Poetry is for 4th graders... #sol15
We have been studying all things poetry in my classroom recently. It is always a fun unit of study for me. I like to start the unit with Tanny McGregor's lessons from Genre Connections which suggest introducing poetry with a concrete object like a glass jar. The students learn that the jar is a place for holding things, like their thoughts and feelings. This year, we decided to give them examples of various forms of poetry with space on the page for the students to use to create. Having that model right in front of them has been a tremendous benefit for my students. Before setting them free to create, we look at mentor texts with great examples, pour through poetry books seeking out examples and identifying what makes it fit into one form or another. Our literacy block is filled with rich conversation about rhyme and stanzas, about word choice and structure, and most importantly about how they would choose to attack each form of poetry. Finally, they are ready. Coming up with ideas is never a problem for poetry (unlike their "prompt writing"). The most amazing part for me is when my students grasp the idea that poetry is a place where they are encouraged to express themselves in a way that is much more free than other genres of writing. Sometimes children crack themselves up with their own words, while other times the power of the writing brings them to tears. Often they want to share their poems with their peers, but there is always one young poet who asks for only me to read their tender words on the page. I always feel honored to be the one with whom they choose to share those deep thoughts and feelings.
My students' love of poetry is such a contradiction to my own feelings. I love reading the beautiful words and carefully crafted text, but I am scared to death at the thought of writing it myself. I think I have too many years under my belt to approach it with the same wild abandon that I see when my students give it a try. What happened? When did I become so guarded and worried about how my words would be received? I am so thankful for this blog opportunity. It is already giving me more confidence in my ability to write. Who knows, maybe someday I will jump in with my students and give it a try...maybe.
Sincerely,
Tara Reed
Oh Tara - I hope you remove the maybe and just dive in! You are the mentor text!
ReplyDeleteYou can model the courage, vulnerability, and authenticity that writing requires, better than anyone your students will encounter. The more you write, the greater your confidence will grow.
Tara Reed,
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing! Let go and dive! I am sure what will happen will be fantastic and inspiring to that one kid who still isn't sure!
Greg is right Tara, you are the mentor text! I've never considered how our own writing could serve as a model for students. Sometimes I think they teach us more about risk, bravery, and vulnerability than we teach them. Thanks for reminding me about the power of the reading and writing connection. Perhaps we will write a little poetry next week!
ReplyDeleteGo for it!!
ReplyDeleteAh, the freedom of youth! Throw out your inhibitions, they are nine and ten, they don't care if it perfect.
ReplyDeleteI love the honesty of your words Tara. You are not alone. Poetry is daunting for many teachers, but the world needs its poets to each play a part, so continue to be brave and demonstrate to your students that you are a risk taker; a brave and bold poet. More power to you as you strive to overcome your poetic inhibitions.
ReplyDeleteI love the honesty of your words Tara. You are not alone. Poetry is daunting for many teachers, but the world needs its poets to each play a part, so continue to be brave and demonstrate to your students that you are a risk taker; a brave and bold poet. More power to you as you strive to overcome your poetic inhibitions.
ReplyDelete