All posts in Poems

Sorrow is not our names

Before the break and subsequent new year, Waters 6th graders had an opportunity to consider the power of imagery. Ross Gay is a great poet in that respect, one who combines optimism with vivid […]

“bit by/bit” Narrative Food Poems

Our class began with a discussion of food and memory in preparation for studying Gary Soto’s Narrative-Style poem, Oranges. Nostalgia and feelings came up frequently in our discussions. What emotions are attached to memory […]

‘And steal a lollipop to eat.’: Age Poems

Students shared childhood stories before writing their own poems, reflecting on their younger selves, as the speaker did in Billy Collin’s poem, On Turning Ten. Lesson Note. “I think one of the strengths of […]

I Am Poems

How would you describe yourself to others, and how would others describe you? That’s the question we started off with this week to open up the topic of the “I Am” poem. Students had […]

“so vibrant and orange” Poems of Memory

This last week students in Ms. Smallwood’s and Ms. Hernandez’s classes wrote poems about important memories. We read “My Father’s Mustache” by Ada Limón and both classes discussed what it is like to see […]

What is Poetry?

This is the question that Twain 3rd graders were asked to think about during the final session of our generative residency. This was also Holiday Spirit Week at Twain and many students showed-off their […]

Last Day Poetry Surprises

This past Tuesday was Twain 4th graders last day of poetry for 2024. I’m so proud of all they accomplished in 10 weeks. We’ve had 10 weeks of not just writing poetry, but bonding […]

Fear and Big Words

This week we read “HIPPOPOTOMONSTROSEQUIPPEDALIOPHOBIA” by Aimee Nezhukumatahil. We discussed how we approach long words, how to write about what we’re afraid of, and irony in poetry. Students used a map to connect the […]

Becoming Magical with Poetry

This past Monday the O-School’s Group C students dabbled in magic, potions, and spells. A poem is similar to a spell, each poem is unique, using powerful words and images. I asked students to […]

Wishes For the Holidays

This past Monday the O-School’s Group D elementary students, thought about wishes. The holidays season can feel magical. Wishes can be dreams for things that you truly want: a pet kitten, toys, money, or […]

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I’M FROM THE CITY LIGHTS / STREAMING OUT IN THE NIGHT / AND HUGE SKYSCRAPERS / TOWERING OVER THE LAKE – MELISSA E., 7TH GRADE POET