Writing poetry sparks the imagination and fans it into flame. Freeing students of scholastic constraints, poetry encourages them to experiment with language, to view life in new ways, and to express their thoughts and feelings. It also helps improve written communication, increases self-awareness and self-confidence, and builds an understanding of language.

Geared to middle and high school teachers, this resource book offers a wealth of ideas, advice, and examples that will help bring poetry and poetry writing into the classroom. Through 12 detailed lessons, the author presents classroom-tested exercises and offers practical advice on teaching its technical aspects. Successful methods for revising poetry, overcoming writer’s block, and integrating poetry writing with other parts of the curriculum are also given.

This book is meant to convince the skeptical, encourage the convinced, and reassure the novice. Whichever category you fall into, you will be amazed and delighted by what comes forth when you and your students pick up The Poet’s Pen. (Grades 6-12)