Poet Today- Known Tomorrow

The Poets of Today, Will Be The Voices of Tomorrow

Poetry? Exactly what is poetry? Is poetry merely a writing genre that spirals through our Language Arts curriculum, which we hope to cover before we move on quickly to the next writing task? Perhaps it is much more than that.  Poetry can be an avenue, which allows our students to exercise their artistic expression, a gateway for our students to share their most intimate fears and goals in a safe environment, free of judgment and without prejudice. Well, I in no way consider myself a poet, but I can tell you that poetry is the latter. As a teacher, I promote the art of poetry and encourage all of my students to fall in love with the writing genre that is free of writing conventions and allows even our most at-risk student to shine through the pages it is written on.

Poetry in Our Classroom

For the past three years, I have had the honor of being a part of OMSD’s Annual Poetry Day event. All students from our district are invited, and encouraged, to share their artistic abilities with everyone through the medium of poetry in hopes of being recognized at the district level on the day of the event. Because of this, I have learned to appreciate the importance of providing students with opportunities to express themselves in writing beyond the margins, lined pages, and rubrics we so often use. I have witnessed kindergarten students entertain us with their light-hearted humorous views on life, as well as eighth-grade scholars who dazzle the committee with their writing. So, how do we as teachers promote such individualized expression into our already overcrowded schedule?

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” –William Wordsworth

Let’s Get Started

First, we must all remember that Poetry is one of our target writing genres and we must actively make time to introduce it. Introduce the use of effective technique, descriptive details, and academic language directly related to poetry.

Next, the easiest way that I have learned over the years to tackle poetry is to link it to the highly coveted VAPA projects, we so seldom get to. A quick art lesson is a great way to get their creative juices flowing and before you know it, VOILA!... they are using their imagination to draw and write about their feelings and ideas all at once.

Finally, publish it! Students love to see their work displayed in the classroom. Publishing their poetry allows students to feel accomplished and helps make the room part of themselves. However, because poetry can sometimes be a very personal journey and one that may have been difficult to put in writing, let us remember always to ask our students for permission before we display it for the world to see.

Join Us

So I leave you with this invitation…

Please join us at our 7th Annual OMSD Poetry Day event this Saturday, April 13th from 9 am-Noon at Linda Vista Elementary, as we celebrate the Poets of Today- Who Will Be The Voices of Tomorrow.

Hoping to inspire through her words,

Yvonne Milian