This is the first of two articles which will explore how written personal stories promote creativity, competence, belonging, self-expression, and a sense of purpose among students who, for a variety of reasons, have been labeled "at risk" or "delinquent." They present scenarios of students, teachers, elders, and others working together and samples…

Examines over a dozen poems by William Carlos Williams. Notes that these poems can be incorporated easily into an elementary reading/language arts/literature program. Shows how Williams' poetry can help children see others, themselves, and the world in a more imaginative and multiperspective manner. (MM)

Explores some of William Blake's poetry that is suitable for middle school readers and its relationships to a number of current works for young adults. Highlights the "Songs of Innocence and of Experience" and suggests how Blake might be connected to other literary and musical works. Hopes to encourage teachers to reread or read some of…

Describes how the work of modern poets can expand adult learners' views of the uses of reading and writing and their own ability and specifically shows how the works of Carl Sandburg, Lucille Clifton, William Carlos Williams, and Langston Hughes can be used to teach adults to read. (SRT)

Literacy must be grounded in creation: imagination, vision, revision, metaphor, and image. Literacy entails imaginative interpretation of texts in private and social contexts. Literacy education that ignores storytelling in favor of "practical" skills prevents construction of perspectives that make experience comprehensible. (SK)

Argues the importance of slowing down in order to be curious and explore the particular stories and poetry in things. Offers examples of how the elderly can guide readers toward a vision of education as an open debate of different stories. Recommends Robert Pinsky's "Favorite Poem Project" website as a celebration of stories and poetry…

Relates personal experiences in reading and writing poetry with a group of elders in an attempt to learn something about their use of language, their life stories, and themselves. (HOD)

Describes a poetry workshop in which the teachers intended to teach the students but instead found themselves learning with the students. Discusses the importance of elder poets' use of reminiscence and relationships. Techniques that were used, such as audiotaping and discussion of poems, and formula stems are explained. (CT)

Argues that adult literacy instruction should develop slowly over time and begin in the expressive and poetic discourse modes. (HOD)

Using poetry to enrich the lives of adult literacy students, this book provides nine complete, detailed lessons using poetry that will help teachers and tutors of new adult readers and writers. Each lesson in the book focuses on a different type of poetry and is presented in a clear, step-by-step format. The book also offers advice on dealing with…