Poetry

Criteria for Quality Selection
A poem uses shorts lines with words that either have rhyme or rhythm. Poems are generally about the writers past experiences or feelings. The most important criterion to consider when selecting a text is it uses appropriate language for students, some poems use language that would not be acceptable for students. The second criterion for selecting a text is appeal. The poem should have a picture that directly relates to what the poem is talking about. This way students can help make the connections between the pictures and the text.

Use in the Classroom
I would incorporate this text into my classroom when teaching students about rhythm. Poems should be taught to younger students to teach them about rhyming.  Exposing students to this genre will teach them how to express their feelings. I will use poetry in my classroom for shared reading and read aloud. I will also have a wide variety of these text available in my classroom library for students to refer to on their own time.

Award Links:
https://www.poets.org/academy-american-poets/american-poets-prizes
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/foundation/awards

Text and Author Links:
http://www.shelsilverstein.com
http://www.seussville.com/#/mcelligots
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/poetry

General Genre Links:
http://www.poetry.org/whatis.htm
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/about

Teaching Ideas for Students:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AbN9iwg_sb4I5aVnig77cy-rurpgJOdnOKl0YGUKuUgL_V9388Ldy5Q/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/244883298465749259/

Dr. Suess: Green Eggs and Ham

Reference Information for Accessing the Text:

ISBN:0545002850

Complex Text Level:
1st & 2nd grade

Grade Level Span Reading Aloud:
Kindergraten & 1st grade

Major Themes:

• Eating anywhere
• Green eggs and ham
• Trying something new 

Worthy Qualities of Writing:

• Rhyming 
• Humor 

Connections to Authentic Local, National, and Global Issues:

• Being scared to try something new 

Difficulties for Students:

• Understanding how different words rhymes

Support Needed:

• Pre-teaching of difficult words
• Teaching students to listen for the rhyming 

Where the Sidewalk Ends 
Silverstien, S. (1974). Where the sidewalk ends. New York: Harper Collins

Reference Information for Accessing the Text:

ISBN: 9780140361223

Complex Text Level:
Kindergarten & 1st grade

Grade Level Span Reading Aloud:
1st & 2nd grade

Major Themes:

• Humorous 
• Wisdom of Experience 
• Character

Worthy Qualities of Writing:

• Rhyming 
• Life lessons
• Humor 

Connections to Authentic Local, National, and Global Issues:

• Everyone should be treated the same 
• Everyone has a different view point on life 

Difficulties for Students:

• Understanding the importance of reading poems 
• Making connections to the poems and real life 

Support Needed:

• Have students being looking for something in particular while reading the poem
• If the students are having a hard time understanding the poem ask them prompting questions to help them understand it