I love poetry, but many of my students are already convinced they don’t. I’ve tried using modern poetry (read: commercial jingles and song lyrics) to help my students engage, but I’d like to try the ideas mentioned in this School Library Journal Article. Click the link below for more information.
How Kwame Alexander Gets Teens Reading and Writing Poetry
“When I go to high schools the thing I tell the young men is you start writing poetry and you will always win. Write poems and learn how to slow dance.” -Sherman Alexie The world is hungry for words of hope, change, humor, and love, and the writing workshop has the ability to conjure up the kind of meaningful and creative energy that we all crave.
What has been your experience with using relevant poetry to engage your students?
Great article! I wrote a similar piece on my blog. Please check it out if you have time!
http://www.deskofcarisa.com/?p=153
Thank you so much for sharing! I love the student samples, and how you explained the change you made that resulted in much better student writing. I’ll have to try this assignment for sure during my poetry unit.