Happy National Poetry Month! As we all know, we should be incorporating poetry into our students’ lives throughout the year, but April always has that special spotlight on poetry! Several opportunities focused on poetry are included below. We would love to hear if you have used any of these resources or any additional resources or ideas that you may have to share!
Opportunities to hear poets discuss their work:
National Writing Project (NWP) Radio: The Story of a Poem (YouTube Playlist)
Poets from the NWP Writers Council are interviewed about their poems, their composing processes, and writers’ craft.
National Writing Project (NWP) Radio: The Write Time (YouTube Playlist)
Ann E. Burg has four verse novels for middle grades. Her newest book, Flooded: Requiem for Johnstown, is featured in this video. Bonus: WPCTE Vice President Amy Bouch conducts the interview!
Kwame Alexander is the author of several verse novels including the Newbery winner The Crossover. Kwame Alexander discusses his most recent book, Becoming Muhammad Ali, in this interview.
Laurie Halse Anderson has several award-winning books. In this interview, she does briefly discuss Shout, her memoir in verse.
Library of Congress: Poetry Spotlight: Victoria Chang and Brenda Shaughnessy
“Poets Victoria Chang (“Obit”) and Brenda Shaughnessy (“The Octopus Museum”) discuss their poetry collections, which address issues of loss, fear and the future of the planet.”
“Poetry Breaks features short videos of internationally renowned poets reading their work, reading the work of other poets, and discussing their takes on poetry in a variety of locations.”
Opportunities for students to interact with poets and experience poetry:
Students can listen to poets reading their poems and then write them a letter!
Poetry 180 - Students can listen to a poem each day of the school year. There’s no analysis or interpretation. Students can just hear poetry for pure enjoyment.
Opportunities for teachers to write poetry:
This opportunity focuses on teachers as writers! A prompt is provided each day during the month of April. Teachers can post poems and respond to other writers.
Opportunities for teachers to find poetry lessons/resources:
NCTE members who sign up will receive a daily email that: Focuses on a different poet each day as identified by NCTE members; Provides resources related to that poet; Responds to the prompt, “This poet belongs in our classrooms because…”
Library of Congress experts will share two core resources for educators wishing to use audio recordings in their work with students: Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature and Poetry of America
Opportunities for students to share their writing in poetry contests:
Three opportunities each year - fall, spring, and summer
Divisions: K-3, 4-6, and 7-9
Lesson plans for teachers
Book published with selected writers
No entry fee
One contest in February/March
Divisions: 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12
Three categories per division
Awards ceremony with winners published in a booklet
No entry fee
One contest from September-December
Division: 7-12
Many categories but only one in poetry
Awards ceremony and certificate
Regional Gold Key winners move to national competition
Entry fee but waiver available
One contest always due April 30
Divisions: 3-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-12
Book published with selected writers
No entry fee
One contest due by February
Students write in any poetry style to the theme; theme changes each year
Divisions: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Winners share their work at a celebration
No entry fee
One contest in November
Divisions: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Winning poems featured on the website and may be in a published anthology
No entry fee
One contest in October/early November
Accepting poetry from K-12
Book published with selected writers
No entry fee
One contest due early January
Divisions: 6-8, 9-12
Poetry is one way to respond to this Holocaust themed contest
Awards ceremony
No entry fee
Opportunities for viewing lists of verse novels:
School Library Journal - Diverse Novels in Verse for National Poetry Month by Terry Hong
New York Public Library - Powerful Words: Novels in Verse For Teens
If you know of any additional poetry resources or lessons ideas, share them in the comments!
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