Not Too Young for Poetry

Rhythms and play of sounds in poetry call attention to words and invite physical response—clapping, tapping—all exploration of language.

Even young children who have heard poems can tell about an idea, an image, or a happening as someone else records. As a grandmother, I began sending poems to my young grandson before he was a year old. Imagine my delight when he sent me his first poem. Recently, I sent him a poem about geese I saw in an unexpected place.  Here is my poem:

 

Goose Dreams

In the middle of town,

three quiet geese

sit in the shade

of a maple tree

and dream

of a rippled lake.

 
 
 And here is Jonathan’s 3 1/2-year-old response (with Mom’s typing):

The geese love to swim
When they are done they walk in a line
The babies walk behind their mom
One after another

Having nudged poems out of first graders (to twelfth graders) as well as my own preschool sons years ago, I know that children have poems in them. All they may need is some poems to hear, a prompt, and someone to appreciate their creative ideas.

Share poems!

 

One School–One Book and Special Offers for Schools

   

    The Picture Man

     a One School—One Book selection

     paired with your school’spicture day.

 

                                                   

Are you interested in a book that speaks to students across grade levels?

  • Touches the heart, engages curiosity about technology, and promises to bring a smile?
  • Supports K-5 Common Core and Essential Standards?
  • Links to social studies, language arts, writing, science, and art?
  • Blends simplicity and depth?
  • Would be an appropriate One School—One Book selection?

The Picture Man opens discussion and exploration that can be used in teaching required skills, from comparing/contrasting (picture man photos/school or studio photos) to integration of media (art and text).  It opens ideas for writing, sparks curiosity about culture and lifestyle as suggested by photographs, and even links to science and the study of light and lenses—numerous topics for students to research and share with classes.  (Find ideas for teachers on the Study Guide.)     

What is One School—One Book?

One School—One Book offers students within a school the opportunity to read the same book and share learning experiences across grade levels.  Lessons and activities are adapted to individual grades in keeping with Common Core’s graduated skill objectives.

Activities can involve multiple grade levels (Grade 5 and K reading together, dramatic presentation for other grades, visual displays of class projects in common areas, etc.).

One School—One Book can include a visit from the author, who can share behind-the-book insights, build on information in the book, and respond to students’ questions.

At the project ends, books could be given to the students or sold to students for a portion of the cost, thus providing seed money for the next year’s selection.

Why use The Picture Man for One School—One Book?

  • Most children enjoy getting school pictures and seeing themselves in other photos
  • The book includes simple poetic prose in the story (fiction) and more complex text in end notes (non-fiction).
  • It engages curiosity about inventions and photography.
  • It can be adapted easily to dramatic presentation and other written response.
  • It introduces numerous areas for research.
  • It links to studies across curriculum.
  • It can engage students and families in exploring personal and cultural stories.
  • Between June 1 and December 1, it can be purchased at much-reduced rates.
  • The author is willing to work with your school.

*A Suggestion:  Pair with school picture day.  Stir interest in the book by placing childhood photos of the staff on a bulletin board where students can guess who is who.

Sources of Funding for One School—One Book

  • Title I
  • Arts Council Teacher Project Grant
  • PTA
  • Community Businesses
  • Civic Organizations
  • Educational foundation grants
  • www.donorschoose.org

 

Special Offer from the author: 

Is your school interested in classroom sets or larger sets of books for a One School–One Book study?  If so, I can offer you  books for much reduced rates. Special Rate on The Picture Man $3.50 to $7.00, based on quantity (Retail hardcover, $16.95)Let’s discuss ways to work within your budget Read about Special Offers on all titles.

 

Special Book Rates for Schools

Book
Retail
1-10
11-50
51-100
100+
Addie Clawson
$9.95
$7.00
$6.00
$5.00
$4.00
Dresses, Dreams
$8.95
$6.00
$5.00
$4.50
$4.00
Jack Tales
$19.95
$17.00
$16.00
$15.00
$14.00
Mama’s Wreaths
$10.95
$10.00
$9.50
$9.00
$8.00
Orville Hicks
$19.95
$12.00
$11.00
$10.00
$9.00
Picture Man
$16.95
$7.00
$5.00
$4.00
$3.50
Walking Ribbon
$16.95
$10.00
$8.00
$7.00
$6.00

To order books or plan an author visit, contact Julia Taylor Ebel