How To Become Addicted To Poetry

If you truly wish to become a more poetry friendly person, here are some ideas to bring about the changes to the way you value this aspect of literacy. The poet that dwells within will become apparent to your students (and your colleagues) over time. Students will hopefully come to view you as poetry's pal!

If you are introducing the writing of poetry into your instructional

program consider the following ways to create the best conditions for poetry to prosper:

· Read poetry on a regular basis. A poem a day will assist you in developing your poetic character. It is said that before we can hope to write poetry, we need to read lots of this special writing form.

· Keep an anthology of poetry close by – at home and at work.

· Share poems that take your fancy with your students.

· Find a partner in poetry with whom to exchange poetry.

· Encourage your students to bring poetry into the classroom.

· Investigate metaphor, simile, alliteration, assonance until you feel comfortable with their presence in your poetry world.

· Buy or record some poetry to play to your class.

· While travelling to work learn a poem to share with your students.

· Be seen to value poetry. Collect your own anthologies and share them with your students.

· Spontaneously quote lines of poetry.

· Begin a collection of your personal favourite poems. Put them into your writer’s notebook and share them with your students.

· Put poetry books on your gift lists.

· Buy yourself a rhyming dictionary.

· Be brave, model the writing of poetry.

· Introduce many different poetry types to your students. Go way beyond Haiku!

· Listen for words and phrases that sound poetic and alert your students to these word wonders.

· Check out internet sites that promote poetry.

· Remember what Bob Dylan said many years ago, -‘Anyone can be a poet,’

If you do these things then in time your students and colleagues will begin to appreciate your poet’s heart. Remember if you want things to get better, then they have to get verse!

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