Guidelines for Children's Poetry Appreciation and Poetry Writing and Suggested Books and Activities.

N

12

Annotated Bibliographies; Class Activities; Cooperative Learning; Elementary Education; Literature Appreciation; Poetry; Reading Aloud to Others; Reading Material Selection; Writing Assignments

Noting that poetry reading and writing can be arduous or self-fulfilling for children, this paper presents guidelines, activities, and a list of suggested books for enhancing poetry appreciation. Guidelines presented in the paper for poetry reading include: read poetry aloud every day to help children understand the rhythm and music of the form; plan and select poetry carefully; display poems read aloud; and provide opportunities for students to read or recite a favorite poem individually, with a partner, or with a chorus. Guidelines in the paper for stimulating poetry writing include: topic selection should originate in the feelings and experiences of the children; and initial poetry writing should be collaborative. The paper concludes with a categorized annotated bibliography (with accompanying activities for many of the books) of 23 poetry books published between 1974 and 1992 for children 8 to 12 years old. (RS)

1993

ED357332