Poetry and Social Studies

I'm still working my way though Poetry Camp memories, more for my own benefit/journal than for yours. 

In the Friday night MakerSpace workshop led by Robyn Hood Black, we each created a found poem from 1940s seashell flashcards. There were some surprising results. My workshop partner, Carmen Bernier Grand said hers was definitely not child friendly! 

like deep water

waters

drawn on our shores

spread-out

to leave room for the strong

On Saturday I wished I could be in at least five places at once. Deciding which workshops to attend was a challenge in itself. Each of the three workshop slots hosted Poetry Friday Anthology poets conducting five different sessions. 

10:45-11:30am: Workshop Session 1 (choose one): Writing and Understanding Poetry

1. Playing with Sound (rhyme, repetition, rhythm, alliteration & more): Susan Blackaby, Kenn Nesbitt
2. Playing with Visuals (& unusual forms): Kathi Appelt, Joan Bransfield Graham, Bob Raczka
3. Metaphor & Simile: Irene Latham, Liz Steinglass
4. Verse Novels: Jeannine Atkins, Nikki Grimes, Stephanie Hemphill, Holly Thompson
5. Poetry & Picture Books: Robyn Hood Black, Julie Larios

11:45-12:30pm Workshop Session 2 (choose one): Reading and Sharing Poetry

1. Poetry Performance Tips (Elementary): Joy Acey, Brod Bagert, Michele Krueger
2. Speaking for Change: Writing and Performance for  YA: Sara Holbrook, Michael Salinger
3. Writing for Journals, Magazines and Anthologies: Bridget Magee, Janet Wong
4. Publishing Anthologies (for children & by children): Carol-Ann Hoyte, Kenn Nesbitt, Ken Slesarik
5. Blogging about Poetry: Jone MacCulloch, JoAnn Early Macken, Greg Pincus

2:30-3:15pm: Workshop Session 3 (choose one): Teaching Poetry

1. Poetry + Science: Jeannine Atkins, Linda Dryfhout, Heidi Bee Roemer
2. Poetry + Grammar: Michelle Schaub, Patricia Toht
3. Poetry + Social Studies: Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, Doraine Bennett
4. Poetry + Movement: Nancy Bo Flood, April Halprin Wayland
5. Poetry + Art & Music: Cynthia Grady, Eric Ode, Lorie Ann Grover
6. The Dancer and the Dance: Tod Marshall (current Washington State Poet Laureate)

How would you choose?

 Carmen and I taught the social studies workshop. It was really fun to work with this passionate poet!

For my teacher friends, I want to pass along the handout I used for my portion of the workshop. This version shows you my notes.

Here's the empty sheet. I can't figure out how to load a file here, so if you'd like this handout and printing the .jpg doesn't work, comment or send me an email or a message and I'll send the file to you.