Apologies for being off my blogging schedule this week. A beloved relative is in serious condition and the past few days have been an emotional stew for my family and me.

As we conclude National Poetry Month, poetry will be the topic of my next two posts. This week, I was asked to be a guest speaker in someone’s “virtual classroom”. Since Mother’s Day is around the corner and Father’s Day not far behind, I thought I’d teach the students how to create a gift poem. It occurred to me that this lesson plan might come in handy for teachers who read this blog or parents looking for creative activities to share with their kids. Here is the script (lesson plan) for my virtual lesson, along with a few notes (in red) for you.

BE A POET:  Learn the magic of creating and sharing poetry

INTRODUCTION:  

 Hi, Everyone. I am so glad to be with you today and the share the magic of poetry. I love poetry and to me a poem is like a little piece of magic. In just a few words you can share your feelings and ideas. What’s even more magical, is the effect your poem can have on another person. Let me show you what I mean…

I love to “work my magic” and create poems for people I love and for special occasions. Here are a few of the poems I’ve created. I give them as gifts or sometimes sell them so others can use my words to convey their emotions. Let me show you some sample gift poems I’ve created…  

SHOW SAMPLE POEMS:  Find some examples of poems written about someone to share

BRAINSTORM: Can you think of someone you would like to write a poem for? Here are a few ideas…                                                                                                                                  Mothers’ Day is only a few weeks away, how about a poem to your mother? 

How about your Dad?

Is there a grandparent, special aunt or uncle that you haven’t seen for awhile?

Are you missing your teacher or friends? Perhaps you could write a poem for them. 

PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO JOT DOWN TWO OR THREE  PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WRITE A POEM FOR, THEN PICK ONE OF THEM.

Welcome back. Did you choose a person that you will write about? Please put the name of that person at the top of the page and I’ll show you how to begin the magic. You know, being a magician requires preparation and practice. The first step in writing our gift poem is to brainstorm. I’ll show you what I did and then you will have a chance to do the same thing.

I am choosing to write a poem about my grand-daughter, Shannon. First, I’ll jot down words that describe Shannon:  Curly hair, shining blue eyes, a tilt to her nose, giggly, funny, smart, tenderhearted, loves basketball, plays rugby, Girl Scout, looks like her mom, crafty, plays the piano, sings, friendly

I used some of my ideas to create these poems about Shannon:

I feel a little achy, deep inside my heart,                                                                                        Because it’s been a while now that we’ve been apart. 

I miss your shining blue eyes                                                                                                       and the giggles that we share.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           I’m sad that I can’t hug you                                                                                                          and show you how much I care. 

I miss watching your play basketball a                                                                                      and singing in the car.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I miss your piano music                                                                                                              and seeing you close, not from afar. 

Our many Facebook visits                                                                                                            are the best part of a day.

It’s fun when you pop up on zoom                                                                                              and we find games to play. 

Soon this will be over.                                                                                                              We’ll share hugs,and games and fun. 

Shannon Rita you are a grand daughter,                                                                                        Who is second to none.  

Remember, poems don’t have to rhyme. Here’s an example…

Who can light the room with a smile?                                                                                   Who can make my heart dance with glee?                                                                            Who’s a super baker and basketball player?                                                                                Who’s a friend to you and to me?                                                                                                   Who is a lovely young lady?                                                                                                           Who’s filled with love and with joy.                                                                                               Who plays the piano and sings her songs?                                                                                   Who’s  a special grand daughter to me?                                                                                  SHANNON

TRY IT…Boys and Girls, you can make magic from words. You can also touch the heart of another by writing a poem and sharing it with them. Take the rest of our time to begin your gift poem. 

1. Brainstorm
2. Draft one or two versions 
3. Revise until you are satisfied with the final copy
4. Publish: Share this poem in some way with the person for whom it was written. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to their face!

Remember, tomorrow I’ll choose the two winners to receive this book by Aimee Chase. One winner will be chosen from new people who have opted to follow this blog during April and one for readers who have followed prior to April. Follow to day and get in on the fun.