Celebrating National Poetry Month
August 25th, 2008April is National Poetry Month, and it also happens to be the month in which we are slated to teach poetry. Coincidence? I’m not sure. But either way, we just got back from Spring Break this week, and I am looking ahead to a poetry unit with some trepidation. I think poetry can be fun, interesting, and intellectual at the same time; however, I don’t think I ever developed a proper appreciation for or understanding of poetry. Therefore, I am a bit apprehensive about how to approach the teaching of poetry in my classroom.
Up until now, I haven’t really taught anything that I feel so unsure of: I have a strong background in grammar, the writing process comes naturally to me, and literature is a passion of mine. Luckily, we are in the fourth quarter of school, and I feel comfortable enough with my students that I can discover a love of poetry right along with them. I know they will be open to any new ideas I try–even if some of them flop–and accepting of any mistakes I may make.
The year is definitely coming to an end quickly. The kids and teachers alike are becoming antsy, and the weather is warming up. I really can’t believe that my first year is almost over. Just wish me luck with poetry!
In honor of National Poetry Month, we’re pleased to recommend the following titles:
* Oops! by Alan Katz, illustrated by Edward Koren
* America at War: Poems Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Stephen Alcorn
* Twist: Yoga Poems by Janet S. Wong, illustrated by Julie Paschkis
* Poetry From A to Z: A Guide for Young Writers by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Cathy Bobak
For more school stories and teaching tips, consider these books:
* 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons from Teaching by Phillip Done
* You Have to Write by Janet S. Wong, illustrated by Teresa Flavin
* The Lost and Found Tooth by Louise Borden, illustrated by Adam Gustavson
* Doctor Ted by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre
* Alphabet by Matthew Van Fleet
* No Talking by Andrew Clements
* Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm
* Teacher Man: A Memoir by Frank McCourt
* A Class Apart: Prodigies, Pressure, and Passion Inside One of America’s Best High Schools by Alec Klein
* Before the Bell Rings: 180 Inspirations to Start a Teacher’s Day by Vicki Caruana