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Poetry Encourages Self-Expression
Writing poems can help students address difficult issues and become agents for social change.
116 Results
student task
Do Something
Poetry and Storytelling Café
Students write and share original poems and stories about community issues or themes present in the central text.
July 13, 2014
the moment
Revisiting National Poetry Month 2018
April is National Poetry Month! In this edition of The Moment, we offer three poems to delight, inspire and encourage you and your students. To browse more student-friendly poetry, visit Perspectives Texts (under the Classroom Resources menu) and search for the word "poem."
- Celebrate Maya Angelou
- Online Exclusive! "Becoming Joey"
- Why I Teach: A Poem
the moment
Celebrate National Poetry Month With Maya Angelou
This week, the power of words is illustrated in two celebrations: the beginning of National Poetry Month and Maya Angelou's birthday. Angelou's life, words and activism offer a unique opportunity to show students how writing is shaped by identity and experience, and the power words can bring. These resources can help you make that introduction and inspire the poets, thinkers and activists in your school—so their words, too, can sing.
- Celebrate Maya Angelou
- Caged Bird
- Choices
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Open Students’ Minds With Poetry 180
Through his experience at a poetry festival, one teacher realized how daily poetry readings could offer students a glimpse into a variety of experiences.
article
Poetry Finds a Home in Art Class
Writing poetry is an excellent way for students to explore identity and find meaning and value in everyday experiences.
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Bring Social Justice Poetry to Your Classroom
Poet Adrienne Rich once asked: How can we connect the process of learning to write well with [a] student’s own reality, and not simply teach her/him how to write acceptable lies in standard English? The question appeared in her 1979 essay, “Taking Women Students Seriously.” Last week, Adrienne Rich passed away, leaving today’s educators to ponder alone a question that remains as pertinent as ever.
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Literature
For My People
In 1942, “For My People” won the Yale Series of Younger Poets award, and Margaret Walker became one of the youngest black writers to have published poetry in the 20th century. Her poem makes tangible the African American struggle, yet also brings to the forefront a hope for all people to “rise and take control” during a dark period in American history.
December 30, 2015
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Multimedia
Afro-Latina
In this spoken word piece, Elizabeth Acevedo speaks of her Afro-Latina heritage, recounting how she first rejected her roots and then learned to embrace them.
September 28, 2018
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Multimedia
Hair
In this spoken word piece, Elizabeth Acevedo addresses the beauty standard that is epitomized by fair skin and straight hair.
September 28, 2018
