Poetry Posters & Postcards

One of the things I love about poetry is how it conjures up images in our minds. What do you picture when you read a favorite poem? Talking about our (multiple) interpretations for a single poem is an interesting window into our own experiences and emotions. This is something young adults really "get." They enjoy linking poems they're reading with their own life experiences and understandings.

But they are also often surprised to discover that we can have very different images of the same poem. One way to highlight this imagistic power of poetry is to use poems in conjunction with images, matching poems and pictures that seem to go together. We have taken this idea and created several poem posters and postcards that pair poems with contemporary photographs. You can download and/or print them at the Pomelo Books site here. 

Here is one example from The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School, just to get you started.

"Body Art" by Marilyn Singer

Here is the last of our student-created "poem movies." This one features Marilyn Singer's poem, "Body Art," and is created by graduate student Phyllis Yarbro. Click here to watch it.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the eighth grade section, week 35, for the theme, "Summer Vacation."

We hope you've enjoyed our homemade masterpieces. We've had fun making them and exploring ways to use technology to promote poetry!

Next up: Backstories for some of the poems in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School from the poets themselves.




Image credit: rpghacker.com

"Grandma's House" by Kate Coombs

Here is a "poem movie" for Kate Coombs's poem, "Grandma's House," created by graduate student Sherri Wilcox. Watch it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the seventh grade section, week 13, for the theme, "Families."

"The Waking House" by Charles Ghigna

Here is a "poem movie" for Charles Ghigna's poem, "The Waking House," created by graduate student Casey Torisk. Check it out.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 12, for the theme, "House & Home."

"Wong's Café" by Janet Wong

Here is a "poem movie" for Janet Wong's poem, "Wong's Café," created by graduate student Karen Tassone. Look for it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 16, for the theme, "Holidays."

"According to Bread" by Lesléa Newman

Here is a "poem movie" for Lesléa Newman's poem, "According to Bread," created by graduate student Jill Swann. Watch it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the eighth grade section, week 32, for the theme, "Metaphor & Simile."

"These Hands" by Renée M. LaTulippe

Here is a "poem movie" for Renée M. LaTulippe's poem, "These Hands," created by graduate student Ann Siejka. Watch it below.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the seventh grade section, week 15, for the theme, "Stuff We Love."

"Pen" by Nikki Grimes

Here is a "poem movie" for the poem, "Pen," written by Nikki Grimes and created by graduate student Lisa Scott. Watch it here or below.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 33, for the theme, "Personification."

"Restless" by Joyce Sidman

Here is a "poem movie" for Joyce Sidman's poem, "Restless," created by graduate student Ellen Samples. Check it out.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the eighth grade section, week 34, for the theme, "On the Move."

"First Practice" by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

Here is a "poem movie" for Amy Ludwig VanDerwater's poem, "First Practice," created by graduate student Sabrina Ramirez. Watch it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 14, for the theme, "Community."

"Meet the Saurus" by Heidi Mordhorst

Here is a "poem movie" for Heidi's poem, "Meet the Saurus," created by graduate student Karey Pustejovsky.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 28, for the theme, "Books."

"Names" by Julie Larios

Here is a "poem movie" for "Names" by Julie Larios created by graduate student Priscilla Pineda. Look for it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 10, for the theme, "Food."

"Giving" by Jane Yolen

Here is a "poem movie" for Jane Yolen's poem, "Giving," created by graduate student Jennifer Normile.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 15, for the theme, "Stuff We Love."

"Dear Monster of Loch Ness" by Jack Prelutsky

Here is a "poem movie" for Jack Prelutsky's poem, "Dear Monster of Loch Ness," created by graduate student Megan Moulton.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 7, for the theme, "In the Water."

"Night Light" by Carole Gerber

Here is a "poem movie" for Carole Gerber's poem, "Night Light," created by graduate student Julie Mosty. Watch it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 8, for the theme, "In the Air."

"Spiral Glide" by Mary Lee Hahn

Here is a "poem movie" for Mary Lee Hahn's poem, "Spiral Glide," created by graduate student Judy Lucas. Watch it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the seventh grade section, week 8, for the theme, "In the Air."

"Sixth Grade Class" by Deborah Ruddell

Here is a "poem movie" for Deborah Ruddell's poem, "Sixth Grade Art Class: The First Day," created by graduate student Ilana Locker.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 20, for the theme, "Art & Colors."

"Fishing Trip" by Charles Waters

Here is a "poem movie" for Charles Waters's poem, "Fishing Trip," created by graduate student Michelle Lee. Watch the digital film here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 17, for the theme, "Time Together."

"Advice to Rapunzel" by Eileen Spinelli

Here is a "poem movie" for Eileen Spinelli's poem, "Advice to Rapunzel," created by graduate student Megan Lacaze. Look for it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 21, for the theme, "Love & Friendship."

"Future Hoopsters" by Avis Harley

Here is a "poem movie" for Avis Harley's poem, "Future Hoopsters," created by graduate student Kendra Hensley. Look for it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 31, for the theme, "Different Forms" (of poetry).

"Fourths of Me" by Armenda Elkins

Here is a "poem movie" for Betsy Franco's poem, "Fourths of Me," created by graduate student Armenda Elkins. Watch it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the seventh grade section, week 30, for the theme, "Rhyme, Repetition & Rhythm."

"Breaking the Spell" by Debbie Levy

Here is a "poem movie" for Debbie Levy's poem, "Breaking the Spell," created by graduate student Anna Darst. Watch it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the seventh grade section, week 27, for the theme, "World of Words."

"Safe in My Shell" by Ann Whitford Paul

Here are actually TWO "poem movies" in one for Ann Whitford Paul's poem, "Safe in My Shell," created by my graduate student, Dana. Dana very creatively offers a "literal" interpretation of the poem featuring the shy and retiring turtle, followed by a pensive "human" look at another meaning of the poem. Ingenious!

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the eighth grade section, week 6, for the theme, "On the Ground."

You MUST check out the amazing poet videos over at No Water River, too. Blogger and PFAMS poet, Renee LaTulippe, does brilliant work here. She's gathered a bunch of our amazing PFAMS poets reading their PFAMS poems-- thank you, all-- and even has Mary Skelly's classroom involved. See what amazing poetry work those kids are doing too!

Finally, don't miss the Poetry Friday party that PFA/PFAMS poet Robyn Hood Black is hosting over at Read, Write, Howl. See you there!

"In the School Band" by David L. Harrison

Here is a "poem movie" for David L. Harrison's poem, "In the School Band," created by graduate student Amanda Butler. Watch it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the eighth grade section, week 2, for the theme, "More School."

"The Run" by Avis Harley

Here is a "poem movie" for Avis Harley's poem, "The Run," created by graduate student Katy Brandeland. Watch it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the eighth grade section, week 3, for the theme, "Fun & Games."

"Fixer-Upper" by Terry Webb Harshman

Here is a "poem movie" for Terry Webb Harshman's poem, "Fixer-Upper" created by graduate student Blaire Beathard. Watch it here.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the seventh grade section, week 12, for the theme, "House & Home."

"Your Appendix is a Mystery" by Allan Wolf

Here is a "poem movie" for Allan Wolf's poem, "Your Appendix is a Mystery," created by graduate student Brienna Ayers.

This poem is featured in The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School in the sixth grade section, week 18, for the theme, "The Human Body." Brienna's film is a fun example of what kids themselves might try as they interpret poems with digital tools.

Poem Movies

Coming in April: Homemade digital films that offer artistic interpretations of several of the poems in The Poetry Friday Anthology (6-8). 

Graduate students enrolled in my "Poetry for Children and Young Adults" class at Texas Woman's University have created "poem movies" for selected poems from The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School. Each student chose one poem from the anthology and then interpreted it in a short, original, one-minute digital film-- sometimes with input from young people themselves (and with the poet's permission, of course).

I'm so proud of them! They created a wonderful variety of mini-movies offering great examples of how digital technology can be used to interpret and promote poetry for (and with) young people. One student (go, Dana!) even made TWO films-- one offering a literal interpretation of a poem (about a turtle) and the other with a more abstract look at the "shells" we create for ourselves-- highlighting the same poem text for each.  All these "poem movies" will be posted one-a-day during National Poetry Month (April). Enjoy!

PFAMS Book Give-Away

Send us your favorite quote about poetry (50 words or less) for a chance to receive a free copy of The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School (PFAMS). Here are a few poetry quotes we already love (so they’re off limits!):


Poetry teaches us the power of a few words.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Poetry is the journal of a sea animal living on land, wanting to fly in the air. 

Carl Sandburg

If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.

Emily Dickinson

In looking at some apparently small object, one feels the swirl of great events.
William Carlos Williams

For what is a poem but a hazardous attempt at self-understanding: it is the deepest part of autobiography.
Robert Penn Warren

Poetry is most poetry when it makes noise.
Donald Hall

When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.
John F. Kennedy

Poetry—the best words in their best order.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before. 

Audre Lorde


* * * * * * * * * *

We challenge you to send us your favorite, most unique and pithy poetry quotes.
Send your name, mailing address, and email address along with your poetry quote to:
info@pomelobooks.com

Deadline: March 21, 2013 (11:59pm CST)

Winners will be notified via email.

Now available

A BRAND-NEW VERSION OF THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL!
Middle School Language Arts teachers have been borrowing the K-5 version of The Poetry Friday Anthology ever since it came out last September, but now it’s time to celebrate: we have a Middle School version just for you!

CONNECT POETRY WITH THE COMMON CORE and TEKS (in Texas)
Look for The Poetry Friday Anthology for Middle School (PFAMS) available in two editions: connecting with Common Core poetry standards or with the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) poetry standards in Texas. This book contains 110 poems for Grades 6-8, with popular step-by-step Take 5! poetry lessons for each poem that address skills and requirements for English Language Arts and Reading.

71 POETS, 110 POEMS
The 110 poems in this book represent the work of 71 of the best poets who are writing for young people, including: Naomi Shihab Nye, Jack Prelutsky, Joyce Sidman, J. Patrick Lewis, Marilyn Singer, Jane Yolen, Nikki Grimes, Guadalupe Garcia McCall, and Georgia Heard. Poems cover a wide variety of topics, such as soccer, community service, and visiting a panadería.

ALL ABOARD!
A growing number of school districts have adopted The Poetry Friday Anthology to make it easy for teachers to teach poetry. Poetry is the best genre to use with reluctant readers and writers and is found with increasing frequency on standardized tests.  Check it out and help us spread the word!

Sample Poem Page

Here's a sample of a page from the book. It features the poem,  "Fear Factor" by Sara Holbrook, which is slated for 7th Grade, Week 33, highlighting personification.

Sample Page with Take 5 Activities

Here is the page from the book that accompanies Sara Holbrook's poem, "Fear Factor." These "Take 5" activities offer suggestions for how to share the poem with students (and weaves in a standards-based skill activity in step #4).

Word Cloud for "Bombardier Beetle"

If you are sharing "Consider the Bombardier Beetle" by Jane Yolen (found in Week 6 for Grade 6), here is a sample "word cloud" or "wordle"made up of the words of this poem. Try making your own, since each word cloud offers a new arrangement of words. Try Wordle or Tagxedo, for example.

How to Use This Book

The Poetry Friday Anthology includes a poem a week for the whole school year (6-8) with curriculum connections provided for each poem, each week, each grade level. Just five minutes every “Poetry Friday” will reinforce key skills in reading and language arts such as rhyme, repetition, rhythm, alliteration, etc. Here you’ll find:

•    36 original poems for Sixth Grade (with mini-lessons for each poem)
•    36 original poems for Seventh Grade (with mini-lessons for each poem)
•    36 original poems for Eighth Grade (with mini-lessons for each poem)


That's a poem a week every week from August through May!

However, since it’s March and not August, we offer three alternative ways to use this book this year.

1.    Choose your desired grade level (6, 7, or 8), open the book and start with the poem for Week 1 of your grade level. Then continue sharing a poem every Friday until the end of the school year. You won’t use all the poems in the book, but you’ll share plenty of new poems and build a dozen key poetry skills or more. (Then in August, you can start again with Week 1 and use ALL the poems across the school year.)

2.     Choose your desired grade level (6, 7, or 8) and look for Week 27. Share the poem and activities you find there. Why Week 27? That’s where your colleagues in grades K-5 will be, if they are also using The Poetry Friday Anthology (K-5). This way you can maximize connections across all the grades with all the students experiencing poems on the same theme, one theme per week.

3.    Or focus your energies on a big splash for National Poetry Month. Choose your desired grade level (6, 7, or 8), open the book and start with the poem for Week 1 of your grade level. Then continue sharing a poem every DAY, instead of one per week. That’s 22 poems for 22 weekdays in the month of April. Then keep sharing the rest of the poems, one every Friday (or more often) till the end of the school year.

About THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY

The Poetry Friday Anthology is unique for two main reasons:


1. It features a year's worth of new original poems for every grade level 6-8, with a poem per week by some of the best poets writing for young people. [See the complete list of poets in the sidebar on the right.]



2. Every poem in every grade level is also paired with learning activities that are anchored in the Common Core standards (or TEKS standards in Texas).



Take 5
One of the most significant features of The Poetry Friday Anthology is the inclusion of standards-based mini-lessons for each poem at every grade level (6-8). We call that the "Take 5" component with five activities related to the poem. You're welcome to use some, all, or none of these activities, but they provide a starting place for presenting the poem and connecting with curriculum standards. The Take 5 components also follow a regular pattern: they include guidance on reading the poem aloud, a creative way to engage students in presenting the poem, a discussion prompt, a skill focus, and a link to another related poem or poetry book. In just five minutes, you can lead a poetry break that is enjoyable, meaningful, participatory, and skill-based.


Why Friday?
Why does The Poetry Friday Anthology focus on Friday? 

In 2006, blogger Kelly Herold brought Poetry Friday to the “kidlitosphere.” Much like “casual Friday” in the corporate world, there is a perception in the world of literature that on Fridays we should relax a bit and take a moment for something special. 

Why not bring the Poetry Friday concept into your classroom and take five minutes every Friday to share a poem and explore it a bit, connecting it with students’ lives and capitalizing on a teachable moment? Pausing to share a poem—and reinforce a language skill—on Poetry Friday is an easy way to infuse poetry into your current teaching practice.
 
Yes, of course you can share poetry on other days of the week too—and we hope that you will! But for those who are not already teaching poetry regularly, planning for Poetry Friday makes poetry sharing intentional and not incidental. Get your own copy of The Poetry Friday Anthology now-- and tell a colleague about it and about pausing to celebrate Poetry Fridays.