National Poetry Month!

April is National Poetry Month, so we're celebrating (a day late - oops!) by sharing a bit of the Lower Elementary poetry. From haikus to cinquains to acrostic poems, we celebrate poetry all year round! Below, some children have chosen to share samples of their work, and their love of poetry. Lower Elementary Guide Anna Schwind shares a poem she came up with while giving a poetry lesson. Lovely, and true, no?Why poetry? Studies have shown many benefits of exposing children to poetry from an early age, including increasing early literacy skills; exposing children to new and unknown words which they can understand through context; helping to develop phonetic awareness; helping with memorization skills; and helping with self-expression!Poetry can be a source of inspiration from nature, or, as shown above, an opportunity to write about a historical event! Above, a usually reluctant writer expresses himself through poetry, inspired by a lesson about the Dust Bowl.In Megan Eilers' Lower Elementary classroom, children collect their poetry and make books for the classroom! Above, two children compiled their poetry for the class, typed it out, and stapled it into a book, which has its home in the reading area of the classroom. This way, children can read poetry by other children. Judging by how worn and loved the book is, it is obvious that this is enjoyed by many!Above: one child collected acrostic poems she made of all her classmates' names.And of course, the illustrations that accompany the poetry are lovely!Some suggestions for poetry books for children:A Light in the Attic, by Shel SilversteinWhere the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel SilversteinFalling Up, by Shel SilversteinScience Verse, by John ScieskaFeel the Beat: Dance Poems that Zing, from Salsa to Swing, by Marilyn SingerBravo! Poems about Amazing Hispanics, by Margarita EngleOut of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets, by Kwame AlexanderHaiti, My Country, by RogeOne Leaf Rides the Wind, by Celeste MannisA Full Moon is Rising, by Marilyn SingerOnce Around the Sun, by Bobbi KatzHappy National Poetry Month from all of us at Villa di Maria!