Poetry Friday round-up is with Carol at Beyond LiteracyLink.
Allan Wolf…
Just like the animal
Allan Wolf…
Just like the animal
We chanted these words back and forth in a delightful performance at the Lydia library. Allan Wolf performs and teaches about poetry with pizazz. He makes poems sing, shake, and shine.
I invited my students to join me in seeing Allan Wolf’s performance at the library. Four of them came. I loved seeing them and catching up on what they are reading and doing this summer.
Allan Wolf engages the audience. Through singing and dancing, he demonstrates how poems are musical. We all wiggled, made sound effects, and echoed to participate in the fun of poetry.
In this video he is showing kids how nursery rhymes are our first exposure to poetry, and they work because they rhyme. But mostly, the kids are just enjoying his humor when he gets the words wrong.
My students write a lot during the school year and for Poetry Month, they write a poem every day. Kaiden wanted to share his favorite poem “Wonder” with Allan Wolf. After the performance, Allan continued to engage with my students. Erin told him about our Slice of Life challenge and how she hates having to write an SOL every day.
Allan turned to a box on the table that he hadn’t used in the performance. He was sharing a secret with just us. He opened it to show two vials, one looked like water, the other thick syrup. He explained the process of getting syrup out of the tree sap. The sap must be boiled down. Then he showed them a gallon jug of tree sap. “It takes this much sap to make that much syrup.” That’s how writing is. You have to write and write to get the best, sweetest writing.
Allan Wolf did more in that metaphor moment to bridge the summer to next school year than any summer program could. His performance was fun, but the time he took to interact with my students and me afterwards was invaluable. Authors are my heroes.
At the beginning of his performance, Allan points to words on a makeshift clothesline to introduce himself. When he talks about the word “author”, he pronounces it with two gestures: “Aw” with sweet eyes and soft voice, and “Thor” with a raised arm as if he is holding a torch and a strong voice. Because authors are both sensitive and brave. Allen Wolf is a true “Aw-Thor”!
A selfie with Allan Wolf and Sami Sion, the best librarian ever!
Reflections on the Teche 
Oh, Margaret what joy to see all you “Aw-Thor”s together. You are my hero!
Had to send the syrup metaphor to my daughter (who is about to have her first teaching experience, as a camp TA). Sounds like a fantastic visit!
Love this post. And I’m in awe that you had Allan Wolf at your library. The video is delightful. Authors are my heroes too!
Wow! What an exciting experience for you and your students!!! Aw-Thor? I LOVE this!!!! YAY!!!
OMG, what a fabulous metaphor. So true and so easily understood!
Great post, Margaret. Your joy and passion for writing literally can be felt across the MILES!!! ❤
Sounds like an amazing experience! I wish someone like Allan Wolf would come visit our library or town.
How exciting and inspiring author visit. Your students received a fabulous gift.
From demonstration to discovery of a wondrous thought: “That’s how writing is. You have to write and write to get the best, sweetest writing.” Alan says it all. Thanks for sharing the great Aw Thor visit.
Thanks, Margaret, for this wonderful summation of a wonderful day of poetry and fun.
I love it when people are able to make poetry accessible. Allan Wolf seems very engaging!
I love Allan’s metaphor! Thanks for taking us with you on this poetry adventure!
How lovely to get a glimpse of an author talk over the ocean. Great snippets shared, in syrup and in silliness.
What a great video! I love those deep down giggles of the one little boy. What a great experience for everyone there! So much truth in his words: We must write and write to get the best, sweetest writing!
Outstanding post. I’ve been a fan of Allan Wolf’s for many years. He describes children’s poetry lovers as “Po-Folk,” and I’m honored to be a member.
Metaphors be with you!