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Poetry in the School Library

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The following is a guest post by Rebeca Newland, the Teacher in Residence at the Library of Congress for 2013-14.

Library of Congress 2013-2014 Teacher-In-Residence Rebecca Newland
Library of Congress 2013-2014 Teacher-In-Residence Rebecca Newland

Most students leave high school having studied Shakespeare, the howls of Beowulf and Grendel in battle, and a smattering of American poets. Beyond the study of canonical poems and poets, how can we foster a love for poetry in our children?

The school librarian can play a crucial role. The American Association of School Librarians, in its Standards for the 21st Century Learner (2007), calls for librarians to guide students to “respond to literature and creative expressions of ideas in various formats and genres” (4.1.3) and “show an appreciation for literature by electing to read for pleasure and expressing an interest in various literary genres” (4.2.4).

Here are some ideas:

  • Instead of a storybook for our youngest students, why not read a series of poems? They can respond verbally or with drawings.
  • Older elementary and middle school students can write a poem using small magnet boards with magnetic poetry sets. Leave the poems around the library for others to read, or take digital pictures to preserve the glorious use of words. Use the pictures to create a bulletin board for National Poetry Month.
  • Greet students as they come into the building with a band of roving troubadours (the drama teacher will probably have a list of kids who would love a performance opportunity).
  • Use Poem Pops (reading a short catchy poem) once a week in the morning announcements. Students can visit the library later to pick up a copy of the poem and find out more about its author.
  • Find poems to share with the lunchtime crowd every day on Poetry 180.
  • Use the Library of Congress collections to play poetry aloud as students come in for classes or during quiet times instead of music.

Because the library is an essential gathering place in the school, why not host a Poetry Café? Ask students to come to the library for a special event during lunchtime. Provide hot chocolate and tea and maybe even cookies. Allow students to bring a bagged lunch. Then set your tables with battery powered electric candles, dim the lights, and get out your beret. Ask students to read a favorite poem or one they have written. Provide a few ear catching poems, including those by United States Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey, for students who want to participate but need help finding something to read. Engage students in conversation about the beauty and power of words in the form of poetry. Spend time celebrating poetry in a setting that encourages expression and fun. Some of your most enthusiastic readers might want to form a Poetry Out Loud team.

The library is a venue where we can surround our kids with opportunities to read, hear, and fall in love with poetry.

 

Comments (6)

  1. These ideas are great. I will share with the media specialist at my school and recommend to her that we implement the Poetry Cafe during National Poetry Month.

  2. Create “Book Spine” poetry. Stack books creating poems from titles on spines. Find ideas on line.

  3. Nice post! Thank you, Rebeca. The Primary Source Set, Found Poetry, is another useful resource that teachers like.

  4. I would LOVE to implement a poetry 180 for my elementary students. Is there anything to help me?

    • Dear Debra,

      Thanks for your question! I’ve added it into our Ask a Librarian system, where I’ll have more space to respond to you. I’ll be in touch a bit later this afternoon. –Peter Armenti

      Best wishes,

      Peter

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