It’s Poetry Friday and I’m excited.
Firstly, I’m excited because it is Friday and, instead of wishing I had time to put together a Poetry Friday post I am actually here doing it. Huzzah! Life has been chaotic this year, mostly good-chaotic, but this has not left as much time as I’d like for fun things like Poetry Friday. So I am glad to be here today.
Secondly, I am excited because my poetry book for teachers, Teaching Poetry for Pleasure and Purpose won an award! Taddah!
It was really lovely to hear that this resource, with lots of teaching ideas, background information and, of course poems – by myself and lots of other wonderful poets, took out this category. Hopefully this means it will end up being seen by more teachers keen to use poetry in their classrooms.
Lastly, I’m excited because today, George is coming!!! Who is George? Thanks for asking!
THIS is George:
And those are my arms holding him when I met him last Sunday. And today, George is coming to live with ME. And I am like a child in my excitement. There has been a dog-sized hole in my home since early last year, when my much loved Jonah died. George won’t replace him – you can’t replace a much loved family member. But now that I have had time, I am ready to love again – and boy is George loveable. He is as soft and silky as he looks, and those eyes are just adorable.
To celebrate these three things: Poetry Friday, the book award, and a brand new puppy, it’s appropriate to share a poem from the book which is about – of course – dogs. This is my Definition Poem (you can read more about those here) for the word ‘dog’.
Happy George Day! And happy Poetry Friday!
I’m off to visit my Poetry Friday friends while I wait for it to be George-time. You can find the Poetry Friday round up here on Sarah’s blog.
Oh my gosh… George looks to be a heart-filler! Congrats on the new pup and also on your book!
Happy George Day indeed! And congratulations on the award!
Congratulations on all of your good news! Thank you for sharing your definition poem. Perfect for the George celebration. I may have to give this type of poetry a try.
So much happy news! Congratulations on your award (Looks like a fantastic resource!) and on the arrival of George–what a cutie! Those eyes are going to get you both in trouble!
Thanks Molly. yes, those eyes are indeed likely to lead me astray 🙂
Congrats on the award for your poetry teaching book and your adorable new doggie George–and fun poem too, thanks Sally! And I totally relate to a shortage on time, I’m there now…
Thank you Michelle. Hope your own busyness settles.
Hooray! I am excited FOR you. How wonderful. Your book looks amazing and I’m delighted that it’s a resource for teachers and pre-service teachers. With the shortage of educators here…it’s such an opportunity to let poetry do some of the heavy lifting of learning and teaching that we know it can do. I’ve taken some new teachers (volunteers from the community)under my wing. You’d better believe poetry will be part of our discussions. Thanks again, Sally! I’m excited for new George photos. Bring them on!
Thank you Linda – and how wonderful that you are supporting others with using poetry in the classroom. It can do so much!
Sally, it is wonderful that you won an award for Teaching Poetry for Pleasure and Purpose. I just checked out some sites talking about your books. George is so cute-enjoy him! Your poem brings all the characteristics of a dog together. Enjoy celebrating all three wonderful events!
Thank you Carol! I am indeed enjoying George – he has made me late in responding to my visitors’ comments 😉
Sally, congrats on your award AND on your new family member! The lines “Tail-wagger / Stick chaser” made me smile. 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Sarah. A friend asked me about my spelling of tale-wagger. It’s a nod to the way dogs share stories with each other.
Congratulations on your award, Sally! Your book will be a great gift to give to your teaching community! The definition poetry seems like a fun focus with unlimited possibility and a fun way to explore synonyms which I love to do.
Thank you Janice. I have tried this form with groups of different ages and stages, and it always produces surprises.
Happy George Day! Those are some beautiful eyes. George looks like he is going to take all your attention for a while. 🙂
Congratulations on the PETAA win!
Thank you Tabatha. yes, he is very easy to get lost in 🙂 But is a very placid little thing – settling in very well.