Yes, there are so many books to read and genres to celebrate that we have reason to wait until April to write poetry in full force. But poetry has such potential to move us, to call out our most effective words, and to encourage creativity it’s a shame to wait until Spring to celebrate it. It should happen all year long.
5 reasons it Should be Poetry YEAR
5. Everyone can write poetry.
It’s true that composing a sonnet is a bit tricky but a haiku, shape poem or blackout poetry is much easier to master. And when kids who think they have no talent as a writer publish their poems it’s a win for all.
Everyone can be a poet (not even going to put in the know it here, bet you already heard it in your head).
4. Poetry inspires art.
So many talented poets grace their poems with art. Kids can, too. Especially if we act as role models and bravely share our own work.
3. Poetry addresses every emotion and mood.
Having a great day? Write a happy poem. Wake on the wrong side of the bed? Or are you just a moody teen? Write a poem. Trying to flatter someone you admire? Poem. Want to skewer someone who wronged you? Limericks are often helpful. Any mood, poems.
I recently had a student write a poem about why she hated books and reading (she was annoyed with having to write anything). I congratulated her on her great word choice and asked if she’d like to share the poem with others. She was a little confused but agreed to finish it and print it out.
Poetry 1, Bad attitude 0.
2. Poetry encourages critical reading and careful word choice.
Students think haiku and acrostics are the easy way out when writing a poem. Fooled them. I’ve seen them dive into dictionaries and thesauruses, books and magazines looking for the “right” word to express a thought in the requisite number of syllables. See? Even worked on me. I hardly ever write words like requisite.
And the #1 reason we should be writing poems more often? Amazing thinkers write poems. Write some poems and you can be one, too.
I am going to make this a display goal next year…the faces of Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, TS Eliot and their poetry… we see the world through their eyes after reading their poems. I think I’ll throw Silverstein’s mug up there, too. Tell me you can look at a sidewalk that ends and not think of him.
Happy Poetry Month Year!
the big green bookshelf 