Poetry comes in many shapes and forms. Usually, literature in this genre focuses on rhythm, verse, prose, symbolism, and metaphors as a way of explaining and giving new meaning. Often, poetry is characterized by the unique arrangement of language emphasizing sound and meaning. Poetry is often a fun way to bring literature to life. Easily dramatized and emotionally intensified, poetry can become very appealing to young readers. Poetry can be both entertaining to read and write. Often there is a genre that everyone can connect too. With rhythmic patterns, poetry can also be a great tool for building fluency and prosody. Overall, this genre is a great and important one to include in the classroom. However, one must be particular when selecting what poetry to incorporate into the classroom and into instruction. A few important ideas to consider include:
- Do I provide a variety of poetry types?
- Is the poetry I select recommended (has it won any honors/awards)?
- Are the pieces unbiased?
- Do I have multicultural poetry?
- Am I incorporating poetry across content areas/disciplines?
- Am I presenting poetry in a positive light?
- Am I providing support for comprehension?
Witness (2003) Karen Heese
According to accelerated reading point system ATOS and the CCSS text complexity grade span level, this book is considered a grade level reading for 4th and 5th graders. However, with consideration of content and the amount of characters playing key roles in this text, I would consider it more appropriate for 6th-8th graders. However, if I were to use this book as a read aloud (perhaps with a lot of supporting discussion over the racial conflicts and characters in the story) I might use it with 5th and 6th graders. As previously mentioned, deep and tension filled themes are extremely prominent in this text. With focus on racial tension between KKK supporters, opponents, and victims much discussion about prejudice and tolerance can and should be brought up in class. It would also be helpful to pair this book up with several nonfiction texts about the KKK and other happenings during this time frame. The tension in to book is developed through the thoughts of many different characters. With these, the author sets the book up in a ways that encourages us to make connections. The poetic language used in this book also greatly emphasizes and portrays the happenings in this book. Overall, this book can easily be linked to help students better understand the society they live in today. By focusing on the racial tension in the past, they should be encouraged to examine current local tension in their own societies.
Emma Dilemma (2011) written by Kristine O'Connell George illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
With consideration of ATOS level and the CCSS text complexity measure, this book is deemed an appropriate read for students in grade spans 2-3. However, if I were to use this book as a read aloud, I believe it could also be appropriate for a younger audience of kindergarten or first graders. With discussion students should be able to pick up on the major themes of sibling relationships, love, guilt, and forgiveness presented throughout the poems in this book. Through these poems, the author does a great job of portraying emotions and humor with precise language. Discussion about how we should treat friends, family, and people in general can definitely be focused on with this text. These conversations can help students better understand why and how to be supportive and forgiving people.
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