Poetry has always provided a way for me to more fully participate in life. It is a siren song. I respond to it with a barely concealed passion. I listen to my world and share what I have discovered. Poetry floats in the air surrounding me- or so it feels. It is an impulse I respond to willingly. This intangible urge to connect brings forth the words. Words have always gained my attention quite effortlessly. To take possession of them and apply them with deliberate and considered purpose has filled me with excitement all my life. All The Worlds I Live In All the worlds I live in All the worlds I see Won’t fit into one mouthful When words spill out of me Sometimes they’re words of fire That emerge with spark and flame Sometimes they’re gentle whispers My worlds are not the same. © Alan j Wright It's Poetry Friday! This week our host is Michelle Kogan . Michelle's post focuses on 'birthdays' and she presents a number of poems and artistic works to highlight this special, o

  Literacy experts Sharon and Phil Callen from Cue Learning joined me recently to talk about ways to bring poetry to life in the classroom. Here for your listening enjoyment is the link to that learning conversation: Poetry Podcast EPISODE NOTES In the ongoing discussion about the importance of poetry for literacy, this episode draws on the important insights and practical tips from highly experienced education expert Alan Wright. Alan is an education consultant and author who has worked extensively in the United States and Australia, promoting best practice in primary and secondary schools and at a systems level. While based in New York (2001-2006) Alan worked across primary, middle and high schools supporting teachers, school districts, regions and school leadership teams, effecting improved learning outcomes for students in literacy. This consultancy work took him into more than 100 schools, predominantly in the urban schools of the New York City School System. Working with the New