Every year in April, we celebrate National Poetry Month. Launched in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month has become the largest literary celebration in the world. Each year worldwide, schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets commemorate poetry’s vital place in our nation.
Use poetry to encourage readers, especially struggling readers. Poetry reading is fun; however most struggling readers do not conceive reading as an enjoyable activity. Poetry offers unique opportunities to hook developing readers and to help build their self-confidence. Like music and art, poems touch our emotions. Short poems, repetitive poems, humorous poems, and poem about animals will catch the attentions of most children.
One specific activity I enjoy with my students is Poem in Your Pocket Day. The idea is quite simple. Write or select a poem and place it in your pocket. At my school, I along with other staff members belong to “The Poetry Patrol Division.” If we stop a student and they take out their poem and read it, the child receives a treat. Children love it and I do too! Of course, I keep my poem in my pocket, as well. Poet.org provides a host of additional celebratory activities.
This year, Poem in Your Pocket Day is April 27, 2017. However, any day this month will suffice. Due to testing in my school district, my school will celebrate tomorrow. It is going to be a fun day!
Book Recommendations: Pocket Poems and More Pocket Poems by Bobbi Katz
Thanks for stopping by and I invite you to join me again as I continue to explore literacy topics and issues affecting children.
Vanessa Fortenberry,
Teacher-Librarian
M.Ed., Media
Ed.S., Media
Reading Endorsement
