Everything is a Poem

Everything Is a Poem

J. Patrick Lewis

Publish date 2014

Grade NP ages 6+

Published by Creative Editions

Reading Level: NP

2 starred reviews:

“In the foreword to his latest collection, the award-winning author of 85 picture books and former economics professor admits he discovered poetry only after turning 40 and prides himself on not having a distinctive poetic style or voice.” – Kirkus Review

". can be read simply for enjoyment, or used as a springboard for classroom activities." - School Library Journal

Summary:  This is a collection of poems by J. Patrick Lewis. These cover a range of topics from nature to books. These include many different versions of poetry with free verse and rhyme. These poems also have a wide variety of literary devices with in them. There are poems about almost everything you can think of in this collection that would relate to students.

Description: Collection of Poetry

Suggested Delivery: whole group/ individual

Electronic Resources (2):

Author

            This is a link to the authors webpage. This can be used as a pre reading activity.  

Read Write Think

            This link brings you to ReadWriteThink.org. This particular page is full of online interactive tools to use for poetry that students can use.

Vocabulary:

            Speckled – covered in spots

            Miser – person who likes money and keeps it to themselves

            Promotion – getting a better job at the same place you work

            Littered – fell on, made dirty

            Voyage – trip

            Regret – feel bad

            Envy – want something someone else has

            Recalling – remembering

            Disguise – outfit

Teaching Suggestions:

·      Use this book to teach about poetry

·      Use this book to teach about how to use poetry

·      Use this book to help teach about literary devices

Pre Reading: The teacher will ask students what they know about poetry. The teacher will put students’ ideas on the board. Then as a group the students’ will decide what they really think poetry is. The students will then answer the question, “What does poetry mean to you?”

During Reading: The students will use sticky notes to note certain poems or lines in the text. The sticky notes should include but are not limited to literary devices, likes, dislikes, rhymes, and poem type.

After Reading: Students will be creating their own poetry booklet. The students will write at least six poems total. The six poems should all relate in some way. The student should pick one major topic that was used in the text.

Writing Activity: Students will write their own poem. The student can choose their own topic but must write a free verse, couplets, or in rhyme.  The students will be given the instructions for each along with an explanation of how to complete each form of poetry.