Poetry Friday is with Laura at Writing the World for Kids
Do you enter contests? I don’t. But I pretty much insist that my kids do. I even will go so far as to write it as a goal on their IEP. At the end of the school year last year, most of my students entered a piece of writing into our state writing contest, LA Writes. I was pleased to hear in September that three of them had placed. The awards ceremony was last Saturday at the Louisiana Book Festival at the State Museum in Baton Rouge. When Madison came to the microphone to read her poem, she introduced herself as “the author.” What a thrill for this writing teacher to hear her describe herself as an author.
Madison shows off her first place medal.
Madison wrote her first place poem after Irene Latham’s “Tree for All.” In May, we had a Skype visit with Irene. She wrote about my students’ poems here.
I secretly wished that Irene was there to hear Madison read. Sometime wishes do come true. Irene was at the Book Festival. We met up later in the day. She presented in the Children’s Storytelling Tent and guess who walked by?
Madison meets her author hero, Irene Latham.
Reef for All
after Irene Latham’s “Tree for All”
Sharks feast on my citizens;
my restaurant never closes.Eels hide in my caves;
my shelters provide homes.Sea worms play peek-a-boo in my tubes;
my tubes allow all ages.Fish hide in my caves;
my cradle caves are cozy for new fins.No sea animal can resist my charm:
I am a coral reef.Madison
Tree for All (in Dear Wandering Wildebeests)Giraffes feast on my leafy crown;my buffet never closes.Rhinos doze beneath my broad branches;my umbrella selters and shades.Baboons scramble up and down my trunk;my playground delights all ages.Owls nest in my hidden knothole;my cradle cozies brand-new wings.Skinks sleep in my thick, spotted bark;my camouflage keeps them safe.Safari ants trail along my roots;my roadways help build a city.No grassland beast can resist my charms;I am a wild bush willow tree.– Irene Latham
I will be presenting with Irene and some other awesome poets at NCTE 2016 in Atlanta:Sat., 9:30 G.12 Writing for a Better World: Poetry Response to World Events B210
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, I am so thrilled for little Madison. Please congratulate her for me. This line stands out: my cradle caves are cozy for new fins. (love the alliteration) #Stuvoice amplified stems from your guidance, the choices your provide, and your students’ creativity.
You’re so right, contest winning makes one feel so proud, Margaret. Such a clever poem, and then to meet Irene, the mentor writer! Wow! I’m glad you help your students enter contests.
shhhhhhhh. I read this post at a PD this morning when there was a bit of …. shall we say a slow bit….and I almost gave myself away with smiling like I did so broadly. I am the biggest mother hen with students that win at anything. I just can’t stop smiling for them and the accomplishment I know that they must feel. Keep up the good work Ms. Simon. You have enabled this young lady to have a life long memory….and perhaps the beginning of a greater journey. Way to go, YOU!
Thanks for sharing a moment of joy with me. I think I can see your smile!
Hooray for Madison and Mrs. Simon – you inspired her and she rose to the occasion. Bravo!
Great news. And how wonderful that Irene was at the event. I’m sure it’s a day Madison will never forget (and I’m sure she’ll never forget you either, Ms. Simon!)
Congrats, Madison! That’s a great goal you set. My older daughter was inspired by her writing contest successes for sure, and she only started entering because a teacher suggested it. Hooray for teachers! (What serendipity to run into Irene!)
Great story for today. It’s all about the ripples, isn’t it…
What a great story, and congrats to your student. Great poem! I love the idea of that workshop, and I wish I could go.
Congrats to Madison! I will definitely be at your session at NCTE!!
Congratulations to Madison! I love her poem, especially the image of those sea worms playing peek-a-boo. What a special day for her to read her poem at the festival and meet Irene. I know your NCTE session will be wonderful. I’ll be there in spirit!