Poem in Your Pocket for Young Poets (Library Edition--nonperforated pages)
illustrations by
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
Poem in Your Pocket for Young Poets is a collection of one hundred poems, published in association with the Academy of American Poets. This book features an innovative format and is organized by themes such as food, feelings, play, and animals. It includes classic children's poems by Emily Dickenson and contemporary works by poets like Kay Ryan and Naomi Shihab Nye. The book encourages young readers to foster a love of poetry, making it perfect for National Poetry Month, Poem in Your Pocket Day, or everyday classroom use. A special edition with perforated pages allows children to easily share poems with friends.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
232 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did the poem you picked make you experience? Why do you think it made you feel that way?
Can you think of a moment in your life that relates to the theme of the poem you chose? What is similar?
How do you think the poet uses words to create images in your mind?
If you could ask the poet one question about the poem, what would it be?
What is your favorite line from the poem, and why does it stand out to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each poem without judgment. Assist them in making personal connections by sharing your own responses. Discuss the poet's language use, focusing on how specific words or phrases evoke emotions and create imagery. Foster an open, interactive discussion by asking follow-up questions that delve deeper into your child's interpretation. Lastly, celebrate poetry by creating a dedicated 'poetry time' where you both can explore and discuss different poems together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Poetry and Language
Explanation: The book encourages young readers to engage with poetry, enhancing their appreciation for the rhythm, structure, and emotive power of language.
Real-World Application: Children can develop a love for reading and writing, applying poetic techniques to express themselves more creatively in school assignments or personal journals.
Example Lesson: Emotional Expression
Explanation: Through various poems, children learn that poetry is a profound way to express emotions, allowing them to explore and communicate their feelings in a constructive manner.
Real-World Application: Kids can use poetry as an emotional outlet, helping manage feelings like joy, sadness, or frustration, fostering emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The anthology includes diverse poetic voices that provide perspectives from different cultures, teaching children about empathy and the value of diverse viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can cultivate a broader understanding of the world, learning to respect and appreciate people from different backgrounds in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book stimulates imagination by offering a variety of poetic stories and themes, allowing children to explore different scenarios and ideas beyond their personal experiences.
Real-World Application: This imaginative engagement can inspire creative thinking and problem-solving skills in everyday life and academic settings.
Example Lesson: Memory and Recitation Skills
Explanation: Encouraging children to keep a poem in their pocket implies memorization, which can enhance memory capacity and verbal skills.
Real-World Application: Improving memory and recitation can aid children in academic settings, particularly in language arts and public speaking opportunities.