Greetings Reader,

I pray you are finding summer off to a good start. While you think about hanging out with kids (or grandkids) in the coming months, you hopefully will have pockets of time in your day for reading stories together. And I definitely hope you'll pick some poetry to read!

If you missed my summer Read Aloud recommendations last month you can find that post--including a picture book, a fable and an epic poem read aloud--by clicking the button below.

Thinking about books and poetry for kids got me pondering which poems would be on my top ten list of Poems Every Kid Should Know. Then I realized limiting the number to 10 is impossible--what about 15 poems?

And that's why I need your help. Even choosing 15 poems every kid should know is impossible. Sooooo, I created a 5 Minute survey for you, accessible via the button below, where you can enter your TOP FOUR choices to add to the list (the list will become a featured resource on my website Resource Library page).

Why only four poems? Because if only 10% of you responded with your favorites I would still end up with over 250 poem ideas! Of course I realize people might duplicate those poems already on my list and that is fine. It would only show that the poem is a fan favorite.

The survey is simple and allows me to gather all the poem suggestions in one place. I look forward to hearing what you might share. Just click on the button, and it will take you to the survey. (My top 15 list is included in the survey.)

AN INCENTIVE FOR YOU

The names of everyone who responds to the survey will be put in a drawing and five people will be chosen to receive a signed, free copy of either one of my poetry books (pictured above). Or, if you'd rather, you can choose to be 1 of 5 people who will receive a free copy of my next published book, a 50 page homeschooling resource with lessons, inspiration and info to help homeschool kids Make Friends with Poetry, a $20 value. (The book will prayerfully be released sometime next year.)

In the meantime, to keep kids' reading and learning sharp this summer you can access some simple poetry activities via my website's Resource Library, where you'll find choices like, "How to Write a Limerick," "How to 'Write' a Poem with Pictures," "How to Write a Free Verse Poem," and more. Just click on this link for the Resource Library and choose a wide range of activities for kids ages 5-17 and up. All you need do is enter your email address to receive the download. (And if you are already on my list don't worry, your email is only entered once.)

This 'hello' would be incomplete without sharing a poem....here's one I wrote about summer, inspired by the little girl in the first photo above; from Hearts on Pilgrimage Poems & Prayers​

c. Jody Lee Collins, 2021, 'Hearts on Pilgrimage: Poems & Prayers'

PS To all those kind folks I met at the Florida Parent Educator Convention in Orlando last month--hello! I had a blast talking to folks about Making Friends with Poetry.

(on the left) I snapped a photo of the vivacious and engergetic Sarah MacKenzie of the Read Aloud Revival podcast... find her! She features great conversations each month about good books for kids. (right) Modeling my 'merch,' a tote bag that says "Making Friends with Poetry." Thank you Canva.

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That's all for this quick 'hello', friends. Until next month, remember to fill out the survey to tell me your top 4 Poems Every Kid Should Know.​

Cheers!

Jody

If someone forwarded you this email and you want to join the community, click HERE to subscribe to my monthly inspiration and activities for homeschool kids ages 5-17 and up.