Poetry Reading
~ Anita Britton

On almost every Friday, we devote our Language Arts block to poetry. I usually start by sharing some favorite poem books, modeling some poems with expression and simple hand movements, and modeling other learning like changing tempo, voices, etc. Kids are then given 10-15 minutes to find a comfy place in the room and enjoy poetry books. At the end of that time, I invite them to pick a poem to "perform" and a partner, if they wish. Kids can perform solo. I give them 15 minutes or so to practice, reminding them about what makes the performance exciting to the audience. We gather together on our carpet and share our performances the final 20-25 minutes. My kids love this, believe it or not!