Poetry is Not Just for Greeting Cards

For many schools, parent involvement is a tremendous challenge, and  parents rarely have the opportunity to help in the classroom, the place their children spend the most time.

One 4th-grade class changed this by opening its doors to parents through poetry readings.  They scheduled several readings to accommodate their families' schedules, and to keep attendance small and comfortable for the students.  On the day his or her parents attended, each student posted a personal "special person display" on the bulletin board; these colorful collages of photos and drawings helped the students feel unafraid to recite poetry.

To prepare for the readings, the students discussed poetry in pairs.  Each then chose a poem — an original or published poem — to memorize.  They recited these at the readings; the parents joined in by also sharing poems.  To conclude the celebration, the students served punch and treats, and showed their bulletin board displays; and the parents shared what they thought made their children special.

Through this project, parents became active members of the school community, and students developed not only appreciation for poetry, but also the confidence to share their work and their interests aloud.

Adapted from "Route to Reform: K-8 service-learning Curriculum Ideas," © 1994-95 National Youth Leadership Council.