Poetry Friday, Poetry Calendars, & #276

Fire

Photo by Mark LV

This is poem #31 in my series of poems about poems, and it is my final poem about poems for 2010.  Throughout this week, I will seek a new Poetry Friday theme.

Today I am excited to host fourth grade teacher Theresa Annello from the Gates Chili Central School District as she generously shares her love of poetry and her annual poetry calendar project with us.

I love Christmas.  I love homemade gifts, especially when they are created by children.  I love young writers with their words innocent and pure.  And I love poetry.  Before I elaborate on these thoughts, let's rewind just a bit. 

My love affair with poetry started  many years ago during a Children's Literature course at Hudson Valley Community College.  My passion for books and poems grew even more when our children were born.  Years later when I started teaching, literature and poetry became my lifelines, my "bag of tricks."  However, I quickly learned that poetry was not something to save for a unit or a month in the spring.  The value of poetry and the power of poetry needed a special place in the classroom culture.  And heck, I needed to do something with the poems I was collecting like they were rare, vintage baseball cards.  I was constantly discovering new poets or finding out that some of my favorite authors also wrote fabulous poetry.  This year, I tucked a poem for each student in the envelope with my August "back to school" letter.  By the end of the first day of 4th grade, each student's collection was started.  Their poetry folders now contain fifty or more poems.

Children are drawn to poetry for many reasons.  Poems are fun to read.  Poems are usually shorter pieces of text.  Poems speak to your heart.  Poems are fun to write.  For a while we simply enjoy a wide variety of poems, building our collection, getting to know some poets before taking a closer look at this genre from a writer's stance.  The generosity of writers who build their websites and actively blog has also enriched our literacy lives immensely.

About a year ago, my poetry life got even better after attending a Saturday morning event where Amy Ludwig VanDerwater presented.  Her passion and talents and the ideas I gathered that November morning continue to take me new places in my teaching and my own writing.  Amy and the others I have "met" in the blogging world have solidified my belief that you will be a better teacher of writing if you also write.  I would also add that writing has helped me to be more reflective about my teaching and my life in general.

By now you may be asking, "How does this all relate to my love or Christmas and homemade gifts?"  Several years ago as I was searching for a keepsake gift that incorporated writing, an authentic way to share and celebrate student writing.  In my quest for the perfect holiday gift of writing, the poetry calendar was born.  As a mom, I thought of the holiday projects our own children have created over the years.  I hated tucking them away after the holidays.  I love a refrigerator decorated with children's artwork and writing!  A calendar would have its own special place for twelve months!

By the time I introduce the calendar project, students "know" several poets, have collected some favorites and composed several of their own poems.  This background and stash of poems enables us to complete the project in the short month of December.  Ideally, I would start this project earlier to allow ample time for drafting, revising, and publishing.  We talk about calendars, the months of the year, and possible themes for our calendars.  Most students write and select seasonal poems on topics related to each month.  Many poets choose to incorporate things their families are interested in or pay tribute to family members in their birthday months.  for each month, I plan a mini lesson on a poetry form or the work of a particular poet that we might emulate.  The following list is a sample of lesson topics including helpful internet links.

Beginning a Calendar Page

Photo by Theresa Annello

Special Month Poems

Photo by Theresa Annello

Haiku - we had some fun with GUYKU.  Check out the book link.  Author, Bob Raczka and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds have a knack for connecting with young writers.

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Charles Ghigna was also one of our haiku mentors.  Here is a link to his post on haiku.

Color poems - Joyce Sidman's RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS continues to inspire our writing.  Here is a link to her website.

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Poet Elaine Magliaro also taught us a lot about color poems at Wild Rose Reader.

Mask poems - For these, we turned to Bobbi Katz and Elaine Magliaro.  Too, poet Joyce Sidman is the perfect mentor for non-fiction poetry.  Many of her books pair a poem with an informational paragraph about the living subject.  Her work was a model when we wrote mask poems.  Even though we did not include the informational paragraph, we referred to texts that helped us to think like the animal, plant, or object that we were pretending to be.  "Things to Do If You are a Pencil" was written by a student and used for the back to school month of September.

 Pencil Poem

Photo by Theresa Annello

Acrostics - at The Miss Rumphius Effect, I was introduced to poet Avis Harley and her book, AFRICAN ACROSTICS.  I was able to get my hands on a copy of AFRICAN ACROSTICS from our local library and must admit that I have a much improved attitude about acrostic poems, a beloved form of many students.  Avis's writing elevates the form to a sophisticated level.

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The Poem Farm - Amy's daily blog posts continue to inspire and guide our writing lives.  We love her poems.  Sometimes they make us laugh, other times they bring a tear to our eyes, but they always make us think more deeply about writing and the world around us.  The accompanying reflections and tips for students and teachers have truly helped us to live like writers.  We look closely at what works in writing - word choice, voice, the perfect comparison, the rhythm, etc.  Many students love counting the syllables in each line of a poem and then try to use the same format.

 Adding Poems

Photo by Theresa Annello

Students have the freedom to make choices with their calendars, but they must include eight original poems and must illustrate each month.  Many are quite detailed with fancy borders of text and symbols.  Each student must try the technique from the mini lesson even though it may be saved for a future writing piece.

 Creating Artwork

Photo by Theresa Annello

This is my fifth or sixth year doing the calendar project, and yes, it is a bit crazy...but the end product is priceless.  Like so much of what we do in the classroom, this project changes and grows depending on the strengths, needs, and interests of the students.  I would be remiss if I did not give credit to author extraordinaire, Shelley Harwayne, who writes about adding special events to writing workshop.  Each year, I pull out her book, WRITING THROUGH CHILDHOOD: RETHINKING PROCESS AND PRODUCT.  She provides a brief explanation of third graders creating non-fiction calendars on a topic of their choice.  This idea still intrigues me and one of these years I would like to start the project sooner to allow for some research on a topic of interest.

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Completing this project in the short time of December is a bit of a whirlwind, but in my mind and heart, it is well worth it.  There is something about writing, especially poetry writing, that helps create a strong classroom community.  I cannot put my finger on what it is.  Perhaps it's the collaborative effort, the sharing, or the pride in a completed piece of writing that sounds like a favorite poet.  In the end, maybe it's that sparkle in a young writer's eyes and the appreciative nods of his or her classmates.

 December Calendar Page

Photo by Theresa Annello

Clearly I could talk about this forever and will tell you in advance that I always appreciate any feedback that I receive.  Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions.  I will close with the words of a favorite poet, Lee Bennett Hopkins: PASS THE POETRY, PLEASE!  Happy 2011!

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I am very grateful to Theresa Annello for sharing her generous words and links about poetry calendars.  Please know that Theresa's blog, Looking for the Write Words, is inspiring for the teacher, writer, and parent in all of us.

A very happy New Year to all of you, poetry friends new and old!  I am grateful to have joined this community and find it strange that last year at this time, I had never heard of Poetry Friday.  What on Earth will 2011 bring?

Carol is hosting this Poetry Friday New Year's Eve over at Carol's Corner.  Sleigh on over and bid farewell to 2010 with some poems and cocoa...

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What Patterns Do You See? Poem #228

Quilt from Prairie Piecegoods in Florence, Nebraska

Photo by Amy LV

Last week I taught a workshop in Omaha, Nebraska, quite far from home.  I've been there before, but on the way from the airport to the hotel, the car got lost.  (It was was trying to think of poem ideas.)  Anyway, I decided not to stop for directions until a most interesting shop presented itself...and in the small town of Florence, Nebraska, Prairie Piecegoods appeared.  This enchanting store is a cross between the Olesons' shop from the LITTLE HOUSE books and a museum, and I could not get enough.

New Favorite Shop

Photo by Amy LV

 Inside Prairie Piecegoods, Florence, NE

Photo by Amy LV

Owner Connie Rose (who could not have a prettier name) allowed me to take all kinds of photographs from spool jars to buttons to fabric bolts.  What did I buy?  Some underwear buttons, a blue mason jar, and some popping corn...still on the ear.  Connie wrapped these wares into a brand new potato bag, and I was off toward Omaha.  I will post more of these photos someday.

Students - I remember patterns from the old linoleum floor in my childhood kitchen, our blue floral couch, my pink rose wallpaper.  I remember the pattern on a sweater Aunt Kay knitted for me, my first button-to-the-side plaid blouse, our old purple chair.  My husband and I have talked about tracing patterns with our eyes over and over until they became ingrained in us.  Do you do this?  What do you see?  Today's poem, "Everywhere Patterns", came from simply this - what I see.  Oftentimes we are so used to our daily lives that we might not realize what we see.  Yet these objects, these patterns and bowls and blankets, these windowsills and lilac bushes and skyscrapers full of windows are worthy, indeed, of writing.

Here is a gorgeous book by Cynthia Rylant about seeing.

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As a student at Geneseo, I remember my friend and roomie, Stacey Buck, sharing that her favorite poem was "Patterns" by Amy Lowell.   I have thought of this so many times since those college years.

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To You on Veterans Day - Poem #226

 Small Flag in Wales, NY

Photo by Amy LV

Students - it is clear to see that I wrote this poem in honor of an important day.  Each life is sprinkled with holidays for all as well as private family celebrations, and such special days deserve poems.  For this one, my biggest challenge was striking a serious and grateful tone without sounding sad or sappy.

Yesterday morning at Wales Primary, I had the opportunity to chat with a custodian and teacher in the hallway before the children arrived.  The school custodian held a perfectly- folded flag in his arms, and he gently held it against his chest as we talked.  Our words turned to a young local man, killed this week in Afghanistan, and to the sacrifices our veterans make each day, each hour.  As that gentleman walked outside to raise the school flag to half-mast, we all began our day with honor in our hearts.

Today is Veterans Day.  But Veterans serve all year.  We may not know who they are because they don't wear uniforms and medals when they come home and return to teaching, delivery, medical, construction, and all other jobs.  If you know that someone is a veteran, though, my friend and soldier-mother Lynda says that it means so much when we say, "Thank you for your service."

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Lift Souls on the Day of the Dead! - #216

Spencerport Cemetery

Photo by Amy LV

Marilla Cemetery

Photo by Amy LV

 Spencerport Cemetery

Photo by Amy LV

In Mexico, Day of the Dead continues through November 2, a time when people remember and seek to encourage visits from the souls of the departed.  This is a day of glorious reunions, sugar skulls, and altars.

Students - there are times when words spoken to you stay forever.  We don't know how, and sometimes there is no apparent reason why, but some words stay.  For me, hearing that "We die twice" stayed.  I heard that phrase a long time ago, so long ago that I cannot even remember where.  But just the other day, thinking about walking through churchyards, I imagined keeping body-dead people alive a bit longer.  So I really did walk through two cemeteries this week, touching the cold marble rectangles, speaking names, and imagining I could prolong these "second deaths".

What stays with you?  You may not think of something this minute, but listen to yourself.  Listen to those words that just pop up from time to time or the voices or advice that you cannot shake.  Such words may be saying, "I want you to write about me!"

Today is a good day to remember those we have all lost, to ask them to remember us, to speak their names once more.

It is the first day of National Novel Writing Month, with information about the Young Writers Program here.   Also, if you live in WNY, the fabulous Rochester Children's Book Festival is this coming Saturday, November 6.  This family-friendly, free event is a don't-miss, full of author talks, opportunities to have books signed, illustrator demonstrations, and more.  (Thank you to Melinda Harvey for reminding me to post such a wonderful happening!)

 Marilla Cemetery

Photo by Amy LV

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Poetry Friday & #206 - Face Poem

Grandpa VanDerwater & Baby

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This is Poem #21 in a series of poems about poems.

Students -  I have always found great beauty in the faces of the old.  So many stories.  Every time I see an old person, particularly a happy old person, I smile inside, thinking how beautiful that person is.  Well, once in a while, something I have always believed just shows up in a bit of writing, and I find myself silently saying, "Hello, friend."  This happened yesterday, pencil in hand, as lined faces rose in my mind.

One interesting fact about the process of writing this poem:  it was initially in the past tense.  After reading it several times over and listening to each of my children read it aloud, I decided that present tense would make it more...present.

For a truly beautiful poem about old people, visit The Writer's Almanac to read Ted Kooser's "The Very Old".

Andromeda Jazmon is hosting today's Poetry Friday roundup over at her blog, a wrung sponge.  Mosey on over there to join the fun!  This evening I cannot wait to meet Mary Ann in person, along with all of my new poetry blogging friends in Minneapolis at Kidlit Con.

Please visit next week for another Classroom Poetry Peek with Mrs. Sallye Norris and her first graders from Puster Elementary School in Fairview, Texas.

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MyPoWriYe # 188 - After Dinner

The Largest Sundae at Friendly's

Photo by Amy LV

On Saturday evening, my father and children and I went to Friendly's for dessert.  At first, no one could decide what to order.  Friendly's ice cream menu is extensive, and everything looks scrumptious.  Then we saw it: a giant 12 scoop sundae, complete with 6 toppings of your choice.  The price was $12.49, and we were all awed by the idea of a 12 scoop sundae.  I wrote down each person's choices of ice cream and toppings on a napkin which we handed to our waitress.  Then we waited.  When our masterpiece arrived, I was amazed that music didn't start playing in the background.  It was beautiful!  We ate and ate and ate, spoons bumping into each other, asking questions such as, "Is this mint chip or pistachio?" and "Did anyone find the Heath bits yet?"

Did we finish the sundae?  Well, almost.  We left a bit of ice cream sludge at the bottom and perhaps a couple of Oreo bits.  Will we order this massive sundae again?  Of course!

Students - have you ever heard people say, "Ice cream just slides in the cracks"?  I have, and that's probably where this poem idea came from, from a saying I've heard several times before.  Poems can, indeed, come from phrases you hear, bits of conversation and sayings.  Listen carefully as you go through your day and words from others' mouths may inspire a poem idea.

The past two days found me away from home, working on a different computer.  After writing simply formatted poems with lots of movement, I hurried home to make each of them concrete.  If you would like to see revisions to the last two days' now-concrete poems,  click to check out "In My Pocket" and "When I Grow Up".  

Students - for me, concrete poems do not start out as concrete poems.  I do not think, "I'd like to write a poem about a cat so first I will draw the shape of a cat, and then I will fill in some cat-like words."  For me, the words always come first.  First, I write a poem focusing on the exact words for my story or list.  After the words match my wish, the question of concrete-ness comes as a revision question.  I ask myself, "Might this poem work in a different shape?"  If it is a poem with lots of movement, I try it out.  For me, the fun is in making each concrete poem a bit of a challenge to read.  I hope that readers will experience one split second of puzzle solving, one moment of wondering where to start and how to read.  Then, of course, I hope that the line of the poem will make sense and will follow the movement's meaning.

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reasons - My Poem Writing Year #153

Bisons Game, Buffalo, NY

Photo by Amy LV 

Last night we scored cheap tickets for one of the last Buffalo Bisons games of the season.  Watching and feeling all of the verbs of the game got me in a baseball-writing mood again.  This year has brought on lots of baseball poems, including: When I'm Up, Dirty Secret, and I Am the Batter.  It's funny how the end of one season (baseball) signals the beginning of another (school).  May this year be a home run for all of you!

Students - this is another list poem.  You can see that the whole first stanza is simply a list of different exciting parts of baseball.  The second stanza explains that this is a list of reasons.  List poems usually do that, have a "twist" at the end.

If you have considered "following" The Poem Farm, I would be so grateful if you would do so.  I hope to have 100 little squares over there on the right-hand side by my 200th poem.  Such a show of support is a good way to demonstrate to publishers (and I have a few projects out there) that people may actually purchase books with my poems in them!

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MyPoWriYe #123 - This Shirt

Hen's Favorite Shirt

Photo by Amy LV

We all have articles of clothing that we looooove.  Articles of clothing that we wear over and over again until they almost fall apart.  In fact, I've heard that most people wear 30% of their clothing 70% of the time and 70% of their clothing 30% of the time.

Our home holds a small pile of our children's baby clothes that just float around.  It's hard for me to say goodbye to those fuzzy jammies, difficult for me to put them into boxes, and I would never give them away.  Sometimes I just pick each one up and remember.

Students - I wrote this poem thinking about a shirt that Henry loves, a shirt he wears as much as he can.  And while he is far from outgrowing this shirt, someday he will, and I imagined that day while writing last night.  This is a good place to get a writing idea.  Think of an object you have outgrown, an object you will someday outgrow, or an object that you don't need anymore but still hang onto.  Then write.

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MyPoWriYe #63 - On Eating an Elephant

Question poems seem to be a recurring structure this week.  I think it may be because questions are full of melody.  Just the way one's voice goes up at the end of a question is musical and lovely.

Tonight I was not sure what to write about.  Then, somehow, I got thinking about advice, both getting advice and giving advice.  This somehow jumped to the idea of getting advice on how to eat an animal cracker.  I always look at gingerbread men and animal crackers with a certain degree of guilt.  But yes, I do eat them anyway.  Usually heads first.  

Students - you might wish to try this too.  Think about advice:  advice you've given, advice you've received, outlandish advice or silly advice, serious advice you think others should follow.  There is a river-full of poem ideas here!

Edible Elephant
Photo by Amy LV

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