Hi everyone,
After my first book for teachers, co-written with Bee Cullinan, in 2003 I partnered with Kathy Holderith a masterful 3rd grade teacher in the Denver area, and together we wrote the book with the longest title ever. Take a breath before you start. USING THE POWER OF POETRY TO TEACH LANGUAGE ARTS, SOCIAL STUDIES, MATH, AND MORE, ENGAGING POETRY LESSONS, MODEL POEMS, AND WRITING ACTIVITIES THAT HELP STUDENTS LEARN IMPORTANT CONTENT. Whew. Scholastic does like titles that tell you exactly what to expect between the covers.
In case there was still any doubt, Scholastic described our effort: “A gifted poet and a talented teacher share their insights and practical strategies for using poetry to enrich language arts, science, social studies, and math. With dozens of model lessons and poems, writing prompts, reproducible activities, and extension ideas, this delightful and inspiring book will help teachers weave poetry into their curriculum . . . and help their students express what they’ve learned, what they’re thinking, and what they’re dreaming through the magic of poetry. For use with Grades 3-6.”
When I visited Kathy’s classroom, I was impressed not only by how gently but surely she guided her students to make new discoveries and love the journey, but also how passionate she was about her kids, and they, in turn, adored her. At one point I was sitting in the “reading” chair while Kathy and her students gathered around on the carpet. Kathy teared up about something I said and one of her kids nonchalantly reached for a box of tissues and passed it to her teacher without missing a word. I don’t remember what I was reading but it was from our book. Could have been this.
The Sounds of Memory
She sit alone
listening to sounds
of memory
of birds eagerly
trading sweet songs
for seeds that drip
like musical notes
from slender fingers
gone all gone
the notes
the seeds
the songs
she shuts her eyes
and listens to
the fading sounds
of memory
(c) 2003 David L. Harrison, all rights reserved
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