Inspired by the lively Poetry Friday community in the blog world, this year I decided to bring that magic into my work as a Literacy Coach in a K-3 school.
Each Friday, I share a poem via email to our school community. Teachers can choose to share the poem on a screen or print it out so that children can illustrate it. To make it even better, the poem is read aloud each Friday during morning announcements!
The kick-off poem was “Circle of Sun” by Rebecca Kai Dotlich from the wonderful anthology HERE’S A LITTLE POEM. Last week it was Deborah Ruddell’s “The Cardinal.” The week before, Molly Lorenz’s poem about making friends with a new kid was a big hit– “Lunch” from the book What is a Friend? (edited by Janet Wong and Sylvia Vardell of Pomelo Books).
Weaving poetry into the school day is academically sound, and good for the heart and soul… Happy Poetry Friday, everyone!
On Fridays, I love taking part in Poetry Friday when I can, where writers share resources about children’s poetry. This week, poet Buffy Silverman hosts the Poetry Friday Roundup today at her blog. Check out the celebration of poetry there today!
Mary, how marvelous that you are bringing Poetry Friday to your school community! So simple really to share the poetry-love…Love the choices you’ve selected so far too.
Mary, it’s fabulous that you’ve found this simple way to spread poetry in your school community. A simple, repeated process can be so effective! Looking forward to seeing you at NCTE :>)
This is delightful news! So glad you’re working to make poetry part of your school’s norm. Thanks for sharing the inspiration, and happy Poetry Friday!
My kindergarten-teaching sister uses poetry every morning as part of their gathering routine. Such joy that you share yours across the school!
I love that you’re sharing Poetry Friday with all those kiddos! What a great way to make a school into a community of learners.
Beautiful choices and a wonderful thing that it’s shared with morning announcements, too, Mary! It’s Poetry Friday at your school!
Mary, what a wonderful way to start the day – poetry in morning announcements!
Three cheers for bringing more poetry into the lives of these teachers and children!!!
I’m so excited that you’ll be at NCTE! We can’t help but meeting…I’m sure we’ll be hanging out in the same poetry sessions!
It’s so wonderful you are bringing poetry to school! Great idea, Mary, and enjoy NCTE. You’ll have a great time and will be emersed in so many great books!
Mary, it is a wonderful practice to bring poetry to the whole school via morning announcements. I hope the teachers and students enjoy the treat you have for them. Have fun at NCTE. I am sorry that I am missing seeing all my friends.
I love the poems you chose, and congratulation on bringing poetry into your school!
What a delightful practice! And wonderful choices, too.