National Poetry Month, started in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, is now held every April. This is the month when all types of organizations celebrate the art of poetry. From libraries and schools to booksellers and publishers-all take this time to recognize the important place poetry has in American society.
How will you celebrate Poetry Month with your students??? There are options to accommodate all levels of integration. Do you want to read and study a poem a day? Do you want to research poets and particular poems? Do you want to participate in Poem in your Pocket Day? Celebrate National Poem In Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 14, 2011! The idea is so simple! Have students select their own poem...one that resonates with them somehow. On this day, students share their poems in whatever setting/and in whatever manner you think would be most impactful... with one another, with younger students, with parents...Below are some ideas on how share your pocket poems:
*Handwrite some favorite poems on sticky notes and post around your room...then walk the room.
*Start a street team to pass out poems in your community
*Distribute bookmarks with your favorite lines
*Post a poem on your social networking page
*Project a poem on a wall, inside or out
*Text a poem to friends
The site with great ideas and useful information relating to national Poetry Month is www.poets.org/npm
More resources from Stenhouse:
Celebrate poetry month with a poem a day from The Writer's Almanac. Delivered to your inbox every morning, this poetic missive is sure to inspire:
http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/
Use play to engage poetic minds with Magnetic Poetry online. Drag and drop words directly onto the virtual refrigerator! Students can choose from an assortment of kits from which to create and save:
http://kids.magpogames.com/playonline.cfm
The Poetry Experience is a handy 32-page flipchart that explores all aspects of poetry—from an overview of genres and techniques to top ten lists of favorite poems by grade range and genre. It will help you teach strategies for writing, reading, and responding:
http://www.stenhouse.com/8223.asp?r=n211
