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The Parent Connection April 2004
By Donna Pitino
A Monthly Newsletter for Parents
Poetry Power
Magical, musical words
At this point in the school year, children often begin "the poetry unit" in their classrooms. Different forms of poetry are presented, read and composed.
While this is fine for an introduction to poetry, I hope it's not our children's only experience with poetry. Poetry isn't a "separate" subject, but something teachers weave into all areas of curriculum. Can a guest poet be invited to class? Perhaps the PTA/PTO can brainstorm ways to bring poetry programs to your school.
As for kids' at-home poetry reading, you can begin with nursery rhymes for the youngest children. Favorites such as "Humpty Dumpty" and "Little Bo Peep" are often a child's first taste of poetry. However, don't forget to tap your local children's librarian for poetry books that have stood the test of time, as well as books by newer poets with refreshing points of view about a variety of topics, from seasons to sports. Whatever your child's age or hobbies, there's a poetry book that will speak to his or her interests.
Poetry Journal
Give your child a blank book as a place in which he or she can record thoughts and poems. Explain that what your child writes in that book is for his or her eyes only, unless the child decides to share the writing with you.
Without the pressure of a grade or the nervousness that is often felt when others read their work, children's poetry often blossoms when given a chance like this.
Poetry Websites
From Meadowbrook Press comes "Funny Poetry for Children," at www.gigglepoetry.com This award-winning site includes illustrated poems, poetry activities and poetry contests.
The Academy of American Poets has a site at www.poets.org where you'll find more than 1,200 poems. The "Listening Booth" will also let you hear a variety of poems.
Funny Children's Poems by Kenn Nesbitt is worth the trip to www.poetry4kids.com The "how-to" section gives information and advice about writing poetry and there are links to published poets including Jack Prelutsky, Nikki Grimes, J. Patrick Lewis, Patricia Hubbell and more!
At www.rhymezone.com you can have fun typing in words to find rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, definitions, related words, homophones and more.
Books Worth a Look
Poetry for the very young
Up the Hill and Down compiled by William Jay Smith (Wordsong/ Boyds Mills Press, 2003). Brightly-illustrated poems for reading aloud.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (Harper & Row, 1947). A classic, simple rhyme perfect for bedtime.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault (Simon & Schuster, 1989). A lively alphabet rhyme that's sure to become a favorite.
Always Room for One More by Sorche Nic Leodhas (Holt, 1965). Based on a Scottish folk song.
Poetry for middle readers
The Mouse of Amherst by Elizabeth Spires (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1999). A fictional account of a mouse sharing poems with Emily Dickinson.
You Come Too by Robert Frost (Scholastic, 1992). Frost favorites.
Poetry for Young People: Carl Sandburg edited by Frances S. Bolin (Sterling, 1995). An illustrated selection.
Poems: Walt Whitman selected by Peter Washington (Knopf, 1994). Forty-two of Whitman's best poems, including "Song of Myself."
The Place My Words Are Looking For edited by Paul B. Janeczko (Simon & Schuster, 1990). A variety of poems and what their authors say about them.
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (HarperCollins, 1974). One of several classic collections.
Poetry for older readers
A Fury of Motion: Poems for Boys by Charles Ghigna (Wordsong/ Boyds Mills Press, 2003). Boys who think poetry is "for girls" will love these engaging poems.
What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones (Simon & Schuster, 2001). A 14-year-old narrator spins a free-verse tale of growing up.
Witness by Karen Hesse (Scholastic, 2001). Eleven different characters explain the effect the Ku Klux Klan has had on their town.
Help with writing poetry
Rhyming Dictionary by Sue Graves and B. Moses (Barron's, 2001). Illustrations with rhyming labels and definitions for ages 5-8.
Poem-Making by Myra Cohn Livingston (HarperCollins, 1991). Types of poetry and how to begin writing poems. For ages 9-12.
Poetry pick for parents
Been to Yesterdays: Poems of a Life by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Wordsong/Boyds Mills Press, 1995). A great example of how poets use carefully-selected words to express thoughts and feelings.
Having Fun With Verse
Activities for your family
There are so many ways to enjoy poetry and incorporate it into our daily lives, no matter how busy we are. Poetry is meant to be heard, so even if there's no time to curl up with a book, here are some things you can do to put a poetic lilt into your family's day.
Rhyme Time Game. Need a way to keep a long car ride on the pleasant side? Try rhyming as you cruise along! Ask one person to choose a word. The rest of the people in the car must come up with a rhyming word. For example, if the driver chooses "cruise," the passengers might come up with "choose," "use," "snooze," "lose," etc. When you run out of rhymes, let someone else decide on a new word and everyone else can start finding rhymes for it.
Listen Up! Try some of the many poetry audiotapes that are available. My youngest daughter listened to a tape of Shel Silverstein poems each night as she fell asleep, and she ended up memorizing many of the poems that way. You can play poetry tapes on car rides, at home as the kids are having a snack or while they're playing. It's interesting to hear poems read aloud, especially by their authors.
Time Out...for You!
Say "no." That's right. Sometimes, we're so busy trying to be the "perfect parent" that we let ourselves be talked into heading just one more committee or one additional fundraiser. Those are, no doubt, fabulous ways to make a contribution to your child's school and your community.
However, if adding one more thing to your schedule also adds stress or reduces the amount of quality time you can spend with your family, consider that new addition carefully before agreeing to take it on. It's okay to decline politely, stating your other projects or your family commitment as the reason for your refusal.
What Works?
Have you found great ways to make poetry a part of your routine? Do you have any other parenting tips you'd like to share? Drop me a line at mdbcp@aol.com – anytime! I look forward to hearing from you.
Quote of the Month
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents."
–Emilie Buchwald
Wholesome Habit
Make it "Kid's Choice"
Whenever possible, let your child choose an activity that you can do together. Is there a poetry reading at the local bookstore? How about a demonstration of basketball basics that your child wants to attend? If it's game night at home, let your child choose the game you'll play. Maybe your children can take turns picking out dessert for the family after dinner. Giving your child a choice shows that you value his or her interests and that you think he or she is capable of making good decisions. Fostering decision-making skills at a young age will help kids to make smart choices about more important issues later on in their lives.
Rainy Day Fun
April showers bring...funny faces! Buy an inexpensive, small flower pot, paint, soil and grass seed. On the next rainy day when your child needs something to do indoors, let him or her paint a face on the pot. When the paint is dry, plant the grass seed. Grass grows quickly and will look like green hair growing above the face.
Donna Pitino was a teacher for 14 years and is now a freelance writer. She is the mother of two daughters.
