Poetry was always a part of every classroom I’ve taught in. It was integrated into lesson plans with students I tutored. I made sure it had a place in my students’ learning, regardless of their age or learning level. Once during independent reading time, a first grader approached me and said, “I’m reading this book. It takes place at a school, and in this chapter one kid wrote a poem. I wanted to read you the poem he wrote because I know you like poetry.” I do like poetry, but more so, I like sharing poetry with my students, and I was THRILLED that this kid had picked up on that.
Here’s why:
Poetry lends itself well to teaching students about rhythm and rhyme.
Poetry is a great way to introduce and work with figurative language and literary devices.
Poetry encourages self-expression while honing verbal skills. (You can read more here about why I especially love teaching cinquain writing.)
Poetry introduces students to a form of art and entertainment — slam poetry, anyone?
Poetry fosters social and emotional learning.
Poetry allows for flexibility, and students enjoy exploring the ways they can “break the rules.” When writing poetry, it is often perfectly acceptable to abandon certain writing conventions that are expected in written prose.
Unless we’re talking lengthy works like the Odyssey, poems can be used as snapshots of bigger stories, life events, or teaching points to introduce students to a myriad of topics.
With April being National Poetry Month, it is the perfect opportunity to expose students to various forms of poetry and different poets; to engage students creatively and challenge them as they create pieces of their own. At the end of the month (this year: April 30) it is Poem in Your Pocket Day. A few years ago I created this poetry craft activity so that students can cut out paper pockets and sized to fit paper to carry around their poetry and share with others. The finished product also makes an attractive bulletin board display (for when we’re back in the classroom).
How do you bring poetry into your young writers’ lives? I’d love to hear!