Summer PD Update: Poetry Jar
At the beginning of the summer, I set a few summer professional development goals. Despite working full-time, I’ve managed to squeeze in some time to get a few things crossed off my checklist. (Isn’t that always how it goes?)
As it is Poetry Friday (this week hosted by Keri Recommends) I wanted to share my newly created Pinterest-inspired Poetry Jar.
Ta-da!
In the classroom, I’ll also have these request forms next to the jar:
Name of Poem:
Author:
Requested by (if you wish to disclose):
Do you wish to read the poem (circle one): YES NO
The poetry jar will be a place for student recommendations for the poem of the day. Not only will students get to have ownership of the classroom, they get to become involved with poetry and the classroom routines.
While student teaching I tried to share a poem of the day, but it didn’t work well with my 6 preps and lack of infrastructure. With the poetry jar, I will have a physical reminder to make poetry a priority in the classroom.
I’ve also been working on a collection of poems I think the students will enjoy. I’ve been searching online and looking through several books for good poems…but that’s an update for another Friday!
Love this idea. I just did the same poem in all of my classes each day–couldn’t manage different ones for different purposes. I’m not good at planning in advance but usually tried to map out a week at a time. I really liked Nancie Atwell’s book, Naming the World: A Year of Poems & Lessons too. Poems + mini-lessons–great for me because I had no clue what I wanted to talk about with the poems I shared. I discovered a lot of favorite poems in that book plus great writing prompts.
Thanks for the advice! The easier it is for me to incorporate a poem of the day, the more likely I’ll stick to the routine. I’m putting Naming the World on my Christmas list. It’s kind of pricey!
Looks good! Having a physical reminder can be very helpful. I look forward to your post about the poems you’ve found!
Thanks, Tabatha! I really hope the jar will help keep me accountable.
It’s a great idea. I’ve used many kinds of books, but one online site to check out, if you don’t already know it, is Poetry 180, started a few years ago by Billy Collins when he was the Poet Laureate. The Atwell book shared by Elisabeth is great, too.
Yes, I’ve heard wonderful things about Poetry 180. I plan to incorporate the program into the classroom, but I’m not certain exactly how yet. Regardless, it’s great to know there is an awesome source in case I don’t have the energy to find my own poems.
Great idea! Best wishes with incorporating poetry into your class routines!
Thank you! My priority will be starting with the routines on the first day of school and sticking with them.
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One of my favorite resources for sharing poetry in the classroom – 100 Quickwrites by Linda Rief. Check it out, not too pricey. Love your poetry jar!