29/365: Poetry awakening...

I know I have said that I am not a poet, but lately I have been thinking about poetry a lot. It is as if poetry has been in the air since I woke up this morning to birds and snowflakes out my window. I even have the idea for one rolling around in mind!   It is kind of the time of year for poetry in my classroom, too.  Last year at about this time, I read a book by Lucy Calkins (she rocks!) and attempted to teach my first graders how to write some poems. One of my boys surprised me with what he could do!  I loved seeing his very scientific interests turned into poems. He is still writing poetry in second grade, I was happy to hear from his teacher.  At that time I was recommended another book: Awakening the Heart by Georgia Heard, which is written in the same spirit as Lucy's book.  I didn't have the patience to read it just then, but I skimmed through a borrowed copy knowing I needed to own that one for myself-- so when a student so generously gave me a gift card to a book store, I ordered it and I just started reading it this weekend.

It is great-- just what I was looking for on how to teach poetry.  She takes a very organic, not forced, approach to setting up the classroom environment for poetry writing and for inviting children to explore their hearts for poems and to look around their world for things that inspire... it is all about ambiance and creativity, two things I aspire to find.  I count myself very lucky to have found this book and others by Georgia and I am looking forward to getting started creating some poetry in my room! 

Here is another book, also by Georgia Heard, with Jennifer Mc Donough.  It was given to me by a wonderful co-worker who must have some insights into my soul!  This book has helped set me along this poem lined path:

I call it my Wonder Book, and I keep it close by me just for company while I'm working, it is tabbed and getting worn, but that makes me love it more!

Also, I am excited and look forward to receiveing another Georgia Heard endeavor:

In this one she collaborated with the wonderful Lester Laminack--look him up--or check for a future blog!  I was thrilled to be able to order it just last week and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival!  It has a big book for the kids and two books for teachers!  I can't wait!!