Students are introduced to the term alliteration and asked to create their own examples of alliteration as well as find examples of alliteration in poems. When students understand the concept of alliteration, they are given a handout that explains the assignment of writing a headline poem. The assignment requires each student to create a headline poem using words that they have cut out from magazines and/or newspapers. The poem must contain at least 25 words, be written in complete sentences with correct punctuation, stick to one central theme, and contain at least three clear examples of alliteration.

This strategy guide is aimed at helping primary teachers understand the criteria for choosing complex text to use in their classroom. It identifies and explains the components of text complexity and includes a video for teachers to observe a first grade teacher thinking through the process.

Having explored how Robert Hayden uses consonance, assonance, and alliteration to illustrate a complex relationship between a father and a son in "Those Winter Sundays," students engage in a variety of vocal activities and performance techniques based on word sounds. Students then prepare a recitation of the poem for small group performances and compare their interpretative choices as part of the reflection process.