April is always a favorite month because (trumpet fanfare!) it is National Poetry Month! I love poetry of all kinds and do what I can to excite kids who come into the library about the wonderful poetry books we have. Whenever we get subject requests for book packs from teachers and daycare providers, I make sure there is a book of poems included in the pile of books we select. There are so many amazing poetry books that are themed: cats; dinosaurs; seasons; mice; wetlands; nature; chocolate; bugs; weather and so much more. By including a poetry book along with fiction and non-fiction on the subject we can extend - and beautify -the subject for the children in the classroom.
And using poems in storytime is another favorite way to share the love. There is a wealth of picture books in rhyme to share with tots. Plus there are plenty of delightful single poems that are perfect for storytime use. Rob Reid, he of "Rappin' Rob" fame, has a number of great books that suggest perfect pairings of poem and storytime themes: Family Storytime (ALA Editions); More Family Storytimes (ALA Editions); Storytime Slam (Upstart Books)
If you want to celebrate all things poetry in April, stop by GottaBook beginning April 1 for 30 Poets/30 Days and enjoy a new unpublished poem by a different poet everyday. Plus it looks like Gregory will be posting links to other great children's lit poetry resources. Let's make way for poetry!
Thanks for the link! And I must say I'm reallllly looking forward to April. Should be a poetic blast.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... what does it mean that the characters I have to type for verification today are "gooff"!!!! I like it! :-)