Well, I am back to my ‘regular’ blog in which I write about teaching and learning and my life as a literacy coach. (For the month of March I blogged a Slice of Life each day for the Slice of Life Challenge) hosted by the TwoWritingTeachers blog)
Many of you may know that I really love poetry and I love sharing this passion with kids. This week a real highlight was working in several fifth grades and introducing them to the wonderful world of Found Poetry. (Some may think call it Black Out Poetry, but we aren’t blacking out the rest…) I told the kids, “Poetry is everywhere, sometimes you just have to find it. Today we are going to practice looking.”
I talked about finding words or phrases that appealed to them and lightly circling them…juicy words, fun words, interesting, or curious words. Then asked them to, “Think about those words and what images or ideas come to mind. How do the first and second words connect? Do they? Are there words in between that could help? Would be better? Go through your words and look for that emerging poem. When you have found it, box out those words so they pop! Then you can illustrate your poem if you wish or create a doodle to pull those words forward.”
Boy, did they find some poems! The range of emotions and themes blew me away. These were first time attempts! I cannot wait to see what they find the rest of this month.
One More Off My TBR Stack!
The Creativity Project edited by Colby Sharp
This book really IS awesometastic! Teacher, Colby Sharp invited some of the best writers of kidlit to submit creative prompts and then respond to the prompts of one another. The result is a collection of incredible short stories, poems, comics, illustrations, and CREATIVITY that will truly delight readers and inspire writers. In the second half of the book, authors submit creative prompts for readers to respond to with their own creative flair. I am a huge fan of these kidlit authors and loved it. Kept telling myself, “just one more” as I read in bed the last few nights. Ages 8-12ish
litcoachlady 