Poems for two voices

Our new book

You may have heard Tim Rasinski speak if you’ve attended conferences where reading fluency was discussed. He’s a professor at Kent State University and is one of our leading authorities on the subject. I have a new book out with Tim and another expert on reading fluency, Gay Fawcett of Kent State and other universities.

The book, published by Scholastic Teaching Strategies, is called PARTNER POEMS FOR BUILDING FLUENCY, GRADES 4-6. I co-wrote the introduction and created 40 original two-voice poems. The idea is that children improve reading skills, including fluency, by sharing aloud poems for two or more voices.

 

If you have an interest in such a book, it’s now on the market. Confusingly, Scholastic has another book with an almost identical name with poems by Bobbi Katz. I don’t mind if you get her book too!

Here’s an example from our book. If you haven’t tried writing a poem for two voices, give it a whirl. It’s a great way to talk to yourself!

BRUSSELS SPROUTS
2 voices

(child)
What’s that green thing?

(parent)
Brussels sprouts.

(child)
I don’t want no Brussels sprouts.

(parent)
Any.
Come on, try some Brussels sprouts.

(child)
I don’t want no Brussels sprouts!

(parent)
Any.
These are special Brussels sprouts.

(child)
I don’t want no Brussels sprouts!

(parent)
Any.
Just one taste of Brussels sprouts.

(child)
If I taste these Brussels sprouts,
then can I have something else?

(parent)
Sure!

(child)
Ugh!
I hate these Brussels sprouts!

(parent)
Here’s some yummy cottage cheese, pickled beets, cauliflower,
lima beans, and chicken liver.

(child)
Please pass the Brussels sprouts.
I don’t want no chicken liver.

(parent)
Any.