1. POETRY POWER!!! How to Create a Culture of Poetry in Your School

2. I don’t like poetry because … I DON’T GET IT and/or IT’S BORING

3. Shel Silverstein is the Only Exception

4. POD (Poem of the Day) Poetry “Gateway Drugs” Fun, Light Verse Short Curriculum Related Relevant Varied Forms Staff Suggestions Email, social media, announcements, even hard copies

5. Start a Poetry Committee! As in …. Delegate!

6. Fun Contests Spontaneous and/or planned Haikus and other simple forms or themes work best For staff, not just students! Give out “fabulous” prizes (like pencils) ! Spontaneous and/or planned Haikus and other simple forms or themes work best For staff, not just students! Give out “fabulous” prizes (like pencils) !

7. Special Events Poem in Your Pocket Day Poetry Café/ Poetry Blasts/ Poetry Slams Author visits Your ideas?

9. Has it Worked? Poetry by the Numbers! 7 years 140 Poems of the Day More than 50 fun poetry contests More than 60 staff poets including P.E. teachers, paraprofessionals, and our amazingly prolific security officer... with new contributors every year! Too many student poets to count Eight past and current “poetry committee” members Multiple poetry “special events” And…. an impressive number of students winning local, state, and national poetry contests and participating in poetry events!