Quick Literacy Tip: A Poem for Snack, A Poem for Lunch

Please share!

​A few weeks ago, I wrote a reflection on how I felt about poetry. In it, I intimated that I don't always love poetry. In fact, most of the time it's a genre I have to force myself into. And, I'm finding in my own teaching career, in training teachers and conversations with parents, most people are a little more intimidated by poetry than any other genre. So, at least I'm not alone.

But. 

Once I get into some poetry, I do really like it. Not all of it - you have to find the right kind of poetry. Right now I'm reading Booked, which is an entire story told in verse (a follow-up on Newbery award winner The Crossover). I do like whole stories in verse. So, I'm trying to seek more of them out.

Also, I don't want my daughter (or my students previously) to be scared of poetry. I want her to jump right in. In fact, I usually found kids were really good at writing poetry, partially because I think they are better at experiencing life. They feel highs and lows and intense things. 

So, I thought about how to incorporate poetry more regularly. I used to do one poem per week with kids. I didn't always teach it, but I'd put one up on part of the board and leave it there all week. Sometimes we talked about it, sometimes we didn't. I only put up poems I was willing to talk about. 

Here's the super simple tip and I'm going to do it, right along with you.
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On an index card, or in a notecard, or just a printed sheet of paper...

Put a poem in your kid's snack bag. Lunch bag. Backpack. 

Once per week.
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You can even write them ahead. In fact, I would. Try for writing 5 poems and notes at a time. That way, you're prepared and can just slip it in when the mood strikes.
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For very little kids (Toddler-When they can read on their own)

You can do this for kids who can't read on their own. It is really sweet, actually. Don't tell them that you are including a note, just do it. It's a secret surprise.

Imagine this. They open their snack bag or lunch or backpack and find a note from you. They know they can't read it on their own, but they do know an adult in the room who can. They trot up to that adult, note in hand, brimming with excitement. And they should be excited! They got a super secret note.

The adult in the room reads the poem and note to your kid. Your kid is super excited. The rest of the day. So is that adult who did the reading for you. You made two people's day better (and probably your own!). Parent and literacy win! 

Here are a couple books that I'd recommend you pull poems from:

​Elementary Age Kids

These guys can read on their own. They will read their super secret note to themselves. They might share with a friend. They might share with a lunchroom staff person or their own teacher. They might not, but I guarantee you, you made your kid's day better. You cared and took the time to write a note.

You might use these poems to say something you need helpful language for, you might include them for whimsy, or to help your parenting day. You might just include a poem and a note for fun! 

Here are a couple books that I'd recommend you pull poems from: 

​Middle School and High Schoolers

This is a good way to keep up a relationship even when you feel like you're not talking to your kids as much as you want to. They might not even acknowledge that they got the poem and note from you. They will likely think you're weird. Do it anyway. They will remember it. And do it, especially when things are rough. It's another way to connect.

Here are a couple poetry books I'd recommend you pull poems from (and sometimes going back to really little kid ones can be fun and appropriate with your kid here, too):

An example you might include, after not having gone grocery shopping, or eaten the last of something:

This Is Just To Say
William Carlos Williams, 1934

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
​and so cold

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​Enjoy!