Naomi Shihab Nye on the Art of Teaching Poetry

View this email on a browser Forward to a friend September 9, 2014 Back to School   September brings with it the start of another school year. To mark the occasion, we’ve gathered a selection of poems about knowledge and the pleasure of learning.   “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks “Why Latin Should Still Be Taught in High School” by Christopher Bursk “Theme for English B” by Langston Hughes “The Testing-Tree” by Stanley Kunitz “Evening Walk as the School Year Starts” by Sydney Lea “The Hand” by Mary Ruefle “The Junior High School Band Concert” by David Wagoner

From A Poet’s Glossary by Academy Chancellor Edward Hirsch   What is a terse didactic statement embodying a general truth, akin to the aphorism and the maxim, that draws attention to itself as a formal artistic entity? Find out. New Materials for Teachers   We’ve revamped our resources for teachers on Poets.org, including the addition of new lesson plans from 826 National, the network of nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping students with their literacy and writing skills. And later this month, we’ll be launching the Academy of American Poets Educator Newsletter. Sign up now to receive it. Other Terms From A Poet's Glossary Poetic Schools & Movements Lesson Plans for Teachers The Value of Poetic Lineage   In school we learn about the poets who have laid the groundwork for contemporary poetry. Join us at this year’s Poets Forum to hear poets Timothy Liu, Joseph Fasano, and Rachel Zucker discuss the poets who have inspired them and why, with close readings of their favorite poems at the panel “Poetic Lineage.” On Teaching Poetry   "Find places of real love within yourself... that will help you create a mood and atmosphere where poetry becomes contagious," advises Academy Chancellor Naomi Shihab Nye during the panel "The Art of Teaching" at last year's Poets Forum. Watch the video for a preview of what you might find at this year's Poets Forum. Thanks for being a part of the Academy of American Poets community. To learn about other programs, including National Poetry Month, Poem in Your Pocket Day, the annual Poets Forum, and more, visit Poets.org.   You are receiving this e-mail because you elected to subscribe to our mailing list. If you would like to unsubscribe, please click here.   © Academy of American Poets 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 901, New York, NY 10038