In this chapter you will:

The Meaning of Poetry

• Learn six characteristics of poetry that can be used to describe what poetry is.
• Learn about rhythm and imagery as elements of poetry.
• Learn the devices that give distinctive sound to poetry.
• Read about the devices of figurative language that allow comparisons and contrasts in poetry.
• Learn how poetry gains meaning from shape.
• Read "Questions for Evaluating Poetry for Children."
• Identify the differences among these forms of poetry: ballads, narrative poems, lyrical poems, limericks, free verse, haiku, and concrete poetry.
• Read about writers of multicultural poems and their work.

Selecting Poetry for Children

• Determine the poetry preferences of children according to the Terry and the Fisher and Natarelia studies.
• Learn appropriate guidelines teachers can follow when selecting poems for children.
• Read about recent trends in the publication of poetry.
• Find what distinguishes poetry from verse.
• Use the "Questions for Evaluating Poetry Anthologies" guidelines.
• Read about "Comprehensive Poetry Anthologies," "Specialized Collections of Poetry," and "Picture-Book Editions of Single Poems."

Sharing Poetry with Children

• Read about ways in which poetry is misused in the classroom.
• Identify a classroom that has a good climate for poetry.
• Learn ways in which poetry can be shared with children.
• Read guidelines for discussing poetry.
• Find ways that students can use models in poetry writing.
• Determine how teachers can provide guidelines in poetry workshops for children's poetry writing.
• Learn five types of choral speaking arrangements.
• Determine the value of choral reading.