You know, when I teach older primary students (5th, 6th) a poetry seminar, I always start by asking who likes poetry. Many times only four or five students will raise their hands. Then I ask, “How many like music sung by a band or singer?” and most of the kids will raise their hands. I […]
September 14, 2008 – 11:39 am
You all know I write rhyming books. I am a huge advocate of reading rhyme to kids–but remember read it until the child has it memorized. The great power in rhyme for kids is that good rhyme is easily committed to memory. Once a child remembers a rhyme every word in the poem or story […]
I feel that rhyme and meter are fundamentals in poetry. Some people say that rhyme is a constraint which places unnatural boundaries on free thought. Others argue that since free verse is easier for children to write, it’s a good starting place. I personally (and it’s simply my opinion) don’t agree. Free verse can be […]
February 12, 2008 – 9:52 pm
A few months ago I did some author visits at two schools (Russell and Franklin) in Missoula, Montana. They went so fabulously I thought I would share some tips I learned from these wonderful school administrators (thank you Pat and Nancy!).
The main component in making an author visit successful is getting the kids pumped for […]