Oh heavens. What a slippery slope. It starts with sharing this video about the typewriter orchestra with my young writers. And then a conversation about how musicians see the music in everything. And how poets see the poetry in everything. “Mrs. Levin, that would be cool to do.” “Yeah, it would.”… “Hey…I have an idea.Continue reading “Putting Myself Out There: Part 1”
Tag Archives: poetry
When the Writing Gets Tough
First of all, happy poetry month! Those of you who read my blog know that I enjoy writing alongside my kids. I like to share my work and my struggles with them. The week before break, I asked the kids to take on an ambitious poem: to title and write a piece about an importantContinue reading “When the Writing Gets Tough”
Using Images to Establish Mood
A little while ago, my fourth graders and I began to pair poetry and art to show how words and images are powerful creators of emotional imagery. First, we talked about art. What mood do artists create, and what techniques do they use? Color? Light? Shade? Brush strokes? Position and treatment of the subjects? It wasContinue reading “Using Images to Establish Mood”
When in Rome
Whenever I assign my kids creative writing, I like to join along. For starters, it helps keep my own creative juices flowing. More importantly, I want my students to see me as a writer, right along with them. I want them to see what successes struggles I encounter as I work to improve my craft. Today,Continue reading “When in Rome”
On Carving Out Space
In my day, for breath After the priorities Have been shuffled through — A release, perhaps Of expectation, or the Desire for different Such is the promise Of a few moments caught at The end of long days.
Mother’s Lament (NaPoWriMo Day 9)
I can taste it, Like the first bite of a hot-fudge sundae Or a gooey, cheesy pizza So delightful Rich Decadent, Yet well-deserved. I long for it From deep within my bones I hunger I ache For a Good Night’s Sleep
Why I Don’t Write Limericks (NaPoWriMo Day 7)
Sometimes as a matter of course My thoughts into structure I’ll force In my strong efforts I’ll Replace substance with style (Putting the cart before horse)
Signs of Spring – National Poetry Month Day 6
Signs of Spring The hostas, in hushed whispers Poke their heads from the earth And signal an all-clear The crocus responds Gentle, persistent, Not wishing to interrupt But clear to any who listen And others, in turn, join the crescendo: Daffodil, tulip, forsythia, lilac Silenced, I join the world in The deep, full breath IContinue reading “Signs of Spring – National Poetry Month Day 6”
Do You Remember Me? National Poetry Month, Day 5
Do You Remember Me? You… You, with that faded bonnet, The microscopic handwriting, The comics you drew me, The moldy mess we excavated from your desk, The orange sweatshirt you always wore, The April Fool’s joke you played on the class, How you didn’t speak until February, How your grandma was your rock, How youContinue reading “Do You Remember Me? National Poetry Month, Day 5”
Why I write – Poetry month day 4
Why I Write There is a certain Satisfaction That comes with cooking a good meal. It’s the love stirred in The effort of smelling, tasting, listening, editing Until it seems just right And the hungry ones take it in And where there was once noise There is the quiet Of grateful and appreciative chewing. AndContinue reading “Why I write – Poetry month day 4”
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 