It’s been difficult to give up regular visits with our grandchildren. With that said, I am so grateful for the technology that is bridging the gap.  Since my older grand kids no longer have school followed by activities, I actually connect with them more frequently. Face Time and Zoom have been my friends!

Two brother, Carson and Jackson, are the youngest of the grand kids. It’s wonderful to see them on Face Time and we welcome the regular calls. However, they are still babies. Now that we can’t connect in person, I wanted to find a more structured way to interact with them. On Saturday, I decided to video myself reading a story to them. I chose a simple, short rhyming book, propped my phone up next to my chair and began. Of course, I was able to show them the pictures and draw their attention to certain things. Now Carson, who is two and his nine-month old brother will able to listen to Mimi read them a story. Not ideal, but “any port in a storm”.

In keeping with our poetry challenge Are you up for the challenge? I had a Zoom meeting with two of the other “grands” yesterday. Since everyone is grappling with emotions these days, (including children) I figure I’d share an easy way to write about emotions. This was a simple process that I’ve used many times with students and within a half hour, these eight and nine-year-olds had crafted an amazing free-verse poem. Tuck these steps away in your tool box. Perhaps they will come in handy as you help your own children handle their emotions.

Grab a pencil and paper before you begin and allow time for kids to write and then share between each question…

1. Brainstorm various emotions                                                                                                        There should be nouns:  joy, disappointment, anger, surprise, etc.
2. What color is that emotion to you?
3. What does it taste like?
4. What does it smell like?
5. What does it feel (touch) like?
6. What does it make you want to do?
7.  7.At this point, share a sample. You can write one of your own or use these.

        Surprise is a burst of yellow                                                                                                                      that jolts me like the taste of lemon juice.                                                                                           Surprise grabs me like a splash of cold water.                                                                                     She wears a sneaky smile                                                                                                                           and makes me want to dance. 

      Anger barges through the door, wearing a dress of red.                                                                 She dances through the air spreading shots of heat and hate.                                                      Anger calls forth my fear and makes me want to hide. 

Both of these use personification, as well as similes and metaphors. It’s a good chance to review these forms of figurative language, but not necessary. Just let the kids have at it and go from there. Perhaps they’ll want to draw a picture to go along with their poem. Have fun with this and stay well.

We’d love to read poems you or your kids have written. Feel free to share in your reply.