Master Class in Teaching Children's Literature: Poetic Voices: Writing, Reading, and Responding to Poetry
Saturday, November 19, 5:45-7:00 pm

A single poem can reveal and evoke a multitude of voices. In this session, authors Joyce Sidman and Pat Mora will discuss their poetry and converse with attendees about how reading, writing, and responding to poetry in the classroom sparks the poetic voice in each of us.

Description
In this session, attendees will be prompted to consider and discuss the voices revealed in and evoked by poetry. Award-winning author, Joyce Sidman, will begin the conversation. Through her poetry, Joyce allows readers to hear a multitude of voices, such as those of the plants and animals living in a pond ecosystem (Song of the Water Boatman, 2005) and the living things who have endured the test of time (Ubiquitous, 2010). In Red Sings from Treetops (2009) readers become acquainted with the seasons on a more personal level, and in This is Just to Say (2007) the voices of young and old express words of apology and forgiveness. Joyce will discuss her work and the creative processes she uses that result in the voices heard in her poetry.

The second segment of the session will feature award-winning author, Pat Mora. Noted for her books that feature voices from the Southwest (Confetti: Poems for Children, 1996; This Big Sky, 1998), Pat's most recent book, Dizzy in Your Eyes: Poems about Love (2010) gives voice to those who give and receive love. Pat will share her work and talk about the voices that inspire and influence her poetry.

To close the session, co-chairs Patricia Bandré and Barbara Kiefer will facilitate a conversation between the speakers and the audience about how teachers can help their students find a poetic voice.

A list of notable poetry books and suggestions for further reading will be available to session attendees. Attendees will also be invited to continue this discussion on Facebook.

For further information, please contact Trish Bandré or Barbara Kiefer.