HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD WRITE POETRY

During my 33-year career as an elementary school teacher in Gates, NY, I also became a poet. I became a poet partly because I loved the poetry of Shel Silverstein, especially Where the Sidewalk Ends, and also I wanted to share my ideas and sense of humor with my own students. So I started writing poems for them and my two daughters. Writing lots of poems not only made me a better writer and a better poet, but it also inspired my students and my own children to express themselves through writing poetry.

Learning to write poetry--that is, carefully selecting a few words to express an idea--not only helps a child express what is in his soul, but it also helps him learn to think precisely. So I encourage all parents to help their kids write poetry.

One way you can help your child write poetry is to encourage them to write poems by using a "recipe" for the poem, or simply by completing sentences in an organized manner.

Each month on my web site, www.joe-sottile.com, I host a poetry contest for kids. I usually post a new recipe poem and samples to encourage kids to write poetry. These poems don't have to be great to win. They have to be interesting. Here are the instructions for entering my monthly contest.

Poetry Exercises for Parents to Use With Kids

What follows are three partial poems from Picture Poetry on Parade. You have my permission to use these with your kids or students. I got the idea for using the "IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL POEM," when I visited a fourth grade class. The teacher who loved poetry gave the class the choice of asking me a question about writing or reading me their version of the school poem. Most chose to read to me. They were delighted by what they had created and a chance to share. I thought that some of their lines were better than mine!

So parents, please give the following a try. Writing poetry isn't difficult if the writer has a "recipe." That's what the next three poems are all about. After writing the poems, your child will enjoy sharing them with others. I hope he or she does that. Write on!

Exercise 1: Fill in the blank!

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL
(As the student sees it...)

By __________________________

Everyone would be transported to school by________________

Every desk would have a built-in_________________________

Every wing of the building would have its own______________

Every side of the building would have a jumbo______________

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL

The lunchroom would be ___________________________________

Tests would be ___________________________________________

The school week would be__________________________________

Each week there would be___________________________________

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL

The Gum Chewing Policy would be_______________________________

The Homework Policy would be__________________________________

The Dress Code Policy would be_________________________________

The Promotion Policy would be__________________________________

Based on the original poem in Picture Poetry on Parade by Joe Sottile

---

 More Ideas for Interesting Poems!

In Picture Poetry on Parade, on page 28 there is the poem "CAN'T WRITE TODAY." Well, we all get writer's block at times. Here are the first four lines of my poem. You can make yours as long as you like, just be sure the last line is "Can't write today!" That line is a good ending that brings the reader back to the end of the beginning of the poem. Writers like to do that.

CAN'T WRITE TODAY
By __________________________

I can't write today because my paper is wrinkled.

I can't write today because I didn't eat my breakfast.

I can't write today because my dog barfed on the kitchen floor.

I can't write today because I left my homework at home.

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today!

As you can see, I like repetition. It's one of my favorite poetic tools. When I visit schools and libraries, kids love chanting the repetitious parts back. It makes the visit interactive and extra fun. On page 4 in Picture Poetry on Parade is the poem "ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL." In the school where I taught for twenty years, many of the teachers read this poem to their classes on the first day of school. The first five lines of the poem follows. You can create your own ending too.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
By ____________________________

I was worried that Mom would forget to kiss me good-bye.

I was worried the school bus would pass my stop.

I was worried I'd get into a fight at the bus stop.

I was worried that I had toothpaste on my cheek.

I was worried that I would never find my classroom.

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

These poetry recipes will bring out the best in young poets. Why not give them a try? And please encourage your child to enter Silly Sottile’s Monthly Poetry Contest.

---

© 2011, Joe Sottile

During my 33-year career as an elementary school teacher in Gates, NY, I also became a poet. I became a poet partly because I loved the poetry of Shel Silverstein, especially Where the Sidewalk Ends, and also I wanted to share my ideas and sense of humor with my own students. So I started writing poems for them and my two daughters. Writing lots of poems not only made me a better writer and a better poet, but it also inspired my students and my own children to express themselves through writing poetry.

Learning to write poetry--that is, carefully selecting a few words to express an idea--not only helps a child express what is in his soul, but it also helps him learn to think precisely. So I encourage all parents to help their kids write poetry.

One way you can help your child write poetry is to encourage them to write poems by using a "recipe" for the poem, or simply by completing sentences in an organized manner.

Each month on my web site, www.joe-sottile.com, I host a poetry contest for kids. I usually post a new recipe poem and samples to encourage kids to write poetry. These poems don't have to be great to win. They have to be interesting. Here are the instructions for entering my monthly contest.

Poetry Exercises for Parents to Use With Kids

What follows are three partial poems from Picture Poetry on Parade. You have my permission to use these with your kids or students. I got the idea for using the "IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL POEM," when I visited a fourth grade class. The teacher who loved poetry gave the class the choice of asking me a question about writing or reading me their version of the school poem. Most chose to read to me. They were delighted by what they had created and a chance to share. I thought that some of their lines were better than mine!

So parents, please give the following a try. Writing poetry isn't difficult if the writer has a "recipe." That's what the next three poems are all about. After writing the poems, your child will enjoy sharing them with others. I hope he or she does that. Write on!

Exercise 1: Fill in the blank!

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL
(As the student sees it...)

By __________________________

Everyone would be transported to school by________________

Every desk would have a built-in_________________________

Every wing of the building would have its own______________

Every side of the building would have a jumbo______________

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL

The lunchroom would be ___________________________________

Tests would be ___________________________________________

The school week would be__________________________________

Each week there would be___________________________________

IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL

The Gum Chewing Policy would be_______________________________

The Homework Policy would be__________________________________

The Dress Code Policy would be_________________________________

The Promotion Policy would be__________________________________

Based on the original poem in Picture Poetry on Parade by Joe Sottile

---

 More Ideas for Interesting Poems!

In Picture Poetry on Parade, on page 28 there is the poem "CAN'T WRITE TODAY." Well, we all get writer's block at times. Here are the first four lines of my poem. You can make yours as long as you like, just be sure the last line is "Can't write today!" That line is a good ending that brings the reader back to the end of the beginning of the poem. Writers like to do that.

CAN'T WRITE TODAY
By __________________________

I can't write today because my paper is wrinkled.

I can't write today because I didn't eat my breakfast.

I can't write today because my dog barfed on the kitchen floor.

I can't write today because I left my homework at home.

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today because____________________________________________

I can't write today!

As you can see, I like repetition. It's one of my favorite poetic tools. When I visit schools and libraries, kids love chanting the repetitious parts back. It makes the visit interactive and extra fun. On page 4 in Picture Poetry on Parade is the poem "ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL." In the school where I taught for twenty years, many of the teachers read this poem to their classes on the first day of school. The first five lines of the poem follows. You can create your own ending too.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
By ____________________________

I was worried that Mom would forget to kiss me good-bye.

I was worried the school bus would pass my stop.

I was worried I'd get into a fight at the bus stop.

I was worried that I had toothpaste on my cheek.

I was worried that I would never find my classroom.

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

I was worried_______________________________

These poetry recipes will bring out the best in young poets. Why not give them a try? And please encourage your child to enter Silly Sottile’s Monthly Poetry Contest.

---

© 2011, Joe Sottile

Honorable Mention: Rochester Auditorium Theatre

Honorable Mention

The Theater

by Rebecca, age 12

Penfield

The Auditorium Theater is the place to go
When you want to see an amazing show

When I was little I saw “Blue’s Clues” and “Bear”
Then I saw “Wicked” and “Lion King” there

My friends were a part of the “Wizard of Oz” cast
All who watched surely had a blast

“Lion King” was really great
I hope to see it again at a later date

“Wicked” is my favorite, I saw it three times
Sorry, I can’t think of any other good rhymes

My mom helps us get tickets really cheap
She makes sure we don’t go to shows sure to put us asleep

Next year we’ll see “Shrek” or “Billy Elliot”, either one would be great
Which one will we watch? I’ll just have to wait

On the third floor is MJT Stages, a small theatric endeavor
However, it’s a great place to see shows whenever

I’ve been to camp there for many years
It’s helped me overcome my acting fears

So that is the one of the greatest places around
You should head over there if you’re ever in town

Joe’s Commentary: The Auditorium Theatre certainly is a special place to visit. Rebecca has written a very convincing poem with perfect end rhymes. It makes me want to head to the Auditorium Theatre to have some thrilling experiences. Rebecca, thanks for sharing your poem with readers. Keep on writing poetry. This is a very good poem. Congratulations, Rebecca!

Got Poetry? School 19 in Rochester Found Some Poetry

Go see Silly Sottile's latest poetry photos...

http://www.consideration.org/sottile/photos/201106/last-seen.html

Earth Day Poem By Brod Bagert

This connection will take you to a wonderful Earth Day Poem and poetry site:

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011

If I…

by 

Brod Bagert...

http://gottabook.blogspot.com/2011/04/brod-bagert-if-i.html

If I Were in Charge of the School (Student Version)

Please check out this one minute video on You-Tube of a shy poet  reading the poem "If I Were in Charge of the School" from WAITING TO SEE THE PRINCIPAL AND OTHER POEMS written by Joe Sottile, and illustrated by Lori Aman. This is the student's version of the poem, and it's okay to laugh or giggle at the words.


This is where you can see the video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrhRv9QFcgk


Thanks for viewing!


Joe "Silly" Sottile

NPR’s Gregory Orr

I discovered to my delight the following quote in the poetry quote section of YourDailyPoem.com, which is run by poet Jayne Jaudon Ferrer. It’s a great site, rich in the poetry experience. You have to give the poetry that she selects a poetry try—that is, poeTRY. That’s where I found what NPR’s Gregory Orr has to say about reading poetry. What he says is a big reason why I love poetry so much…

Whenever I read a poem that moves me, I know I'm not alone in the world. I feel a connection to the person who wrote it, knowing that he or she has gone through something similar to what I've experienced, or felt something like what I have felt. And their poem gives me hope and courage, because I know that they survived, that their life force was strong enough to turn experience into words and shape it into meaning and then bring it toward me to share. The gift of their poem enters deeply into me and helps me live and believe in living. ~Gregory Orr, from "The Making of Poems," broadcast on NPR's All Things Considered, 2/20/06I 

"On the Other Side"

I had the pleasure of meeting author Marianne Smith on Oak Island at the Senior Recreation Center.  She gave a wonderful talk about her life and the novel On the Other Side, which she wrote for her grandchildren. Marianne grew up in Germany during World War Two facing the dangers of war, bombings, hunger, and life without a father. The story is based on facts, events, and real life experiences. At the author talk Marianne Smith stated that “Everything in this book is real. I couldn’t write a book like this and imagine these things.”

Marianne admitted that it wasn’t easy putting on paper many of these painful teenage memories, but they defined the person that she became. And they show what it was like to come of age in Germany during war-torn times on the other side. Our teens need to text less and read more books like Marianne’s masterpiece.

After meeting and talking with Marianne, I felt like I made a new friend. As a poet and a essayist, I feel like I can't write about anything unless it's true. All of my poems, stories, and essays are brimming over with real life experiences. I have three books in the works, and whom did I write them for? My grandkids.

 

Poems Can Make Us More Courgeous!

                  Invictus


Out of the night that covers me,


Black as the Pit from pole to pole,


I thank whatever gods may be


For my unconquerable soul.




In the fell clutch of circumstance


I have not winced nor cried aloud.


Under the bludgeonings of chance


My head is bloody, but unbowed.




Beyond this place of wrath and tears


Looms but the Horror of the shade,


And yet the menace of the years


Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.


It matters not how strait the gate,


How charged with punishments the scroll.


I am the master of my fate:


I am the captain of my soul.


~William Ernest Henley


Commentary
The title for the movie “Invictus” is the same as one of William Ernest Henley’s poems. The movie is about Nelson Mandela’s rise from being a prisoner to the president of his country. He showed by the way he lived his life that he was the “master of his fate” and “captain of his soul.” As president, he turned enemies into friends, and treated both black and white as one big family, during a very trying post-apartied time. Both movie and poem have many levels of meaning, but the foundation for both is courage. Without the courage of our convictions, and the courage to follow our dreams, who are we? How much can we contribute to society?

This seems like a superb poem to memorize and chant to ourselves when we feel courage lacking in our lives to do the right thing.

Our Eyes Are Windows--Mine Were Cloudy!

I think that’s a wild and crazy picture of Hillary, and I figured it was a good way to get your attention. She looks better than I do with my propeller hat. I have to tell you that I always loved the quote, “Our eyes are windows to our soul.” I heard that many moons ago, yet I think about it's message a lot as I watch people come and go daily in my life. I am highly attracted to people who have a passion in their eyes that declares, “I love the work that I do! It's more fun than work! Just watch me do my thing!” Of course, I love observing passionate people.

Last night, I was worried about my cataract surgery, and I had to be at the Surgery Center at 6:30 a.m., which is long before I usually jump out of bed. And what was I doing with my valuable time? I was watching Charlie Rose interview Morgan Freeman. It was a very gentle, relaxing, and honest interview that I actually saw before. During the show tears could be seen rolling around in Morgan’s eyes, and perhaps, Charlie’s. Both men have deep respect for one another and their talents. Both men admitted that they could have been better family men had they given more time to the role. But men sought happiness through perfecting their talents in the media with total determination. Both were happy with the way their lives have unfolded.

But Morgan said that he is trying to do better as a father now.

Morgan shared a poem that meant a great deal to him that learned in his youth and is a pivotal part of his latest movie. Can you imagine that?—poetry being important in the mainstream? The movie? The movie is "Invictus," starring Morgan as Nelson Mandela, who rallies South Aftrica’s underdog rugby team as they strive to do the impossible: win the 1995 World Cup Championship match. The movie is named after a poem. Can you believe that? (I will share the poem that helped to unite South Africa.)

Charlie said at the end of the show that there’s always a great story if you can get someone to talk about why they leap out of bed in the morning. 

Before sunrise, I leapt out of bed, even though I had far less sleep than usual, and I went off to my surgery with a smile on my face—no silence of the scared in the car. Along the way I thought: Life has been good with two good eyes. And life will stay good. My goal in life, no matter what, is to encourage my readers to enjoy poetry, while we ride life’s rollercoaster with family, friends, and those not yet our friends.

I see the world better now, after surgery. Blogs can help us to see life clearer too. They can open windows to our souls.

Do You Want to Be Famous?

Do you want to be famous? Do you want to be a famous star? On the silver screen? On stage? On TV? In what context do you want to be famous in? I really like the following poem. As for me, I want to be famous in the eyes of my wife and children. More simply, I want to to be loved like a buttonhole...

Famous

by

Naomi Shihab Nye

The river is famous to the fish.



The loud voice is famous to silence,

which knew it would inherit the earth

before anybody said so.



The cat sleeping on the fence is famous to the birds

watching him from the birdhouse.



The tear is famous, briefly, to the cheek.



The idea you carry close to your bosom

is famous to your bosom.



The boot is famous to the earth,

more famous than the dress shoe,

which is famous only to floors.



The bent photograph is famous to the one who carries it

and not at all famous to the one who is pictured.



I want to be famous to shuffling men

who smile while crossing streets,

sticky children in grocery lines,

famous as the one who smiled back.



I want to be famous in the way a pulley is famous,

or a buttonhole, not because it did anything spectacular,

but because it never forgot what it could do.



From Words Under the Words: Selected Poems (Portland, Oregon: Far Corner Books, 1995).

Copyright © 1995 by Naomi Shihab Nye.

The Book Festival (Part Two) Bookworm Place

When I walked into One Busy Bookworm Place, it was just that--busy, busy busy at various round tables. I thought perhaps I had already missed the bus, but it the back of the room there was rectangular table put together in the shape of an "L". And I was escorted to that area. I declined using a microphone, and I plugged in my "poetry performance" voice. About 12-15 kids were soon tearing one piece of paper into four smaller sheets to write a mini-version of "Truths and Lies." Kids always take the tearing of the paper very very seriously. I have to warn them not to worry about how rectangular the slabs of paper look. But there is a part of me that enjoys how serious they look about the easiest part of their creation.

We then wrote about what we "want" and what we "love." The kids did it willingly, wondering what I would ask next. They now had two good poetry lines expressing their feeling and both started with "I". I told that they had just written a piece of "non-fiction"--that is, "non-false" writing. And poets and writers do that all the time, but the real fun is writing "fiction"--lies. I reassured the group that fiction writers do that all the time. So, consequently, it was okay for them to do that today. All of a sudden fireworks were going off in their eyes and they started writing as fast as they could. It was fun to lie about something that they really didn't want or love. Then they placed their one sentence slabs of paper in any order that they liked to complete their poems. Now they were two-thirds through with the poetry workshop. The best part was saved for last.

I said something like this, "The best part of writing a poem is sharing it with others. Who wants to be the first one to read your poem. Remember you're SAFE! Nobody knows for sure what lines are true or false--unless you tell them. " I immediately was rewarded with some brave souls willing to share their slant on the world, and I had five minutes left to let as many as possible share. How did I know for sure how much time I had left? A volunteer walked by with a sign saying "You have 5 more minutes...and then the Earth will split open and you will fall into molten lava." Okay, I am kidding about the last part of  the sign. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention. What follows are my young poets sharing their poems, and I was rather proud of them for being brave poets. They were execellent at sharing their poems. And it was fun working with them. On this sunny day they were sharing their own inner light.

Don't these kids look confident and proud? They did a wonderful job writing and performing their poetry. All I can say or scream is "BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!"

And thank you to Natisha LaPierre for being there to help.