Reading Coaches Corner
April 2016
Poetry Picnics
Why not celebrate with a poetry picnic?
- Generate excitement by adding the poetry picnic to the class calendar and telling students about it. This will give them a purpose for reading and writing poetry.
- Throughout the month of April, introduce students to different types of poetry (haiku, acrostic, free verse, shape, list, etc.) through mentor poems.
- After students have been exposed to different poems, have each child select a type they would like to try writing.
- Students will write poems and select one to be added to the class poetry menu.
- Pick a place outside to spread towels and blankets for the picnic.
- Students will take turns sharing their poems so everyone will "get a taste" of different types of poetry.
Variations:
- Create a class book with one poem from each student. Make copies and have students read the books at the poetry picnic.
- Have an indoor picnic. Ask students to place their poem on their desk. Each child will select three to five poems from the poetry menu to read. They will circulate around the room and read the poems.
- See the links below for more ideas!
Resources
10 Ways to Use Poetry to Teach Reading and Writing Skills
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/10-ways-use-poetry-your-classroom
Different Ideas for Poetry Picnics (or poetry stations)
http://readingyear.blogspot.com/2011/04/poetry-picnic.html
Celebrate Poetry Month with Poem in Your Pocket on April 21
https://www.poets.org/national-poetry-month/poem-your-pocket-day
Mentor Texts
Firefly July
Bug Off! Creepy, Crawly Poems by Jane Yolen
These poems are the perfect way to integrate science and reading. Readers encounter 13 bugs in the playful poems and excellent photographs. The interesting facts, like many butterflies can taste food with their feet, are sure to engage and entertain readers of all ages!
Giant Children by Brod Bagert
A Poem in Your Pocket
Guyku
Vulture Verses: Love Poems for the Unloved
Poem in Your Pocket Day
Thursday, Apr 21, 2016, 08:00 AM
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Book Spine Poetry
Visit this website for great examples of book spine poetry!
Source: http://100scopenotes.com/2013/04/02/2013-book-spine-poem-gallery/Faith Sampat
Email: fasampat@henrico.k12.va.us
Location: 5600 Bethlehem Road, Richmond, VA, United States
Twitter: @faithjohnson5