Poetry Break Pointers

Caroline Feller Bauer proposes a wandering poetry presenter who drops in to share a poem throughout the day in her book, The Poetry Break (1995). The "poetry break" is a way to infuse poems throughout a school or library program. Whether it’s a poem for beginning the day, starting off the hour, transitioning to lunch or a break, or for wrapping things up, the idea of "breaking" for poetry seems very practical. Of course, that doesn’t mean that a more in-depth study of poetry is not a good idea. It is. But for the average teacher, librarian, day care provider or parent, sharing a three-minute poem break is a good way to begin. Here are some pointers:

The list begins:

1. The poetry break can begin with a sign, bell, and/or chime announcing “Poetry Break”

1. Be sure to give the title and author of the poem

1. If possible, show the book the poem comes from

1. Feel free to re-read the poem immediately

1. Be sure to enunciate each word distinctly (and check uncertain pronunciations and meanings beforehand)

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!