Congratulations, you’re all set to participate in Poetry Rocks! Time to “rock” and roll!

 

I’ll let you in on a little secret — I love rocks.

I still remember how excited I was when I first learned about them in science class, way back in elementary school. And I still remember how fascinated I was to learn how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks were formed. I scoured the woods and fields around my house, wanting so much to find a geode, and, though I never did, was thrilled when I did find rocks with real fossils in them in the gorge at my Girl Scout camp, Camp Hawthorne Ridge.

Ever since, I’ve collected rocks from many different places, and I still find them fascinating. That’s just how I feel about poetry — I truly do think it rocks! And I am very excited to share what I know and love about poetry with you!

Over the next few weeks, you’ll receive 23 “Poetry Rocks” tools — each one has a name, a purpose, a focus on one particular aspect of poetry, directions on how to create a poem of your own, and an example — a poem of my own that I formed by using the tool at hand. Whenever it’s useful, there’ll be background information too.

Throughout the course, if you have any questions or experience any technological glitches, please email us here.

Along with the tools, here are some ways that you can expand your knowledge of what poetry is and grow as a poet and writer:

★ Read at least a little poetry daily. Here are some good online sources:

• http://www.poets.org/ From the Academy of American Poets. Great resource for looking up poets and poems. They also have a “Poem-a-Day” that you can sign up to receive.
• http://www.poetryfoundation.org/ From the Poetry Foundation, publishers of Poetry Magazine. They also have a poem-of-the-day — two in fact, one to read and one to listen to. How cool is that? Plus essays, features, and other resources.
• http:/garrisonkeillor.com/radio Garrison Keillor reads a poem every day, and shares interesting facts and tidbits about writers and historical events.

★ When you come across a poet whose work you like, research and read more of his/her poems. Start your own list of favorite poets and poems.

★ Read your favorite poems out loud. After all, poetry began as spoken word.

You’ll receive your first daily poetry tool today (or, if it’s the weekend, on Monday). Woo hoo!