Backmatter Matters

Welcome to Poetry Friday! This week the talented Laura Purdie Salas is hosting HERE. Thank you for hosting, Laura!

What is Poetry Friday? Find out HERE.

This week I began the Anthology 201 course by poets Janet Wong and Sylvia Vardell. What does it take to create a poetry anthology? I signed up to find out. They are smart and generous teachers.

As and example of a well written anthology, I happened to have Sylvia’s 2020 anthology, A WORLD FULL OF POEMS. These poems are for young children, 187 in all, from almost as many poets. Many are well known, some you will recognize from Poetry Friday. But the book is not just poems. The back matter in this book is quite useful.

For parents, teachers, and curious children, you will find:

1) Poetry activity suggestions, such as reading aloud, ending each day with a poem and more.

2) Poetry Activities such as a treasure hunt tips on reading out loud.

3) Easy tips on how to have a conversation about a poem.

4) How to begin writing poems.

5) Different kinds of poems such as list poems and haiku.

6) How to add art.

7) How to get better as a poet.

8) It also includes clever ways for a family to put poetry into daily life. For example, keeping a book of poems in the car, ending each day with a poem and more.

A WORLD FULL OF POEMS is a beautiful book, an anthology full of wonderful poems, and a useful resource for all ages.

Thank you, Laura Purdie Salas for hosting. Have a good weekend everyone and stay well!