Writing Poetry Month by Month

Valerie Bolling is an award-winning educator and author. A graduate of Tufts University and Teachers College, Columbia University, she has always loved both teaching and writing. She is the author of Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom, and more than a dozen books for children. Valerie enjoys connecting with both children and adults and inspiring them to write their own stories and poems.

“In Writing Poetry Month by Month, Valerie Bolling ignites a belief in poetry as a source of healing, of creation, of humor, and of joy. And Valerie shows teachers how to get students started writing poetry. She provides practical ideas and exercises, favorite mentors from around the world, and advice for ways to fit poetry in, no matter your curriculum. Whether you love poetry or you’re a little afraid of it, Valerie has your back. Soon your students, including some of your most reluctant writers, will be asking: is it time for poetry?”—Mary Ehrenworth, Author of Vocabulary Connections “Valerie Bolling brings energy and clarity to poetry instruction, guiding you through engaging, varied poetry experiences all year long. With a predictable routine and a rich collection of examples, she puts everything you need right at your fingertips. This practical, joyful resource makes it easy to carve out meaningful time for students to write poetry every single month.” — Maria Walther, Literacy Consultant and Co-Author of A Year for the Books and Literacy Workshop “Writing Poetry Month by Month hits the 'magic' sweet spot between high-level pedagogy and the authentic approach students actually connect with. Valerie Bolling understands the teaching heart, providing the complex layers educators need to foster deep, meaningful classroom conversations through poetry.” — Kara Breen, Literacy Specialist and Faculty Member in the Quinnipiac University School of Education “Valerie Bolling’s Writing Poetry Month by Month is an essential addition to classrooms. With month-by-month prompts and a realistic approach, Bolling makes poetry achievable. Finally, a guide that makes teaching poetry feel joyful! This book is an invitation for students to become poets. An inspirational and instructional win that belongs on every teacher’s desk.” — Nichole Hawkins, Youth & Family Services Coordinator, Hartford Public Library “After reading Valerie Bolling's Writing Poetry Month by Month you'll be inspired to lead your students in a year-long poetic adventure!”— Josh Funk, Author of Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast

• 1. Developing a Poetry Practice in Your Classroom 2. Creating a Poetry-Inclusive Classroom 3. August/September: Getting to Know One Another with Autobiographical Poems 4. October: Enjoying Autumn with Color Poems 5. November: Being Grateful with Concrete Poems 6. December: Cheering for Winter and Holidays with Short Poems 7. January: Starting the New Year with Change the World Poems 8. February: Paying Tribute to Things We Love with Odes 9. March: Leaping into Spring with Nature Poems 10. April: Celebrating National Poetry Month with Poems about Poems 11. May/June: Partnering with a Peer to Write Two-Voice Poems 12. Bringing a Year of Poetry to a Close