...and the verdict is in: poetry matters (at least to my sophomores).

Why does poetry matter? Yes, that question gets raised again and again. I can tell you, it does--and you don't have to take my word for it. 

In my classes, I often have students begin the semester with a written goals for the course statement, and I want them to tell me what they think they want to accomplish, what skills they want to work on, etc. About midway, I have them write me a check-in: what have they learned that they liked, what would they like to do more of, what skills do they feel more confident about, and what skills would they like me to review or help them individually with. 

All of my sophomores said they really liked learning about poetry and want to do more of it. 

All.

Yes, they liked reading Grendel, and they enjoyed the Chaucer project, and even felt more confident about writing and Shakespeare. But every single one thought that the poetry dictation/discussion was something they want to do more of.

Ok, twist my arm.

I've been told repeatedly by other teachers, even by one administrator, that I do too much poetry, that kids don't like/need it, that there are "more important" things to focus on. I suspect it's because they don't understand it or like it. I can see nothing more important: vocabulary development, grammar skills, diction, tone, craft elements, rich text, close reading skills, verbal fluency, academic discourse, cultural literacy... the list could go on. But please, do give them a list of 20 vocab words a week with a crossword puzzle and then a quiz on Friday. 

Don't mind me. I'm just teaching here. 

And from the looks of things, it's working.

Have a good day,

C