Helping Kids Make Friends with Poetry Resources for Homeschool Parents and Educators
((My current mission-Ta Da!))
Dear Reader,
GREETINGS and happy February to you. Also, hello new readers--I'm so glad you're here!
A snapshot of what's included for you this month:
February Poem
Download of 10 Best Poetry Books for Kids
12-page FREE resource--New Poetry 101 Starter Kit
Website reveal--a new focus to serve Homeschool Families.
But first, some beauty.
Sasanqua camellia blooms in January and February. Such a bright spot!
This February poem below seems a perfect accompaniment to the photo above...we had a slew of unseasonably warm days here in the Seattle area (although more cold weather is on its way). There are no horses or ducks here on our 'farm' but the poem fits nonetheless.
Whenby Dorothy Aldis (1896-1966)
In February there are days,
Blue, and nearly warm,
When horses switch their tails and ducks
Go quacking through the farm.
When everything turns round to feel
The sun upon its back -
When winter lifts a little bit
And spring peeks through the crack
'When' is part of the collection in one my favorite poetry books for children, The Random House Book of Poetry for Children, listed in this free download Ten Best Poetry Books for Kids.
Families who educate their kids at home often say, "There's no time for anything extra in our days...where would I include poetry?"
Well, I'm glad you asked.
Read a poem a day right after family devotions or breakfast.
Include a 15 minute lesson once a week, using the suggestions in my Poetry 101 Starter Kit.
Not sure where to begin? That's why I made this list.
Click the graphic to access a free PDF of this book list.
Why Should Kids Read Poetry?
Poetry hones our ears for language and new vocabulary
It helps us learn to read metaphorically—a key skill for Bible readers!
It requires careful attention—whether reading it or writing
Kids who hear poetry are:
Better listeners
More engaged readers
Have the foundation needed to write poems of their own
Classics to contemporary--so many poetry book choices!
Serving homeschool families and other parents with poetry resources and inspiration is a focus I am passionate about, helping people Make Friends with Poetry.
That's why I created the Poetry 101 Starter Kit for folks who feel intimidated and unsure where to start. This 12-page FREE resource includes What IS Poetry? What is it NOT? and 3 age-specific activities to begin adding a 15 minute poetry spot into your homeschool rhythm. Resources are focused according to these groups below:
Three Mini Poetry Lessons and activities; poems included.
New Website Reveal (peeks head out from behind the curtains) Ta Da!
'Howdy!' photo on the new website. My desk is never this clean :-)
The many readers who have followed my journey writing online and in print for over 13 years know my focus has been adjusted often as I continue to listen to God's voice about how to serve you better.
Combining my interest in poetry--both reading and writing--and my 20+ years of teaching seemed the natural next step. Hence, my foray into the world of homeschooling and serving home educating familes and other parents.
With that new direction it was time to dust off the website. So without further ado (bows and sweeps her hand left to right), welcome to my new internet home!
Jody Lee Collins Your-Poetry Teacher
Click on the logo & voila! you're there.
I do hope you'll have a look around my new internet 'home.'
And while you're there....check out these recent blog posts:
Thank you all again for your continued connection and support in this journey of life and writing and walking with Jesus.
I would be honored to hear how this missive landed for you, especially if you are a homeschool parent! You can use the Contact tab on my website to drop me a line or even better? Simply hit 'Reply' on this email--I read every one.
Also, please forward this to a friend you think might be interested in Making Friends with Poetry.
Until next time, tell me, what birds can you hear in your corner of the world? (Here's the latest from our backyard, thanks to the Merlin Bird ID app.)
I am a retired educator with over 20 years in the classroom, including 5 years working with Special Needs kids. I’m also an author, poet and Nana of six with a heart for helping parents, teachers and homeschoolers introduce children to poetry. Click on the links below for my website where you'll find Free Resources like curated poetry lists and how-to's. Also be sure SUBSCRIBE for monthly poems and inspiration. When I'm not at my desk writing or reading I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren. My husband and I call the Seattle area home where we marvel at the birds and mess about in our garden.
