Five Reason We Study Poetry...

. Poetry supports the development of the building blocks of literacy as defined in Put Reading First and No Child Left Behind.

2. Poetry supports the development of writing paradigms, such as The Six Traits of Writing, and addresses needs to raise the standards for writing.

3. Poetry is an excellent venue to teach and reinforce discrete grammar and vocabulary skills.

4. Poetry provides a focus for reading and writing, and helps students learn how to be concise.

5. Poetry supports components defined in brain research such as the importance of searching for patterns, and is an acceptable way for students to express emotions and feelings.