LOL Librarian

People use poetry to share ideas and feelings. This is the idea that is central to the students poetry inquiry this month. Students are exploring forms, how they connect to poetry and why people write poetry.   Although poetry is not officially found in the common core standards, students are expected to explore a variety of genres and have an understanding of figurative language. Poetry is the perfect avenue to do this. Personally, poetry isn't my favourite genre. It is one that I chose to read for my own reading pleasure. However, I do appreciate and can value it as a form of expression. Keeping in mind this quote by Leonardo Da Vinci I introduced students to some powerful poetry. For older students this included Frida's works, which include her famous portraits as well as her lesser known verses. I help the students connect with her by explaining she is of mixed heritage, like many of them, her parents were Mexican and Jewish Hungarian.  Since we are in Eastern Europe I als...

As an educator I wish I could use words as powerfully as Maya Angelou . She weaves tales that can be straight forward (tell it from the hip) that there is no misunderstanding her meaning, which the children love. In her adult literature, messages are shared symbolically, beautifully so, and her book  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings  she be required reading for any student of life. Ms. Angelou's values are solid; she encourages young people to be strong, stand up for their beliefs, to be honest, understand their fears, follow their dreams and be the power behind change. In our libraries we have a handful of her work. The elementary has a wonderful book called 'Life Doesn't Frighten Me'. My hope is our students of the future will continue to be inspired, empowered and enthralled by her words. Life Doesn't Frighten Me by Maya Angelou Shadows on the wall Noises down the hall Life doesn't frighten me at all   Bad dogs barking loud Big ghosts in a cloud Life doesn...

Getting peoples back story is always interesting, and entertaining a visiting author is often filled with surprises.   Mr. Greenberg is a laid back fellow who is a funny as his books. My husband and I went out for dinner and during the usual ebb and flow of conversation we discovered that his book ' A Tugging String ' was based on his father's experience as Martin Luther King's lawyer.  And his anecdotes translated well to a younger audience. Students were rolling with laughter and chanted along during an assembly. Teachers and students alike were inspired by David's workshops. Students were encouraged to write poetry based on what they notice in life. David's message was simple, write what you know or notice. He helped students make those connections and gave them tips and tricks to start out