and effectiveness of vocabulary; encouraging students to select words that create vivid imagery and emotional impact. This rubric supports student learning by providing specific feedback; allowing them to identify strengths and areas for growth. Teachers can use it to guide instruction; ensuring lessons target key poetic skills. By aligning expectations with developmental standards; the rubric fosters both creativity and technical proficiency; preparing students for more advanced writing tasks in later grades. Clear criteria promote self-assessment; helping students take ownership of their progress as poets.
