All posts filed under: Poetry

What’s in your Pocket?

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Here’s hoping it’s a poem that pulls at you all day.  If you’ve not yet found one, take a moment, press pause, and sit with a poem before you rush off to life’s next very important calling. Here’s my pick: blessing the boats (at St. Mary’s) may the tide that is entering even now the lip of our understanding carry you out beyond the face of fear may you kiss the wind then turn from it certain that it will love your back       may you open your eyes to water water waving forever and may you in your innocence sail through this to that –Lucille Clifton, from quilting, poems 1987-1990 Find poems at The Poetry Foundation, The Writer’s Almanac

Great Poetry Books for Kids of All Ages

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  National Poetry Month As we are in the midst of National Poetry Month, many students are encountering poetry in the classroom and throughout their communities.  As a poet and literacy teacher, I am always on the lookout for great books of poetry as well as poetically written stories that encourage kids to explore and play with language.  Poetry is the perfect way to teach phonological awareness and word play is beneficial for all students, but especially those who are diagnosed with language learning disorders. Check out these resources at your local library or bookstore for use at home or in the classroom!  All of these books have been selected for their wonderful poetry and visual art.  Most can be used for teaching broad language skills such as phonological awareness and phonics.  I’ve included target grade levels for each. Great Poetry Books for Kids (Young & Old!) I have used this book of poetry for years in my teaching. It’s a delightful collection of all kinds of poems (including some great concrete & personification poems) organized by theme.  Meilo So’s …