April is National Poetry Month! Join us as we celebrate the expressiveness, delight, and pure charm of poetry. This month, we’re reminded of the integral role of poets and poetry in our cultures. Below, we’ve compiled a list of our team’s favorites – check them out!
Ravynn
Favorite poet: Shel Silverstein
“I can remember being in elementary school, loving the time of day when my third grade teacher would read poems to the class from Shel’s book, “Where the Sidewalk Ends.” The poems were so witty and entertaining. I would encourage parents to introduce Shel and his work to their children because his work has the potential to spark imagination and creativity for children now – just as it did for me so many years ago.”
Nani
Favorite poem: “Put Something In” by Shel Silverstein
“I grew up reading Shel Silverstein as a child. He offers the advantage for children to use their imagination, and he makes something like poetry relatable – no matter what age you are. His poems are short, creative, and lead to other conversations.”
Hillarie
Favorite poet: Roald Dahl
“Roald wrote many children’s books that are engaging, fun, and imaginative. I have found students of all ages enjoy the vivid imagery he uses in his poems.”
Krista
Favorite poem: “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” by Maya Angelou
“I love this poem because it gives a peek into the mind of a child and the fears they perceive. It also lets kids know fears can be overcome and is a nice opportunity to talk about resiliency.”
Lulu
Favorite poet: Amanda Gorman
“Amanda Gorman is a young, Black poet who exudes #BlackGirlMagic. Her poetry is powerful, meets the moment of the world we live in, and is honest yet elegant. I would encourage parents to introduce this poet to their children because her poetry can teach them new words and about the history and the now of America.”
Elizabeth
Favorite poet: “The Voice” by Shel Silverstein
“In this poem, Silverstein highlights the importance of the voice each one of us has. He notes that the voice inside can help us make decisions based on what we know is right.”
Kristi
Favorite poem: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
“I really enjoy this poem because we all have choices to make and have to decide which is best for us. It’s also a reminder not to spend so much time overthinking, as the poem translates much deeper than Frost actually meant. I think it’s important to introduce children to a variety of texts and encourage them to explore what most resonates with them.”
Howard
Favorite poem: “Pirate Don Durk of Dowdee” by Mildred Plew Meigs
“It’s just fun. It has lots of rhyming – plus vivid depictions of pirate characteristics.”
Deidra
Favorite poem/poet: Too many to narrow down!
“I love poetry that creates vivid and mental pictures, allowing kids to explore.”
Haley
Favorite poem: “The Game is Tied” by Kwame Alexander (page 32)
“Alexander’s book, The Crossover, is a novel told through verse. While it’s written for middle school children, there are poems like “The Game is Tied” in it that can be read on their own. Kids can relate to it if they love sports!”