04/05/2024 / Education

April is National Poetry Month

"Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history" words to ponder from Plato. I remember as a kid only appreciating the humor in limericks or poetry that was funny. It wasn't until I began studying American literature in college that poetic writing and word choice began to ruminate in my mind. April is National Poetry month, and while I believe we should share poetry throughout the year, especially to our younger students, this is our time to ignite the love of words and the music of the heart that is found in poetry. There are so many good books to share and lessons that are offered for free to help instill the beauty of poetry. Take a look! 
The American Federation of Teachers, AFT, offers several great links to use such as Poetry Appreciation: Free Lesson Plans, Activities, and Resources, 80+ Poetry Quotes You'll Love Sharing With Students that also offers a "Free Poetry Worksheet Bundle perfect for National Poetry Month to download.

At Poets.org they offer "30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month in the Classroom"

Here are some titles that may be new to you and a few that have been loved for a while. I highly suggest checking these titles out for your enjoyment and your classroom:

Everything On It by Shel Silverstein.
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World by Susan Hood.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan

Patricia MacLachlan wrote the wonderful Sarah Plain and Tall series. 

Finally, a few years back I took a trip to the Emily Dickinson homestead which is a museum in Amherst, Massachusetts. It was an interesting peek into her life. On the website is a biography section that offers links that "introduces users to significant topics in Dickinson’s biography. Included here is information about the town where Dickinson lived, as well as essays about members of Dickinson’s family; important friends (including her dog Carlo); her impressive schooling; her loves of reading and of gardening; domestic life in the Dickinson household; Dickinson’s love life; her attitudes toward and experiences with religion, the Civil War, illness, and death; and her iconic white dress." 

Until next time, enjoy the beauty of poetry and remember kindness counts, pass it on! 

*Links provided are affiliate links to Amazon and I earn a very small commission of each sale. This does not increase your cost. 

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Kathleen Palmieri

Kathleen Palmieri is a National Board Certified Teacher, a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Learning Facilitator, and a fifth grade educator in upstate New York. She reviews professional texts and is an educator researcher and writer. As a writer with a passion for pedagogy, Kathleen's focus is on education practices, and strategies, as well as her own experiences as an educator. Educator well being is a priority, thus the name "Mindful Teaching Moments". Mindfulness along with knowledge is important. She has presented at math conferences, writing workshops, actively collaborates in literacy projects, and networks globally. 
KathleenPalmieri.com

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