April is National Poetry Month, a time to read, listen to, and practice writing in this distinct literary style. In fifth and sixth grade English classes, Grace Simmons and Mallory Gnemi taught poetry’s characteristic elements, forms, and genres throughout the month, and shared their enthusiasm, too. To mark the end of April, fifth and sixth grade English classes celebrated by creating Poetry Cafes! The fifth graders took turns stepping onto the PAC stage by class and reading a selection of poems and definitions aloud before enjoying some sweets. Sixth-grade students sipped coffee and nibbled cookies while taking turns reading from the biographies and writings of poets they enjoyed learning about – some even shared original poetry!
Poetry is often marked by emotional expression, used as a medium for artists and laypeople alike to convey the depth and intricacy of human experience. Several students in sixth grade seemed to have discovered a new outlet in writing poetry. “I was blown away by this year’s personal poems,” Gnemi said. “I had students who barely speak in class, yet they asked to share several of their original works of poetic art.”
“Celebrating Poetry Month, to me, means introducing students to a different way of looking at poetry,” Gnemi said. “Most students roll their eyes at the very mention of the word; you can imagine the reaction when asking a preteen to WRITE their own poetry.” After learning about Emily Dickinson, William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, and other popular poets, Gnemi hopes that students recognize the freedom that poetry offers to share all kinds of ideas.”My goal is that my own passion for poetry hooks them into at least trying to find poems and poets that they enjoy.”
For Simmons, National Poetry Month is an opportunity to share her love of poetry, and specifically the works of Shel Silverstein. Last Thursday, students and teachers dressed up as famous poets and characters from poems to participate in the fifth grade Poetry Cafe. The event was held during the morning break so that students from each class period could take turns presenting their work on the PAC stage. First period introduced the event and read “I Like Myself” by Karen Beaumont together. The second period students shared limericks, haikus, and terminology, and third period read poems authored by students. Fourth period also read several poems, and fifth period highlighted the works of Shel Silverstein. The event ended with the fifth grade teachers’ presentation of two poems about mice, and the standing ovation that followed.
