The thought and the form are equal in the order of time, but in the order of genesis, the thought is prior to the form. My class and I are happy to share our work with you, and we would like to read any poems you may write in reply after reading our poems. If you are a teacher or anyone who would like to know more about how these poems were guided by the work of Kenneth Koch , please read through the next six or seven paragraphs. My years in the classroom have shown me that sharing poetry with teenagers is an exhilarating, energizing experience.
All children enjoy reading and writing poetry.
Teenagers are especially tuned to tone and nuance, to humor and pathos. Poetry is just the ticket to prying open the dizzy world of adolescence for the enjoyment of all involved. This is not news to English teachers who have been exploring poetry with their classes as a matter of course. Those of you who teach literature, I hope, will read to refresh and reaffirm your teaching. If you teach in other areas, I hope that you will be emboldened to try poetry in your science, math, computer, or social studies classes.