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From: Tracie <traciezimmer>
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 20:21:57 -0400
As unwise as it may be, I have to disagree with one point of Mr. Hopkins post that these alternative forms are not "true poetry." I think that any poem, regardless of form, that begins with a true point of emotion and tries to carve out images and connect with the reader must qualify. Experimentation is at the heart of all art, including poetry. The reliance on only traditional forms has intimidated many a new teacher. I find the varied forms as compelling and diverse as the poets who write them. As a classroom teacher, I often begin my poetry units with these forms because it offers kids quick success in a topic they often dread. Also, it teaches them to experiment on the word-level and to find the poetry in the prose they are already reading.
I do believe that these forms should not be relied upon at the exclusion of others, and that students should be taught what a poet actually works with to make their words come to life- both the elements and the choice of form. I find it very compelling that we often push our students to read challenging contemporary prose material but don't often offer them the same experience with poetry.
I have interviewed (and posted on my website) many of the fine poets that Mr. Hopkins mentioned (including Nikki Grimes, Kris George, and Rebecca Kai Dotlich among others). I highly regard both the anthologies of Lee Bennett Hopkins (and could arguably use only these for a poetry unit, but that is another post) but mostly I applause his zealous approach to promoting poetry and poets. He is truly our Parson of Poetry.
Three cheers for poetry month!
Tracie
www.TracieVaughnZimmer.com
Sketches from a Spy Tree
Clarion Books
Received on Sun 03 Apr 2005 07:21:57 PM CDT
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 20:21:57 -0400
As unwise as it may be, I have to disagree with one point of Mr. Hopkins post that these alternative forms are not "true poetry." I think that any poem, regardless of form, that begins with a true point of emotion and tries to carve out images and connect with the reader must qualify. Experimentation is at the heart of all art, including poetry. The reliance on only traditional forms has intimidated many a new teacher. I find the varied forms as compelling and diverse as the poets who write them. As a classroom teacher, I often begin my poetry units with these forms because it offers kids quick success in a topic they often dread. Also, it teaches them to experiment on the word-level and to find the poetry in the prose they are already reading.
I do believe that these forms should not be relied upon at the exclusion of others, and that students should be taught what a poet actually works with to make their words come to life- both the elements and the choice of form. I find it very compelling that we often push our students to read challenging contemporary prose material but don't often offer them the same experience with poetry.
I have interviewed (and posted on my website) many of the fine poets that Mr. Hopkins mentioned (including Nikki Grimes, Kris George, and Rebecca Kai Dotlich among others). I highly regard both the anthologies of Lee Bennett Hopkins (and could arguably use only these for a poetry unit, but that is another post) but mostly I applause his zealous approach to promoting poetry and poets. He is truly our Parson of Poetry.
Three cheers for poetry month!
Tracie
www.TracieVaughnZimmer.com
Sketches from a Spy Tree
Clarion Books
Received on Sun 03 Apr 2005 07:21:57 PM CDT
