Checklist for Creating a Positive Poetry Environment

Creating an environment that values poetry depends partly on the physical arrangement of space and materials and partly on the emotional climate that is established. Consider these questions as you assess the poetry books in your classroom, school, or public library, as well as these common poetry practices:

The list begins:

            1. Check the children’s poetry shelves for ease of access and appeal. Are the poetry books as easy to find as the fiction and nonfiction? Is the area well labeled and welcoming?

2. Do poetry posters and poetry book displays invite children to browse through poetry even if they’re not immediately seeking it out? Are some poetry books displayed face out?

3. Is there room on the poetry shelves for browsing and expansion?

4. Are there plenty of poetry books to choose from? Are there currently published poetry books available?

5. Is there a balance of poetry anthologies and collections by individual poets?

For more details, get your copy of The Poetry Teacher’s Book of Lists.

And if you already have the book and would like to offer additions, corrections, or other input, please do so in the COMMENTS area. Thanks!