Origami & Poetry ~ Perfect Partners!

It's Poetry Friday!  Celebrate with me!  Today's round-up is being hosted by Elizabeth Steinglass.  Visit her blog, Growing Wild to link to many wonderful Poetry Friday posts!

One of my favorite poets is Kristine O'Connell George.  Her many poems seem to celebrate the simple joys of childhood.  Two of those joyful simplicities are playfulness and possessing an  imagination.  I adore her book, Fold Me a Poem.  It is a lovely collection of poems about animals created by Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.  One of my favorite "Poetry Breaks!" is accompanied by a quick demonstration on how to fold an Origami dog.  I begin with a brief explanation of Origami, followed by the reading of a few poems from Fold Me a Poem.  Displaying the bright, bold, and beautiful illustrations that Lauren Stringer created to accompany George's poetry is always intriguing for students and it helps those who are unfamiliar with Origami, to get a better understanding of it. 

I also booktalk and introduce George's adorable Little Dog Poems and Little Dog and Duncan books ~ two sublime books of poetry for dog-lovers!

Be sure to check out all of the great Origami resources and links on Kristine O'Connell George's website!

Click here for directions on how to fold an Origami dog. 

Below are some photos of my "Poetry Break!" that pairs George's poetry with the folding of an Origami dog.

Poetry and Origami inspired one of my students ~ the day following my "Poetry Break!" she brought a little Origami book from her own collection.  It was about folding pets.  She showed me the various animals that her book demonstrated how to create and declared, that we needed to fold a cat and that, "now I need to learn a poem about cats!"

A Tribute to Caroline Feller Bauer

 Today's Poetry Friday Round-Up is being hosted by Laura Purdie Salas at Writing the World for Kids.  I can't wait to visit and indulge in all of the poetry treats that she has gathered!

Remembering Caroline Feller Bauer

Last week I discovered that my "Poetry Break!" mentor,  Caroline Feller Bauer passed away. 
I first had the great pleasure of seeing her present a full-day literacy workshop.  I was totally enthralled with EVERYTHING that she shared - storytelling, poetry, songs, puppets, props, and endless ideas for bringing books and reading to life!  I saw Dr. Bauer's dynamic presentation a second time, devoured her books, wrote letters to her (she responded to each of my letters!), and began to try MANY of her literacy-loving ideas! 

Over the years I have continuously referred to Dr. Bauer's jammed-packed resources.  I lovingly read and reread her books over and over again. 

Click here to read School Library Journal's tribute to Bauer. 

Here is one of my first posts where I share a video clip that features one of my favorite poetry resources, Bauer's Poetry Break Book!

I have never publicly shared a poem but in honor of my "Poetry Break!" inspiration, idol, role model, and friend (through reading her words I feel as if she is a close, personal friend), I decided to share a simple, little haiku poem that I have written. 

In memory of Caroline Feller Bauer . . .

always searching for

the perfect poem to share

it's "Poetry Break!"

Thank you Caroline . . . your legacy will live on.

Poem in Your Pocket Day Celebration

Today's Poetry Friday Round Up is being hosted by Irene Latham at Live Your Poem.  Make sure you visit her blog to find out about the poetry treasures that she is sharing 

I celebrated Poem in Your Pocket Day at my school with many students and staff.  I began by creating a display of poetry books with a Poem in Your Pocket bulletin board (when we returned from spring break).  Later I added a "Poet~Tree" bulletin board (a bulletin board tree display that features many poets' pictures on leaves).  Of course, I haven't yet thought to take a picture of it!  I do plan to do so and post it soon, though!

Next, I began telling students and teachers about the celebration (I also celebrated last year, so some of my students remembered it!) during my "Poetry Breaks!" and lessons (push in teaching times as well as my small reading groups).  

The day before Poem in Your Pocket Day, I gave my small reading groups a poem for them to put in their pocket.  

Finally, on Poem in Your Pocket Day, I put Bobbi Katz's "Pocket Poem" in my pocket to read to as many students and teachers that I saw!  Read the poem at Bobbi Katz's website ~ click here.  

As an extra special treat, I was able to give my students a beautiful poem bookmark!  The bookmarks were a gift from Amy Ludwig Vanderwater!  She sent bookmarks with a lovely poem from her exquisite new book, Forest Has a Song.   

Thank you, Amy!!!!

 

Celebrate National Poetry Month!

Robyn Hood Black is hosting today's Poetry Friday Round Up at Life on the Deckle Edge.  

April is National Poetry Month!  

Although everyday is a reason to celebrate poetry and share poems out loud, April is an especially great month to promote a love for language by sharing poems.  Throughout the month of April, I will share photos, poems, and poetry-love tidbits from my school life as well as my personal poetry life!  Poetry Month has begun while my students are on spring break but we will return to a month full of special poetry celebrations!  

Be sure to check back often to take a peek into my life with poetry!  

One of my favorite Mary Ann Hoberman quotes that I have posted in my classroom ~
 

Everyday take time to start to learn a poem by heart!

Happy Poetry Friday!

Today's Poetry Friday Round-Up is being hosted by Sheri at Sheri Doyle.

Sheri reminds us to find happiness in the simple things.  Poetry is surely one of my favorite ways to find joy in each day!  Be sure to visit Sheri to indulge in many poetry pleasures!  

March 21  holds many exciting things for me!  My first born will become a teenager this year (eeks!), it is the first official, full day of spring, and this year I will have the pleasure of spending the day with poet and author, Kenn Nesbitt!  

My first born, Sienna, will soon be 13!  She is a beautiful dancer!

Kenn will be visiting my school on that day!  He will be making two presentations (primary and intermediate) for the students and staff.  In preparation for his visit, I have been sharing his poems during my "Poetry Breaks!," with my small reading groups, and on the morning announcements.  Additionally, I (along with our librarian and other classroom teachers) have been sharing Kenn's delightful website, Poetry 4 Kids with students.  

My absolute favorite Kenn Nesbitt poem  . . . 

A Pug is a Dog

by Kenn Nesbitt

A pug is a dog
with a curlicue tail.
He eats like a hog
and he snores like a whale.
He's flat in the snout
and his belly is big.
The pug came about
just by misspelling pig.

Miley, my pug!

Miley and I can't wait to have him autograph this poem poster (see an earlier post about these posters)!  She wants him to autograph her picture, too!

 

Popping Up A Popcorn Poetry Break!

"Popcorn" poem by Helen H. Moore

For many years I have enjoyed sharing Helen H. Moore's "Popcorn" poem with my students. It's a fun and catchy poem that is easy to remember and naturally lends itself to dramatization! We become the popcorn popping in the pot!

Bringing in the air popper, popping up some real popcorn, and reciting Moore's poem couldn't be any more fun!

Students are able to fully enjoy and internalize this poem using ALL five senses! We see, smell, hear, touch, and taste the popcorn AND the poem!

Popcorn

 Pop, pop, popcorn,

popping in the pot!

Pop, pop, popcorn,

eat it while it’s hot!

Pop, pop, popcorn,

Butter on the top!

When I eat popcorn,

I can't stop!

                                 -- Helen H. Moore

Happy Poetry Friday!  Today's round-up is being hosted by Linda at Teacher Dance. 
She will surely be sharing many poetry treats!

Poetry Friday: Celebrate Groundhog's Day with a Poem!

Groundhog Poem Poster (along with a fun snow poem)

Happy Groundhog's Day!

Many years ago, I began to use this fun poem about groundhog's day with my students. I am not sure where I found it and I never was able to identify an author. It is a simple poem that helps explain the mystery that seems to surround groundhog's day each year.

I first recite and dramatize the poem for the kids. Then we recite it again in an echo format. And, of course we follow with a choral recitation, as we all act like groundhogs.

As a final bit of groundhog fun, students attach the poem to the back of a groundhog stick puppet. Groundhog's Day would not be complete without this little poem celebration!

Stayed tuned for some pictures of our groundhog poem puppets!

 Happy "Poetry Friday!"  I am happy to be sharing and participating, once again,  in this wonderful community of poets and poetry lovers!  Today's "Poetry Friday Round-Up" is being hosted by April at Teaching Authors.  Stop over to her blog for a cup of tea and some poetry! 

Poetry Friday (on Sunday!): Picture Book Previews

Happy Poetry Friday (on Sunday)!  It's been a very busy week but it's never too late to celebrate Poetry Friday!  Friday's Round-Up was hosted at Think Kid Think. 

Picture Book Poems . . . 

While preparing for a Book Break, I discovered a delightful surprise!  On the back cover of the book was an adorably, fun and whimsical poetic preview.  This short poem became the perfect way to present a Book Break! 

 

Here is the poem . . .  

Once upon a time, 

There was a bear,

Who came upon 

Some underwear. 

Too big?

Too small?

Too tight?

Which ones would fit just righ?

Find out Bear's favorite pair,

So his bottom won't be bare!

Picture books and poetry are perfect partners!  Whether you are lucky enough to discover a little poem as part of a book's preview or you pair a picture book and poem with the same theme, the two go hand in hand!

Poetry Friday: A Scary Dictionary!

Happy Poetry Friday!  Today's round-up is being hosted by Betsy Hubbard at Teaching Young Writers.  Be sure to stop by her blog for a "Poetry Break!" 

Poetry Friday: A Scary Dictionary!

I love this gem of a poem that I found in Caroline Feller Bauer's, Leading Kids to Books Through Puppets (American Library Association 1997)!  Bauer suggests that we read the poem in a theater format with two puppets.  Whether Charles Ghigna's dictionary poem is read with puppets, as a poem for two voices, or simply recited aloud, it is a great poem to inspire  word wizards everywhere!

The Scary Dictionary 

  by Charles Ghigna

The biggest book you'll ever see  

Lives deep inside the library!  

Alone it sits upon the stand;                                       

Your ticket to a magic land.

Don't be afraid.  Don't try to hide.

Just open it up and look inside. 

It's really fun to find a word. 

It may be one you've never heard. 

It may be long.  It may be short. 

It may be just your favorite sport. 

So get on your mark and get set. 

It's time to play the alphabet!

You see it isn't very scary . . . 

It's just the dictionary!  

This poem will be read by two voices on Monday, as my colleague and I read it over our school's PA system.  This is a fabulous poem to launch another week of our "word of the day" announcements.  I also plan to send a copy of the poem to each classroom to serve as a fun reminder of using a dictionary to "find a word," maybe even "one (we've) never heard!"  Just like everyone needs a copy of a good dictionary, everyone also needs a copy of a good dictionary poem! 

To read more about Charles Ghigna, also known as Father Goose, click here.

 

 

Poetry Friday: Celebrating Libraries

 

 

 

 

Today's  Poetry Friday Round-Up is being hosted at Paper Tigers.  
Be sure to visit them and take a "Poetry Break!"

Celebrating Libraries  . . . 

As I mentioned earlier this week, it is Library Card Sign-Up Month.  I am a library lover and when I began my studies to get a degree in School Library & Information Technology, I embarked upon a new library adventure . . . every town that I visit, I make it a point to have my picture taken in front of that library (or inside of it).  I am not usually a big fan of being photographed but I make an exception when it comes to libraries (and anything related to books and reading)!  

Yes, Atlantic City, NJ does have a library!

A very small but quaint library in beautiful Cape May, NJ.

Besides having my picture taken in and around libraries, I also began collecting books and poems about libraries. They are the topic of some of my favorite books and poems.  In honor of this celebration of libraries, I thought I'd share just a few of these gems . . . 

First up, Amy Ludwig Van Derwater at the Poem Farm has a fabulous post entitled,  I Can, where she discusses the joys that libraries bring.  I Can is a beautiful poem about what having a library card can do for us!  

Amy has another lovely library poem, The World for Free.  It is one that I read and reread often, since she shared it in a bookmark format! 

I absolutely adore J. Patrick Lewis' Please Bury Me in the Library!

Bagert's poem, Library Cheer, is one of my students favorites!  Last year we read it in a reader's theater format.  The students selected books mentioned in the poem to use as props when they performed it. 

Be sure to "check out" these library poems!  Please share any of your favorite library poems and traditions by leaving them in a comment. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's Poetry Friday: Poem Posters

Poem Posters

Today's Poetry Friday Round-Up is being hosted by Renee at No Water River.  
She has lots of "Poetry Candy" for us to sample.  Make sure you indulge your poetry sweet tooth!

Poem Posters . . . 

 As Martha Stewart would say, "they're a good thing."  What are Poem Posters you ask?  Poem Posters are exactly what they sound like.  They are posters created by using the text of a "Poetry Break!" poem and some sort of visual (clip art, illustrations, craft items, etc).Last year I began to create Poem Posters to leave in the classrooms after I presented a "Poetry Break!"  Teachers and their students were able to revisit, read, and recite poems every day.  

One teacher used a clothesline, strung across her classroom, to hang the Poem Posters.  Students were able to read and recite "Poetry Break!" poems from the entire school year.   At one time, she needed to use the clothesline for another purpose and had to remove the Poem Posters.  Students were surprised to see that the poems were not in their usual place and were quite disappointed.  The teacher had to reassure her students that the poems would soon be returned to their proper place.  




Poem Posters are fun to make and they become a much loved part of the classroom.  Poem Posters give students and teachers daily opportunities to take a "Poetry Break!" at any time and on any day! 

It's Poetry Friday! Poems by Heart

Learning a Poem by Heart!

Former Children's Poet Laureate, Mary Ann Hoberman says,

Once you have learned a poem, it becomes yours. You own it! If you memorized it in childhood, it will be yours for a lifetime.

A couple of years ago, I featured the poetry of one poet each month throughout the school year.  During the month of January, my "Poetry Breaks!" highlighted Ms. Hoberman's poems.  Using the Poet of the Month approach, allowed us to learn about the poet, her books, and how she creates her poems.  Featuring a Poet of the Month is not only a reason for reading and reciting one poets work but also a very enlightening way to learn more about an author and how she creates her work.  

While watching one of Hoberman's video clips about her work as Children's Poet Laureate, I heard her recite this little rhyme . . . 

Every day take time to start to learn a little poem by heart.

This is a true "Poetry Break!" mantra if I ever heard one!

I love the idea of learning a poem by heart!  The words truly do become our own, not only do they often get "stuck in our heads," but they also do become etched onto our hearts and stay with us . . . forever!  Let's take a moment today and begin to learn a poem by heart!  

These are just a couple of my favorite Hoberman poetry collections  . . .

Fun poems that have lots of rhythm and rhyme! 

Love these poems for two voices!  They are great for reader's theater. 

I love this mini documentary from TeachingBooks.Net, where Ms. Hoberman discusses the wonder of words and the creation of some of her books.  Click here to watch it!


For more Mary Ann Hoberman resources, check out my wiki Pocketful of Poems. 

Today's Poetry Friday Round-Up is being hosted at Random Noodling.  Be sure to click on over for a visit!  

Works Cited:
Hoberman, Mary Ann. "Why Memorize Poetry." Guest Blogger: Poet Mary Ann Hoberman | The TeachingBooks.net Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Sept. 2012.

It's Poetry Friday! Poetry Leaves a Lasting Impression!

Plan To Take a "Poetry Break!"

Taking a "Poetry Break!" is easy and fun!   Anyone can do it!  Simply take a few minutes out of your day to share a poem or two with your students, your friend, your family, a pet, or anyone else that you'd like to read or recite a poem to!

There is only one rule for poem selection: you must like your selected poem!  Teachers, librarians, and parents, you can select a poem that is seasonal, relates to a holiday or theme, aligns with curriculum or a unit of study, or is simply a poem that piques your interest. 

I live in the same neighborhood as the school in which I teach, so I often see students from school as I am out walking my dogs.  Last night as I strolled with the dogs, I heard a little voice shout, "Hey! That's my Poetry Teacher!"  I wasn't able to see exactly where the voice was coming from but I knew that it was the voice of a student in one of the classrooms where I have conducted my weekly "Poetry Breaks!"  I am still smiling and have a warm and fuzzy feeling inside!  Sharing poems is so much fun for me and I like to think that I am having a positive impact on the students that experience the poems!  Hearing that child as he recognized me (even as I had passed and was on my way down the street) and recalled with such enthusiasm, that I was his "Poetry Teacher," was like hearing him recite a beautiful poem to me!

Poems stick with you!  I am reminded of Jack's sentiments in Sharron Creech's wonderful verse novel, Hate That Cat.

I only understood about half the words in that poem but like you said sometimes that is okay because we felt all those bells and we heard all those bells crazily ringing in their tintinnabulation! (20).

When it comes to poetry, Jack's teacher, Miss Stretchberry, has had an obvious impact on him . . . 

It's strange that now when you read a poem to the class I hear alliteration popping out everywhere.  I never heard it before or maybe I heard the sounds or didn't know why they were sticking in my head (37).

Hate That Cat is the sequel to Sharron Creech's verse novel, Love That Dog.  Both books are excellent examples of how poetry can effect students! 

Read more about Love That Dog at Sharron Creech's website (click here):

Read more about Hate That Cat at Sharron Creech's website (click here): 

Make sure you also check out Ms. Creech's excellent teacher's guides for these novels.  Click here to download them from her "Teach Creech" section of her website.

Taking a "Poetry Break!" is a way to make a lasting impression on your students (not to mention fun and motivating!)!  

Be sure to check out all of the wonderful poetry resources that are showcased in today's "Poetry Friday" Round-Up.  Visit Sylvia Vardell's excellent blog at, Poetry for Children!  It's a treasure trove of poetry resources!!!

It's Poetry Friday! Planning for the School Year Ahead

 

 

Selecting Poems for "Poetry Break!"

An Excellent First Poetry Experience:

Besides presenting an actual "Poetry Break!" one of my most favorite things to do is search for just the right poem.  I am always on the lookout for new poetry collections and anthologies but I love rereading through my collection of books.  One of my most favorite anthologies of poems for young children is Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young selected by Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by Marc Brown.

Well-known and loved poet, Jack Prelutsky has selected many short and wonderfully child-like poems by numerous poets.  Poems are grouped together by popular themes and topics of childhood, such as; play, animals, seasons, holidays, foods, weather, daily routines, and much more.  Every page contains two or three short poems that are accompanied by Marc Brown's (award-winning author and illustrator of the Arthur books) delightfully playful, color illustrations. 
Poem seekers will find helpful indexes, listing poems by first line, title, and by author.  



Check out this great Reader's Guide for Parents and Educators. Jack Prelutsky offers great advice for sharing this book with young children!


Read-aloud expert, Jim Trelease provides readers with an interesting and insightful introduction to this poetry anthology that was created with the youngest of children in mind.  Trelease makes this excellent point about the value and importance of sharing poetry with children:

Unlike the toys we buy our children, poems cannot break.  Their flavor will last longer than a hundred boxes of candy.  They come already assembled and need only one battery - a reader connected to one child.  And that reader can start a glow that lasts a lifetime. 

Go ahead . . . "ignite the glow" in a child today - take time for a "Poetry Break!"

Today's Poetry Friday Round-Up is being hosted at  Dori Reads.  Be sure to check out all of the wonderful poetry posts!