Here are links to literary pixilations that have caught David’s attention recently. Some are frightfully good, some are funny, some are innovation at its finest, some are so bad they’re worth seeing. You decide which is which.
 

Aside from the ongoing effort to be a better husband and father, David’s current topmost, self-assigned learning challenge is becoming an excellent teaching artist. Here are a few classic and some contemporary resources that David recommends, should you, like David, be planning to voluntarily subject yourself to grammar school spitballs in an attempt to breath a little creativity and (GASP!) fun into writing. Long-time readers may recognize a link or two; please indulge us for reiterating their value.

For an “official” reference, try the National Council of Teachers of English and their Poetry Resource Collection. In particular, the Teaching Strategies section has some good references. A lot of the links are for kits and books to purchase, which of course are cheaper if you’re a member.

Education World has an April is National Poetry Month! page which is noisy and not easy to navigate, but if you’re patient you can find some gems like exercises suggested by Faith Vicinanza.

Writer Elizabeth Lund prepared an excellent introduction to teaching poetry called Word Play 101. Similarities to David’s Intro to Poetry workshop are not coincidental.

The Grand Poobah of Poetry Organizations weighs in on this subject with its For Educators page. For sheer volume of linkage it can’t be beat, and it includes something of value for every target student age; it’s probably the only site than could meaningfully make that claim.

For sheer joy and some exercises particularly targeting younger children, check out the works of Kristine O’Connell George. Be sure to have scissors and paste handy!