Favorite Poetry Lessons (Grades 4-8)
According to poet Paul B. Janeczko, poetry is not something that should  be saved for a giant poetry unit in April (National Poetry Month). It should be  sprinkled liberally through the classroom, used on any occasion, linked to the  real world. InFavorite Poetry Lessons, Janeczko gathers the most  tried-and-true poetry-writing exercises he has found in his classes throughout  the U.S. and beyond. Encouraging kids and teachers to enjoy--not be intimidated  by--poetry, he includes a wide range of model poems by such luminaries as Walt  Whitman and X.J. Kennedy, as well as by his own young workshop students.  Janeczko's style is warm and personal, and his exercises are creative, fun, and  informative. The classroom-friendly book includes more than 25 reproducible  poems, insights and advice from leading contemporary poets ("In the poet's  words..."), lessons on the types of poetry children love (opposites, list poems,  acrostic poems, clerihews, synonym poems), sections on techniques (rhythm, word  choice, metaphor), links to other subjects, and even a few hints for publishing  students' work.Janeczko's enthusiasm is infectious. Students (grades 4 to 8) and teachers alike  will be inspired to make poetry a natural part of their daily lives. Ready to go  deeper? Read Janeczko'sHow to  Write Poetry. Ready to go wild? Take a look at the lovely and nuttyA Poke in the I: A Collection of  Concrete Poems. (Ages 8 and older)--Emilie Coulter