Middle schoolers discover what a quatrain is, and are taught the three poetic devices: alliteration, hyperbole, and onomatopoeia. Everyone chooses a favorite hobby or activity, then attempts to write a poem about it. They must write two quatrains, and use two of the three poetic devices in their poem. Everyone reads their poems aloud to the whole class. This would be a good beginning-of-the-year lesson plan to employ as a way for the kids to get to know each other.