This week we talked about form and being innovative and creative with form in Slices of Life and in poetry. We looked at Tara Smith’s call for Classroom Slices in which she shared the poem That was Summer by Marci Ridlon. I had not seen this poem before. I trusted Tara that it would inspire writing.
Have you ever smelled summer?
Sure you have.
Remember that time
when you were tired of running
or doing nothing much
and you were hot
and you flopped right down on the ground?
That was summer. From That was Summer by Marci Ridlon
Today I would like to introduce you to my student, Erin. I wish I could post a picture of her because she is quite adorable. She has long dark hair that accentuates her tan skin (her mother is Filipino.) There is a dimple that appears with every smile, and she smiles a lot. She is small for her age, nine, which only adds to her charm. Erin experimented with two forms this week, the “Remember that time” form and a two voice poem with Spring arguing with Winter.
Can you feel spring? Remember the breeze blowing and you feel you’re flying.
That was Spring.Remember the time you played catch with your dog,
and he knocked you down in the soft spiky grass?
That was spring.Remember the wonderful warmth
of the sun on your skin
after the harsh winter.
That was spring.
—Erin
Spring
I’m spring here to kick you out.
No one likes you with your cold heart and all.
While i am loved by millions all around the world.Winter
Ha you wish.
You bring mosquitoes and bees stinging all about.
I kill and make them pout.
I rule all seasons. While you are a slave.Spring
Please, you wish.
You give people hatred and make them cry.
While I give them hope and sunshine.Winter
Oh, really?
You make them happy.
I think that all that sunshine
is going to your head.
Now, be a good girl
and go to bed!
—ErinCan you hear Erin giggle after that last line? She had a boy in class play the part of Spring. He was a good sport about it. In fact, I think anyone in our class would do anything for Erin. You can click on her name under either poem to leave comments just for her.
Holy Toledo I love these poems. I can’t wait to share them with my class in a week when we start our poetry unit. Her voice is exceptional. Thank you so much for sharing and additionally for the line where you trusted someone that a poem would inspire. I need to trust in that too sometimes.
Wow! What great stuff! I also will share them with my fourth graders! We were going to write some poetry today, but, alas, we have a snow day on the first day of spring.
BRAVO to Erin!!! I love the two voice poem about Spring arguing with Winter!!! Awesome!! 🙂
Wow–Erin is developing a wonderful voice (I should say voices–very different tones in these two poems!)
I’m thinking that you should write a professional book about teaching poetry with students. This is such a wonderful blend of process and product.
What an inspiring post, Margaret! I love “That Was Summer” and Erin’s poems are terrific. Thanks so much for sharing.
Really crafted well, Margaret. I wrote my comment to Erin. What a talented writer.
I love it when you share your students’ work — inspiring!
Margaret, what confidence you are giving these children by showcasing their fantastic work! Like Spring, Erin’s potential is busting out all over. I left a comment for her too. 🙂