post-writing


 * POETRY COLLECTION ACTIVITY**

Often favorite poems are found in library books which must be returned and then, of course, the poems are gone. Or even if the books remain, pupils are likely to forget which book contains which poem. But put a typewriter in your poetry center and watch the excitement. (You can probably borrow one for a few weeks if you don't have one.)

Develop a file of favorite poems by having children type them on large file cards. Purchase a metal file or adapt a shoe box and appoint a committee to devise a method of classifying and filing poems. Because mistakes in typing often lead to retyping, many poems will be memorized inadvertently. Spelling will take on real importance, and poetry forms will become as familiar as prose forms. The file will be a treasured part of your classroom all year, with poems being added to it continuously.