Join in the celebration in new and exciting ways. Use this month to spring into intentional diversity and incorporate poems for and about people of color. Additionally, consider using primary sources, images and poetry for a diverse approach to studying poetry.
The Library of Congress Found Poetry Primary Source Set provides students the opportunity to analyze primary source texts with poetry [although created several years ago the content is rich].
Find additional details here. https://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/poetry/?loclr=blogtea
Here are a few ideas for school-wide, media center and community, poetry celebrations:
· Host a poetry slam in your school’s library.
· If you have a student-produced news broadcast have students read aloud poetry by or about people of color.
· Have students write their own poems and share them with the school and community.
· Feature students’ original poems on your school or library website.
Other great resources and ideas for celebrating poetry month in your school can be found at the National Poetry Month Website . Poets.org is produced by the Academy of American Poets and is a nonprofit organization that advocates for American poets and poetry.
For more ideas visit the National Poetry Month’s website.
https://www.poets.org/national-poetry-month/home
Want even more ideas? Explore this great resource, “4 mentor Texts and Activities for National Poetry Month”, on the Lee and Low Blog.
http://blog.leeandlow.com/2017/04/11/4-mentor-texts-and-activities-for-national-poetry-month-2/
RAPID LIST OF RECOMMENDED DIVERSE POETRY BOOKS
PICTURE BOOKS
Jazz by Walter Dean Myers published by Holiday House
La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes for Los Niños
by Susan Middleton Elya published by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Animal Poems of the Iguazú / Animalario del Iguazú
By Alarcón published by Children’s Book Press
Love to Mamá: A Tribute to Mothers
By Pat Mora published by Lee & Low Books
Cool Melons— Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa
By Matthew Gollub published by Lee & Low Books
OLDER STUDENTS Grades 4 - 6
Tofu Quilt
By Ching Russell published by Lee & Low Books
Martí's Song for Freedom/Martí y sus versos por la libertad
By Emma Otheguy by Children’s Book Press
TEENS (Grades 7 – 12)
Between the Line by Nikki Grimes published by Nancy Paulsen Books [2018]
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle published by Henry Holt 2006
Black Girl Magic: A Poem by Mahagony Browne published by Roaring Brook Press 2018, c2016.
For Everyone by Jason Reynold. Published by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books available April 10, 2018.
Voices in the Air: Poem for Listeners by Naomi Shihab Nye published by HarperCollins Children's Books 2018.
The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot and Score in This Game Called Life by Swame Alexander published by HMH Books for Young Readers 2018.
Poem in Your Pocket Day is April 26. Pick a poem, keep it in your pocket and share it with others. This year be intentional and share a poem by or about diverse people! Share via #pocketpoem
For detailed information click the link.
https://www.poets.org/sites/default/files/poempocketday_april_26_2018-final.pdf\
What can you do?
1. Write a poem on the sidewalk in front of your school or post it on a banner?
2. Give out poems printed on cards to all students or visitors in your school or office?
3. Write a collective poem by having each student in a class contribute a line or verse to a poem.
4. Host an open mic day in your office featuring poetry readings for lunch!
BE CREATIVE! ENJOY THE DAY!