Poetry Challenge Week Four: Blackout Poems

on
 It’s week FOUR of the Weekly Poetry Challenge, and this week is all about blackout poems! A blackout poem is created by taking a block of text—like from a newspaper, magazine, or book—and “blacking out” everything except the words you want. Here’s a blackout poem I wrote: Created using the book MAKE BLACKOUT POETRY by John Carroll Read some black out poems! Here are some blackout poems by author Austin Kleon . Examples of student-created blackout poems . Check out this Pinterest board for more examples. Write a black out poem! When creating your blackout poem, you may to start with a pencil and circle or block around the words you want to keep for your poem. Then, once you’re happy with your poem use a sharpie to black out everything you don’t want. Blackout poetry is a great visual, but you can also type out your poem when you’re done to make it easier to read. Need a little help? Here’s a video by Austin Kleon on how he makes blackout poetry. If you or your kids write blackout poem
0

Summer Challenge Week Six: Wild Waters

on

 
Welcome to Wild Waters Week. It's week SIX of the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge, which means we are more than half way through this adventure. We hope you have been enjoying following along. And if you're just joining us, you're in for a treat!

My 18-month old grandson will hold a spray bottle and squirt himself in the face while laughing with glee. If your kids are anything like him, they probably enjoy a little fun in the water too! What better way to encourage summer play than to head to the pool or drag some water toys out of storage? We have some great water-themed book ideas for you to read, discuss, and pair with whatever fun water shenanigans your kids are into. 

Ideas for things to read:

  • Watersong by Tim McCanna, illustrated by Richard Smythe. This book is a feast for the ears and the eyes, as the story about a Fox seeking shelter from a storm is told mostly in onomatopoeia.
  • A River by Marc Martin. A lyrical book about a journey downriver in a little silver boat.
  • When the Rain Comes by Alma Fullerton, illustrated by Kim La Fave. Another lyrical, poetic book about a girl and an ox caught in a sudden storm.
  • Puddle Pug by Kim Norman, illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi. A fun story about puddles, pugs, pigs, and friendship!
For more water-themed book ideas, check out this book list!

Ideas for things to discuss:

  • In what ways do you use water every day? 
  • Where do you see water besides in the kitchen and bathroom?
  • Have you ever been outside while it was raining? Storming? What was it like?
  • Do you enjoy playing in the water? What is your favorite way to play with water?
  • What kinds of creatures live in water?

Ideas for things to do:

  • Take a walk or a drive to a local stream, river, lake, or other body of water. While you're there, look for animals that live in or around the water.
  • Have a water gun or water balloon battle. 
  • Run in the sprinkler or visit a splash park.
  • Do some water science experiments. 
  • Spend a day at the beach. 
  • Water the house plants or garden.
  • Paint with watercolors.
  • Make infused water. Here are some recipes you could try.
Are you reading water books and playing with water this week? Let us know in the comments. You can also share on social media with the hashtag #RDDSummerChallenge.





Comments

Post a Comment