Poetry is a difficult concept to define because it has many meanings dependent on its style. If poetry is to be defined in loose terms, it is usually short pieces of creative writing that uses language to communicate and express an idea or experience.
Poetry is colorful language that allows the writer to express herself freely and for the readers to make their own interpretations on the language used. Poetry lets the mind rest as the emotions try to understand the content.
National Poetry Month
National Poetry Month is celebrated every April to highlight this grand style of writing but the organizers encourage teachers to incorporate it throughout the school year. Exposure to poetry is a great gift for students.
National Poetry Month was initiated to engage students, teachers, and the general public to the beauty of reading poetry. Poetry styles are vast from funny limericks to serious free verse to highlight an experience.
Poetry in the Classroom
Poetry is a wonderful tool to assist students in reading, writing, and speaking. Poetry is short and can be read in a few minutes. As well, it can be connected to math, music, and art curriculum. Poetry can be created by individuals who struggle with writing because there are specific guidelines that students must follow. Often the student can be given a skeleton structure of a poetry style and add their words to create a poem.
Poetry can easily be implemented into the class, when there are only a few minutes of free time. Poems can be used for bell work or to introduce a new theme in social studies, science, or math. Read a poem about the heart for an introduction to Valentine’s Day or to learn about its function in the human body.
Poetry Resources for Teachers
NPO offers free poetry lessons and teaching tips to assist teachers to bring poetry into the classroom. As well, they have a teacher forum, for teachers to share ideas and ask questions about poetry. National Poetry Organization provides free posters in North America, simply fill out the form and they will send it directly to your home or school.
Poem in your Pocket Day
On April 17th in New York City, places around the city share their favorite poem with an audience of family, friends, co workers, and strangers. Poem in Your Pocket is for all to share a favorite poem within their circle, even the mayor of New York City shares his with the residents on the radio. Poem in Your Pocket Day can be celebrated any where in the world and NPO has avenues to assist you with setting it up in your local community.
Poem Directory
The National Poetry Organization has over 2500+ poems to offer. They have graciously organized them for easier selection. As well, the local library, bookstores and the World Wide Web have great resources for poetry.
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