Please share!
This journey began with a post on a personal page, asking friends and family what they liked to read as kids. Almost no one responded with poetry.
And this caused me to reflect. I wouldn't list poetry as a favorite as a kid either.
But oddly, when I taught poetry, I usually thought the students I worked with had fantastic poetry. They did an elegant job of hitting on the soft spot of an emotion or being real about an experience. I've said this before - I think kids experience life in a more complete way than we learn to as adults. Somewhere along the line, we learn to be polite, politically correct and guarded in our speech. Kids feel very intensely about events, have bright feelings, and sometimes blurt out profound words.
I love to read. I love to experience other people's worlds and author's brains, in the form of their stories. I often tell people that I collect great storytellers.
And this caused me to reflect. I wouldn't list poetry as a favorite as a kid either.
But oddly, when I taught poetry, I usually thought the students I worked with had fantastic poetry. They did an elegant job of hitting on the soft spot of an emotion or being real about an experience. I've said this before - I think kids experience life in a more complete way than we learn to as adults. Somewhere along the line, we learn to be polite, politically correct and guarded in our speech. Kids feel very intensely about events, have bright feelings, and sometimes blurt out profound words.
I love to read. I love to experience other people's worlds and author's brains, in the form of their stories. I often tell people that I collect great storytellers.
When I read, I ask the question, "Is this the best version of this story that could be told?"
When I find a great storyteller, I will often devour all of that person's books. And, then I'll move on to another storyteller. But you know, poets should be included in this category.
While speaking with educational professionals around me and parents, everyone wants to make sure our kids are still reading and learning (and living) in the Summer. I also want kids to have fun with their reading, spark interest outside of their regular choices, and discuss what they're reading - big kids and little kids alike.
And so, Sunday Selections.
Every week, I will pick a new poem to post. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious - sometimes a poet usually reserved for adult reading. My challenge to you as a teacher or as a parent is to read the poem, reflect and respond. In the comments section - so that our kids can also see our reflections.
They can join in too. We can include our kids to do the same over the summer with these same poems. They will learn, they will read, it will be fun and we will learn too. We will converse, online!
And in case you're wondering, this is planned for kids who are finishing up 2nd grade, on up.
I will moderate the conversation, make sure it stays kid-safe and respectful. I will ask questions and I will share my own reflections on the poem, too. You will learn a lot about me!
Let's get started!
