This week I was humbled and surprised to have one of Sylvia Vardell’s students create an amazing poem video of Zen Tree from Hop to It: Poems to Get You Moving. Garrett’s soothing voice, the calm music, and the amazing images all came together to show something beautiful. I am honored by this creative expression of my words. Thanks to Sylvia for organizing the project with her students. See more at Poetry for Children.
Michelle Schaub has been posting poetry videos all month on her blog Poetry Boost. My video of “Peep Eye” was featured this week.
Michelle Kogan finished up the Kidlitosphere Progressive Poem with a final line as well as a delightful illustration. The poem will be archived here.
I’ve been writing poems each day in response to prompts on Ethical ELA. I share these prompts with my students. On Wednesday, I struggled over the prompt. I shared the struggle with Chloe. She started writing me notes with topic suggestions. One of these notes said, “Me.” Then the pen flowed.
Fifth Grade
She comes in the room
with an attitude
that testy mood
of preteen silliness
and suggests I write a poem
about her.As if I know her well enough
to write her down in words.
What I know is she grins loudly in braces.
She writes notes on paper
and crumples them like the crunch
of a chip bag in the trash–
Schwoop! Perfect shot!But this poem will not be a perfect shot.
There are no shots left on her page
of excuses–the “not my fault”
dissolves into “I just can’t.”I wonder aloud “When will you believe in yourself?”
When did I believe in myself?
Have I ever?This poem can’t end like this.
I must write something encouraging
to make all this white space worth it.This I know…she’s worth it!
Margaret Simon, all rights reserved
Reflections on the Teche 
Way to make me cry first thing in the morning.
I think there’s a novel in verse about you and Chloe writing together…
Oh, she would love that idea! She already thinks I’m famous because of all the authors I know.
I agree with Mary Lee. A powerful poem. Did you share it with Chloe? My assumption’s no. Having taught 5th for almost a quarter century…..you had me at the title. You had me at the ending. And the middle. What she needs from you, what she teaches you, that amazing giving-ness on the cusp of growing. A poem, a story, a teacher who matters. And a kid who intrigues. Some poem!
I read it to her and was caught by my tears at the end. Thanks for your caring comment.
Such a beautiful poem about Chloe, Margaret! I feel like I know her from your words. I hope you continue to collaborate – I agree it would make a great verse novel.
Really lovely poem, Margaret. (Maybe send it to Chloe when she graduates high school. Or college!) Your final stanzas brought me to our Aritst’s Way group–believe in yourself. It’s easier to encourage others than to do it yourself.
I’m wishing most teachers would read your post, Margaret, to see the feelings you have for this student, and your time together writing. If only every teacher would write with their students, a bond like few others. It’s a beautiful poem for/about Chloe. Thanks also for doing the Progressive Poem this April. And, happiest of May to you and yours!
Thinking back on 5th grade, I see many of the things my son is going through, and I can easily identify with this girl in your poem. Congrats, also, on that video – very nice!
Wow, Margaret…your struggle makes for amazing poetry. I think you do have a novel about your students in you…in fact, I know you do. I hope that Chloe can read this and understand the belief.
Margaret, I agree with the others. Your relationship with Chloe as a student and writer makes for your capability to reach out and have a solid writing experience with her. I am amazed at Chloe’s openness to having a poem written about her. Your poetic response is just for her but thank you for spreading it to us.
[…] Reflections on the Teche, Margaret Simon shares a student-made video using one of her poems as well as an original poem titled “Fifth […]
First of all, Margaret, I love the video poem created by Sylvia’s student. I have spent a bit of time on her blog with these videos, but your post reminds me I need to return.
It seems poems about 5th grade could be its own book. To Matt’s point, I don’t think we ever forget our 5th grade experience – and it isn’t one of the easiest of our school careers. Of course, additionally, we all can understand the challenges of writing.
Thank you for so many delightful blog stops in April.
❤ LOVE! You and Chloe are the coolest!
oh goodness what an insightful poem! You’ve captured the experience of parenting a pre-teen (and teen, in my experience), so beautifully. Those moments when by parenting, we learn something about ourselves, and then turn back to parenting, making new choices informed by what we’ve just learned about ourselves. Thank you for sharing this!
What you share with your student Chloe is really special, and what a terrific poem flowed from your thoughts! Beautiful video from your poem ZEN TREE, and thanks for gathering us all for the Progressive Poem this year!
Margaret, I thought I had commented on this post a few days again, but I guess I never got it posted. This post is filled with so many poetry treats. I love your sweet and honest assessment of Chloe. What a great poem about her. I love the metaphor of basketball and these lines:
There are no shots left on her page
of excuses–the “not my fault”
dissolves into “I just can’t.”
You inspired me with your beautiful Zen Tree poem to write a #poemsofpresence using one line from your poem:
When the sun falls down
And the stars come out to play
We hush our day’s work
And reap heavenly bouquets
My one little word this year is Inspire, so I am especially happy to have inspired you to write. Thanks for joining #poemsofpresence on Twitter.