The Poetry Pattern, an Example, and Opportunities for Guided Practice

This resource includes 37 pages of poetry activities. The vast majority of these are ready-to-use printables for 21 different kinds of poems. Each introduction worksheet includes a description of the poem, the poetry pattern, an example, and opportunities for guided practice. Most of the these also include a second page for more practice with the poetry form.

In addition, there is also a Poetry Project Choice Grid with six independent projects, a sheet of poetry reflection questions to use for discussions or as writing prompts, and two pages of ideas for extending the activities and sharing student work. Contents and Printing Guide POEM TYPE PAGE # POEM TYPE PAGE # Cinquain 4-5 Preposition Poem 28 Diamante 6-7 Alliteration Poem 29 Haiku 8-9 Repeat It Poem 30 Tanka 10-11 Alliteration Poem 31 Bio Poem 12-13 Me: Fact or Fiction Poem 32 5W Poem 14-15 Clerihew 33 Verb Poem 16-17 Limerick 34 Holiday Poem 18-19 Phone Number Poem 35 Pensee 20-21 Roll the Dice Poem 36 Acrostic Poem 22-23 Partner Poem 37 Quinzaine 24-25 Poetry Project Grid 38 Septet 26-27 Poem Reflection Questions 39 Poetry Unit Ideas 40 Thanks so for purchasing this product! Based on this purchase, very much here are some other products I think you might like:

Get Free Stuff! Remember that you Save can earn TpT credits a bundle by that can be used to purchasing get products for free in bundles! just by leaving feedback. You can leave feedback for this resource by clicking here. Copyright/Terms of Use: This resource was created by Rachel Lynee, copyright 2012-2016. It may be printed and photocopied by Font and Image Credits: the original purchaser for single classroom and personal use only and may not be put on the internet, used within a mobile app, sold, altered, or distributed in any form. If you would like to share it with your colleagues, please purchase mulple licenses from the product page on Teachers Pay Teachers. FishScraps Name Date

A cinquain is a structured, five-line poem. A cinquain does not rhyme You can write a cinquain just by following the pattern.

Pa t te rn : Example:

Line 1: A noun Wilbur Line 2: Two adjectives humble, radiant Line 3: Three "-ing" verbs playing, crying, hoping Line 4: A phrase Will always love Charlotte Line 5: Synonym for the first noun Pig

Follow the pattern to write a cinquin about a person.

Noun 2 adjectives , 3 -ing verbs , , Phrase Noun synonym

Now try a cinquain about an animal.

Noun 2 adjectives , 3 -ing verbs , , Phrase Noun synonym

Name Date

Write 3 more cinquains. Make a small illustration for each one. Remember to follow the pattern: A noun Cinquain Ideas Two adjectives ² a special place ² a character from a book Three "-ing" verbs ² A phrase something in nature ² an event ² your favorite food First noun synonym ² an object you use everyday

, ,

Name Date

A diamante is a structured poem with seven lines that form the shape of a diamond. A diamante compares two contrasting, or even opposite words.

Pa ttern: Example: son Line 1: Noun - opposite of Line 7 eager, innocent Line 2: Two adjectives that describe Line 1 Line 3: Three -ing verbs relating to Line 1 asking, learning, wondering Line 4: Four nouns; two about Line 1, two about Line 7 toys, games, glasses, books Line 5: Three -ing verbs relating to Line 7 answering, teaching knowing Line 6: Two adjectives that describe Line 7 patient, wise Line 7: Noun - opposite of Line 1 father

Now try writing Tip: write lines 1 and your own diamante. 7 first. Noun - opposite of last line

, Two adjectives that describe the first line

, , Three -ing verbs relating to the first line

, , , , Two nouns about the first line Two nouns about the last line

, , Three -ing verbs relating to the last line

, Two adjectives that describe the last line

Noun - opposite of first line

Name Date

Now try writing 2 more diamante poems. Remember to follow the pattern. Noun - opposite of the last line Two adjectives that describe the first line Three -ing verbs relating to the first line Four nouns; two about the first line, two about the last line Three -ing verbs relating to the last line Two adjectives that describe the last line Noun - opposite of the first line

, ,

, , ,

, ,

, , ,

, ,

Name Date

Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry. Haikus are three-lined, poems that follow a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Haikus are often about nature. Haikus do not rhyme.

Pattern: Example: Line 1: five syllables Look at you, small snail Line 2: seven syllables There with your house on your back Line 3: five syllables Forever alone

Write a nature Haiku. Do this activity outside if you can. If you cannot go outside, look out a window or imagine a place in nature. Before you write a haiku, it can be helpful to make a list of things that you see and hear in nature.

Now choose some things from your list to write about. Write two different haikus. Tip: If your haikus are too long, try getting rid of words like "a," "an," and, "the."

5 syllables 7 syllables 5 syllables

Name Date

Write four more haikus. Remember to follow the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Draw a simple sketch beside each of your haikus.

Name Date

Tanka is an ancient form of Japanese poetry. Tanka poems are similar to haikus, but they have five lines instead of three. Tanka poems are often about nature, love, or an event or occasion.

Pattern: Example: Line 1: five syllables The sun is shining Line 2: seven syllables There it is, the perfect spot Line 3: five syllables Unpack the basket Line 4: seven syllables Bread, cheese, a red, crisp apple Line 5: seven syllables What a Blissful afternoon

Choose an event to write a Tanka poem about. It can be a small event such as an afternoon with a friend or a trip to the park, or it can be a larger event such as a holiday or a party. Then write several words or phrases to describe your event.

My event

Describing words and phrases:

Use some of your words and phrases to write your poem.

5 syllables 7 syllables 5 syllables 7 syllables 7 syllables

Name Date

Write two more tanka poems. Illustrate your poems

Line 1: five syllables Line 2: seven syllables Remember that Tanka poems Line 3: five syllables are usually about an event, love, Line 4: seven syllables or something in nature. Line 5: seven syllables

Name Date

Bio poems are about a person. You can write a bio poem about yourself or someone else. Bio poems are ten lines long and follow a specific pattern. They do not rhyme.

Pattern: Example: Line 1: First name Lucy Line 2: Four adjectives Creative, Daring, Joyful, Kind Line 3: Son/Daughter of... Daughter of Adam and Rachel Line 4: Who loves.... Who loves drawing, dancing, and skating Line 5: Who fears.... Who fears boredom and the garbage disposal Line 6: Who needs.... Who needs her friends and her family Line 7: Who gives... Who gives warm hugs and frequent smiles Line 8: Who would like to see... Who would like to see a parade of bunnies Resident of Woodinvillel, Washington Line 9: Resident of.... Line 10: Last name Lynette

Now try writing your own bio poem. When you are writing your poem, try to think of two or three different things for the lines that start with the word, "Who."

First name

Four adjectives

Son/Daughter of...

Who loves....

Who fears....

Who needs....

Who gives...

Who would like to see...

Resident of....

Last name

Name Date

Write another bio poem. Remember to follow the pattern.

Line 1: First name Line 2: Four adjectives Bio Poem Ideas Line 3: Son/Daughter of... ² Yourself Line 4: Who loves.... ² Someone in your family Line 5: Who fears.... ² A friend Line 6: Who needs.... ² A fictional character Line 7: Who gives... ² Your teacher Line 8: Who would like to see... ² Someone famous Line 9: Resident of.... ² Your pet Line 10 Last name

Name Date

A 5W poem tells a story by answering five questions that all begin with W. The questions themselves do not appear in the poem and the poem does not rhyme.

Pattern: Example: Line 1: Who (or what) is the poem about? Little tree frog Line 2: What is he, she, or it doing? Sitting so still Line 3: When is this action taking place? In the morning light Line 4: Where does it take place? On a branch outside my window Line 5: Why does it take place? Waiting for your breakfast

Try writing a 5W poem about an animal. Who What When Where Why

Now try writing a 5W poem about a person that you know. Who What When Where Why

Write one more about a person a group of people or animals. Who What When Where Why

Name Date

Write 3 more 5W poems. Line 1: Who Line 2: What Remember to follow the pattern. Lin e 3: When Illustrate each of your poems. Line 4: Where Line 5: Why

Name Date

A verb poem is a quick and fun poem that describes action. Verb poems do not rhyme. To write a verb poem, think of an action. Then write six verbs that go with that action. It is okay if some or even all of your verbs are synonyms.

Pattern Examples: Line 1: 3 verbs Splash, dive, dunk Doze, snooze, sleep Line 2: 3 more verbs Float, glide, slosh Nap, rest, slumber Line 3: Sentence about the I am like a fish! When is bedtime? activity the verbs describe.

Now it's your turn. Start by making a list of things that you like to do. Then choose 4 to write about. You may want to use a thesaurus for your verbs.

List of things I like to do 3 verbs: , , 3 verbs: , ,

Sentence:

3 verbs: , , 3 verbs: , ,

Sentence:

3 verbs: , , 3 verbs: , ,

Sentence:

3 verbs: , , 3 verbs: , , Sentence:

Name Date

Write four more verb poems. You can use ideas from your list or try some from the list on this page. Remember to follow the pattern:

Line 1: 3 verbs Verb Line 2: 3 more verbs Poem Ideas Line 3: Sentence about the activity the verbs describe. walk run , , talk , , laugh cry eat study draw , , dance , , cook fly think plan , , fall bathe , , sweep sail fix break , , celebrate sing , , build destroy dream write Illustrate one of your poems win lose hide find give teach learn explore jump

Name Date

Example A holiday poem explores a holiday using all five senses. It is a pattern poem that does not rhyme. You can also use this form for an event or season.

Pa t te rn : Exa: mple: Line 1: Name of holiday Thanksgiving Line 2: Something you see Family 'round the table Line 3: Something you smell Pumpkin pie baking in the oven Line 4: Something you hear Everyone giving thanks Line 5: Something you taste Mountains of mashed potatoes Line 6: Something you touch Grandma gives me a hug Line 7: Name of holiday Thanksgiving

Write and illustrate your own holiday poem.

Name of holiday Something you see Something you smell Something you hear Something you taste Something you touch Name of holiday

Name Date

This time use the holiday pattern to write about a season. Illustrate your poem.

Line 1: Name of season Line 2: Something you see Line 3: Something you smell Line 4: Something you hear Line 5: Something you taste Line 6: Something you touch Line 7: Name of season

Name Date

A pensee poem is a five-line, structured poem that does not rhyme. Each line has a specific number of syllables.

Pattern: Example: Line 1: Subject (2 syllables) Kitten Line 2: Description (4 syllables) Soft and fluffy Line 3: Action (7 syllables) Meows until I pet her Line 4: Setting (8 syllables) There on my favorite pillow Line 5: Final thought (6 syllables) Purring with contentment

Write a pensee poem about an animal. Subject (2 syllables) Description (4 syllables) Action (7 syllables) Setting (8 syllables) Final thought (6 syllables) Now write one about one of your favorite kinds of food. Subject (2 syllables) Description (4 syllables) Action (7 syllables) Setting (8 syllables) Final thought (6 syllables) Write a pensee poem about your favorite time of year. Subject (2 syllables) Description (4 syllables) Action (7 syllables) Setting (8 syllables) Final thought (6 syllables)

Name Date

Write more Pensee Poems. Remember the pattern:

Pensee Po em Ideas: Line 1: Subject (2 syllables) ² a person Line 2: Description (4 syllables) ² a place ² an animal ² a food Line 3: Action (7 syllables) ² an event ² an object Line 4: Setting (8 syllables) ² a holiday ² an emotion Line 5: Final thought (6 syllables) ² a season ² something in nature

Name Date

In an acrostic poem, the subject of the poem is written in capital letters down the page. The letters of the word are then used for the first letter in each line.

Examples: Sun is shining Soft and nearly worn out Up in the sky Had them forever, it seems My ice cream Old, but well loved Melts, but I don't care Everyday I put them on Everyone is hot Sad to see them go Ready for a swim.

Try writing acrostic poems for these words: S W A N

L U N C H

F R I E N D

Name Date

Write two more acrostic poems. Remember to use capital letters when you write the subject down the page and to make sure each line starts with the correct letter.

Write your first acrostic about yourself of someone you know.

Write your second acrostic poem about anything you want.

Name Date

A quinzaine poem is a structured three-line poem that does not rhyme. In a quinzaine the last two lines are used to ask a question about the first line.

Pa ttern: Example:

Line 1: A sentence or phrase(7 syllables) Hot fudge sundae with sprinkles Line 2: First part of a question (5 syllables) Does it taste as good Line 3: Second part of question (3 syllables) as it looks?

Write a quinzaine poem about a fictional character. A sentence or phrase (7 syllables) First part of a question (5 syllables) Second part of question (3 syllables)

Write a quinzaine poem about an animal. A sentence or phrase (7 syllables) First part of a question (5 syllables) Second part of question (3 syllables)

Write a quinzaine poem about a place you have been. A sentence or phrase (7 syllables) First part of a question (5 syllables) Second part of question (3 syllables)

Write a quinzaine poem about a kind of food. A sentence or phrase (7 syllables) First part of a question (5 syllables) Second part of question (3 syllables)

Name Date

Write 5 more quinzaine poems. Line 1: A sentence or phrase (7 syllables) Remember to follow the Line 2: First part of a question (5 syllables) pattern. Line 3: Second part of question (3 syllables)

Name Date

A septet poem has seven lines with syllables that follow a pattern. A septet poem does not need to rhyme and can be about anything.

Pa t te rn : Line 1: three syllables Example: Apple pie Line 2: five syllables Hot from the oven Line 3: seven syllables Slice a big piece for me, please Line 4: nine syllables With a scoop of vanilla ice cream Line 5: seven syllables Fork in my hand, I'm ready... Line 6 five syllables I take the first bite Delicious! Line 7: three syllables

Try writing a septet poem about a person that you know.

3 syllables 5 syllables 7 syllables 9 syllables 7 syllables 5 syllables 3 syllables Now write one about an animal.

3 syllables 5 syllables 7 syllables 9 syllables 7 syllables 5 syllables 3 syllables

Name Date

Write two more septet poems. Remember to follow the pattern. Challenge: in one of your poems, make lines 3 and 5 rhyme.

Line 1: three syllables : Line 2: five syllables Septet Poem Ideas Line 3: seven syllables ² a person ² a place Line 4: nine syllables ² an animal ² a food Line 5: seven syllables ² an event ² an object Line 6 five syllables ² a holiday ² an emotion Line 7: three syllables ² a season ² something in nature

Name Date

In a preposition poem, each line begins with a preposition. Lines are usually short containing just two to four words. A preposition poem can be about anything and does not need to rhyme.

Here is an example: List of Prepositions: With snorkel and fins about by out Into the water above down outside Under the waves across during over Among the fish after except past Over there against for since Beside a rock along from through Toward me it swims among in toward Without fear around inside under at instead underneath But I swim away before into until Up to the surface behind like up Onto the dock below near upon Above the shark beneath of with Out of danger between off within Until next time beside on without

Write your own preposition poem. Make it at least 8 lines long. Illustrate your poem.

Name Date

Alliteration is when two or more words in a phrase begin with the same sound. In an alliteration poem, most of the words in each line begin with the same sound. You do not need to use the same sound for the whole poem, just for a single line, then you can use a new sound for the next line.

Here’s an example: Beach Gulls gliding gracefully Waves whooshing Seaweed and seashells on the sand Browned bodies on blankets Kids constructing castles That the waves will wash away But for now, the beach is beautiful

Name Date

Often a line or phrase is repeated several times in a poem. In a repeat it poem, the first part of each line is the same. These poems can be serious or funny. They can rhyme or not rhyme. You could also add a twist to the poem by not using the repeated phrase for the last line.

Here is an example: Never will I Repeat It Poem Ideas: I wonder why... Never will I, go to Mars I wish I could... Never will I, dine on cars Today I will... Never will I, pet a bear Now I know... Never will I, cut my hair My mother says... Never will I, touch the sky I'd like to see... Late at night... Never will I, learn to fly Everyone should... Never will I, serve goats tea When I grow up I'll... Never will I, ride a bee I love it when.... Never will I, ask the time A friend knows how to... Never will I, end this rhyme

Write one of your own

Name Date

This is a fun poem you write about yourself. It consists of 10 lines. The first and last lines are the words, "I am" plus your name. In the middle, write four true statements about yourself and four false statements. Mix them up to make the poem fun to read. Tips: ü Make some of your false statements believable so that it is hard to tell the true ones from the false ones. ü Try not to start all of your lines with "I."

Here is an example: I am Rachel Lynette. My favorite color is purple. I never wear stripes. I own nine cats. Tillamook Mudslide is my favorite kind of ice cream. I have been to the top of the Eifel Tower. I gave JK Rawlings the idea for Harry Potter. My family lived on a sailboat for a year. When I was little I ate bleach and nearly died. I am Rachel Lynette.

Try one of your own:

Name Date

A Clerihew is a short, humorous, rhyming poem about a person (or animal). The Clerihew was invented by writer Edmund Clerihew Bentley in the late 1800s when he was just 16 years old. A Clerihew has just four lines. The rhyming pattern is AABB (lines one and two rhyme and lines three and four rhyme). The only other rule is that the first line must contain the name of the person that the poem is about. H ere is are some examples: My brother Nate Wilbur the Pig Was Cleans his plate not very big But when there 's spinach to munch But when he went to the fair He skips out on lunch He won the prize there!

Write a Clerihew about a fictional character.

Now try one about a person that you know.

Write one more about anyone you want.

Name Date

A limerick is a five-line humorous poem, usually about a person. The rhyming pattern for a limerick is AABBA. Also, the first, second and fifth lines are about twice as long as the third and fourth lines. Limericks also often start with the words, "There once was..."

Here is an example: There once was a fine girl named Claire Who spent hours combing her hair

She combed it all night

Till it was just right But by then she was stuck to the chair. Try some of your own:

Name Date

Use your phone number to create a fun poem! You will write one line for each number in your seven-digit phone number. Each number tells you how many syllables will be in the line. If you have a "0" in your phone number you get to choose any number of syllables you want for that line.

Here is an example for the (5) Our team is losing phone number 555-4692. (5) It's my turn to bat (5) The pitch is too fast (4) Strike one for me (6) Oh, no another strike (9) We will lose the game if I strike out (2) Homerun!

Try one with your phone number. Write your number down page in the boxes. Then use the syllables to write your poem. Illustrate your poem.

Name Date

You will need a pair of dice to write this poem. For each line, roll both dice. The sum of the two numbers is the number of syllables that line must contain. Keep rolling until your poem is done.

Try one yourself. Draw the dots or write the numbers for your rolls in the dice Then add the two together to find the total number of syllables for the line. Use the top line to make a title for your poem.

Name Date

A partner poem is a poem you write with a friend. Start a partner poem by writing the first line of the poem. Then pass the paper to your partner. It is his or her job to write the next line, but here is the tricky part: your partner's line must rhyme with the line you just wrote. When you your partner is done, he or she passes it back to you and you write the third line. Then your partner has to make the fourth line rhyme with the line you just wrote. The rhyme pattern is: AABB. Tips: ü If you are Partner 1, make sure that the last word in each line you write is not too hard to rhyme with. You don't want to make partner 2's job too difficult. ü A good way to do this activity is for both partners to start a poem at the same time. You will be Partner 1 on your own paper and Partner 2 on your partner's paper. Then you can trade papers at the same time.

Partner 1: Partner 2:

(1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2)

Choose one of these projects to complete at home.

Poetry PowerPoint Themed Collection Presentation Choose a broad topic such as animals Create a PowerPoint presentation or food. Then write at least eight with at least ten slides. Your different poems about your topic using presentation should feature a longish different poetry styles. At least one poem broken up by sections or lines of your poems must rhyme and at with animated text and images. You least two of your poems must be over may use a poem you wrote or one ten lines or longer. from a known author.

Poetry Reflection Journal Collect at least eight poems that you like. For each poem, copy it into your Poetry Picture Book Write a long, rhyming poem (at least journal, create an appropriate 30 lines) that tells a simple story. Use illustration and write a personal the poem to create a children's picture reflection about each poem. Your book with a colorful cover, illustrations reflection should be at least a and an About the Author page. paragraph long and should include your thoughts and feelings about the poem.

Poet Biography Poetry Greeting Cards Research one of your favorite poets Greeting cards often contain poems - both rhyming and not rhyming. and write a biography report about Create at least six greeting cards for his or her life. Your biography should different occasions (birthday, thank be at least 2 pages long and should you, new baby etc.) with a special include an illustration of the author poem on each one. At least one of and at least one of his or her most your poems must rhyme. Be sure to well known poems. include an illustration for each card.

Name Due Date Parent Signature

These questions can be used for personal reflection, with a group for discussion or as writing prompts.

1. How did this poem make you feel? What words or phrases in the poem made you feel this way? 2. What figures of speech (such as simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, alliteration etc.) did the author use. Did they enhance the poem? 3. What is the rhyming pattern of the poem? 4. What was your favorite part of this poem? Why?

5. What are four adjectives you would use to describe this poem? 6. Why do you think the author wrote this poem? 7. What message do you think the author was trying to convey in this poem? 8. Did this poem remind you of something from your life? What was it? 9. Did this poem remind you of a person you know or a fictional character? Who was it? 10. Were there any parts you found confusing or did not understand? What were they? What could you do to figure those parts out?

11. Do you think this poem was well written? Why or why not?

12. Is this poem similar to another poem you have read? How?

13. Who do you think would enjoy this poem? Why?

14. If you were to read this poem again in twenty years, do you think you would enjoy it?

15. Is this poem more funny or serious? Why do you think so?

16. What questions do you have about this poem?

Here are some tips and for teaching poetry, activities, and ideas for sharing student work (some of these are on the Poetry Project Choice Grid)

• Before you begin a poetry unit you may want to make sure your students are familiar with alliteration, onomatopoeia, simile, metaphor, personification, and other types of figurative language. Fluency with a thesaurus is also a good skill to have. You may also want to use rhyming dictionaries (ideally online) • You could extend any of these poem patterns by having students choose their favorite poems to copy onto nice paper and illustrate. Water colors are particularly nice with many poem types. For Haiku, consider painting in the Japanese style of black/gray watercolor lines. You could also have students research how to write the subject of their Haiku with Japanese characters. • Have students keep poetry journals. One way to do this is to have students choose their favorite poems from the poetry pattern worksheets to copy into their journals. Another approach is to have students write the poem and then write about it - where the idea came from, emotions it inspires, whether it was easy or difficult to write etc. • Publish and anthology of your class's work. It could be as simple as copying pages and binding them yourself or you could do a fund raiser (a poetry reading, perhaps?) and use one of the many self-publishing options available. Be sure to put a copy in your class library.

• Create a class poetry blog, or use a page from your classroom blog just for student poems. Older students could post their own poems, along with an image. Encourage students to comment on each other's posts.

• Consider creating a permanent poetry bulletin board in your classroom. Every few weeks change the type of poem you display. You could also include information about that poetry form, and possibly some famous works. • Many of these poem patterns would make nice cards for holidays - Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas etc. • Consider holding monthly class poetry slams so that students can share their work. You could do it with just your class, invite another class as an audience or invite parents. • Another option is to do a more formal poetry reading at the end of your poetry unit (possibly with refreshments, a program, and students dressed in nice clothes). Each student could choose a favorite poem to share.

• The partner writing approach could be used with many of these poems patterns. Have each partner write a line, then switch papers for the next line until the poems are done.

Poetry Unit Ideas Page 2

• Another variation is to have everyone in the class start the same type of poem, then pass papers in one direction for the next line. Keep passing in the same direction for each line until the poems are done. Then return the papers to the student who wrote the first line to see how the poem evolved. Make sure to leave some time for sharing - these are always amusing!

• Choose a subject such as a holiday, or something you are studying like an animal or country and have each student write a poem about it using whatever pattern he or she chooses. These could be nice on a bulletin board.

• Students can also do this individually. Have each student choose a broad topic and then write several poems (4-10 depending on grade level) using different poetry styles about that topic. These could be bound into a book.

• Be sure to read as well as write poems. Some ideas for reading poems:

o Keep your classroom library well stocked! In addition to kid favorites like Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky, also include anthologies and picture books that have been written in verse. Collections of poems written by students from past years is also a fun idea. o Hold poetry circles in a similar way you would hold a literature circle. Or use it as a time for students to share favorite poems in small groups. o Have students memorize poems to recite. Here is a great list: http://www.alysion.org/memorablepoems.htm o Reciting poems as a group is fun too. Different individuals or parts of the group say different lines. Great for a performance. o Create a class poetry scrapbook where students can print out and glue favorite poems. o Have students do poet reports. They can write a formal report on a poet and then do a presentation that includes one or more of the poet's poems. o Post a poem of the day (or week). Or for older students, have each student take a turn choosing a poem of the day and presenting it to the class along with a little information about the poet (a little like Garrison Keillor's Writer's Almanac). o Remember to celebrate National Poem in your Pocket Day on April 14 (Right in the middle of the National Poetry Month). Encourage students to carry and share their poems. Make it a school wide event by offering freebies/ prizes for kids who bring poems and by having poem reading events.

• And finally, the poem Invitation by Shel Silverstein is a nice one to blow up on the copier and put on the front door of your classroom.