Learning about different ways with words can open up new avenues of creativity for students.
In the USA, April is National Poetry Month!
Poetry can capture a moment or tell a story of a lifetime. It doesn’t always have to rhyme; it can be structured or free. The important thing with poetry is that it is original, authentic and comes from the author’s mind.
Celebrating National Poetry Month in schools makes sense for students of all ages, especially with the appeal of its close links to drama, music and rap. Writing it offers an outlet for self-expression that cannot be judged (although teachers can provide guidance for improvement, of course!).
Tools for creativity with words
Learning about the different forms of poetry and the literary devices they contain can spark students’ creativity – and writing their own is great for wellbeing. It can help students to express themselves and enable them to put into writing what they do not want to say out loud. Aside from this, it will improve their language and literacy skills, expand their vocabulary and give them the tools to innovate with words themselves.
Here, at R.I.S.E., we’re fans of having a whole month of poetry rather than just a single day. This can give students time to examine different styles and develop their work, such as putting it to music or creating art to illustrate it.
Are you celebrating National Poetry Month with your students? Let us know your activities on social media!
