Through the Eyes of a Poet

April is National Poetry Month. Poetry is one of my favorite forms of writing to share with children because it allows them to relax into their words and offers many opportunities for finding one’s unique voice and personal writing style.

We are just wrapping up a session of Writer’s Club in the shop and for the last six weeks we have been exploring poetry together. One of the first experiences we shared was to learn to see the world through the eyes of a poet.

We observed four everyday items through different lenses. First we put on our scientist’s glasses and took notes on the the basic facts and functions of each item. Next we put on our poet’s glasses and looked and listened for the story behind the objects. We explored what brings these ordinary objects to life and gives them meaning to us. It really got our writing juices flowing and helped us to gain an appreciation for the extraordinary elements that patiently wait to be brought out of the ordinary things we encounter everyday.

More Poetry Inspiration…
Listening Booth by Poets.org – Listen poems read by the authors
Printable Bookmark Poems
Maya Angelou Shares Her Inspirations
Put a Poem in Your Pocket
Fun with Shel Silverstein
Start a Family Writing Club
Poet Notes (printable)

“As I take the wet shell out of the sea it glistens in my pocket.” ~Ella (Age 6)