Billy Collins
Lesson plans and teaching resources

Billy Collins
Biography and links to 6 poems, including audio files of Collins reading "Forgetfulness" and "Workshop."

Billy Collins Action Poetry
Animated poems, including "Budapest" and "Forgetfulness."

Billy Collins: Everyday moments, caught in time
In this TED talk, Collins shares five poems that have been made into cartoons and a sixth that parents and adolescents alike can enjoy. Length: 15:13.

Extended Metaphor
This lesson uses the poem "Cliché" to explore extended metaphor. Follow the link to the activity on the student handout.

"The Dead"
Billy Collins reads his poem, which has been illustrated by Juan Delcan.

"Forgetfulness"
Billy Collins reads his poem, which has been illustrated by Julian Grey.

Exploring Contrasts in "The Lanyard" by Billy Collins
This lesson plan includes an overview of the poem, link to a video, a handout, and related poems.

"The Lanyard" by Billy Collins
Video of Collins reading the poem, analysis, and teaching tips.

"Neither Snow"
Text of the poem.

Figurative Language in Poetry and Prose
This lesson uses Collins's "Neither Snow" and poetry by other poets to teach figurative language. Access requires MS-Word or compatible application.

Reading like a Tourist and other activities: Billy Collins in the AP Classroom
This unit plan starts with "Canada," "Scotland," "An Afternoon with Irish Cows," and "Budapest," and then moves to other poems. This 8-page document requires Adobe Reader or compatible application.

"Sonnet"
Text of the poem.