Discusses the importance of the spoken word and the tradition of nursery verse and other forms of poetry. Encourages teachers and students to never abandon the rhythm, balance, and pleasurable taste of language as it was first learned through oral chants, jingles, and rhymes of early childhood. (MG)

Describes how the author intentionally exploited students' strengths with linguistic play to allow them to use those strengths in processing their learning through literature and textual response in various content areas. Shows how informed teachers can use inventive language-play (especially limericks) as an important literacy-related strategy…

Describes events in the author's journey toward living her life as a poet. Includes reminiscences of her childhood, and interactions with other teachers, friends, relatives. Includes samples of poetry written by children. (RS)

Interviews Jean Marzollo about her past, present, and future work in children's literature. Notes that her body of writing (more than 100 books of prose and poetry for young readers) transcends the boundaries of genre and disciplines, and is infused with a strong emphasis on rhyme and rhythm intended to capture the ears and minds of emergent and…

Describes how one instructor incorporates daily poetry "breaks" in middle school. Explains that students begin by listening to Eve Merriam's "How to Eat a Poem," then imitate poems first in pantomime, then with sound and action. Notes that students later write and trade poems, and end the term with a poetry festival. (SG)