“Evoke to Know” : Learning from K. A. Holt
Interview with K.A.Holt, author of several acclaimed verse novels
Homeland of My Body: Review and Activities
Review of Richard Blanco's poetry collection, Homeland of My Body.
Interview with Ari Tison
Padma Venkatraman interviews founding Diverse Verse member Ari Tison about her debut novel Saints of the Household
Poetry Templates: Training Wheels for All Learners
Michelle Schaub offers a classroom writing activity based on Dictionary for a Better World, by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
Poetry as Community, Connection, and Celebration in the Classroom
Valerie Bolling suggests activities and approaches to introducing and using poetry in classrooms
Verse Novels in the Classroom
Novels in verse present a wonderful opportunity for teachers to introduce a variety of literary forms and techniques to their students, while also encouraging reading for pleasure. The narrative form of verse novels is engaging, and the shorter word count can support readers who may be reluctant to tackle a longer work.
Poetry as Resistance
During difficult times, especially during periods of social or political upheaval, we often ask: What is the role of the artist?
Teaching Ideas: Using Poetry as a Starting Point to Combat Hate
Lesson Plan Suggestions and Resources
for harnessing the power of poetry to speak out
against hate crimes
and for inclusion, equality and respect for diversity