Using the Love of “Poitchry” to Improve Primary Students' Writing

The authors of this article noticed that the first-grade students in their urban elementary school were producing writing that was dry, dull, and filled with “listy” sentences with little detail or description. They decided to try adding free-verse poetry writing at the beginning of the school year and then including poetry all year long in the curriculum to improve the quality of student writing. The article outlines their journey as they incorporated poetry writing in their curriculum. The free-verse poetry used in the lessons doesn't require rhyming, thus freeing the young authors to focus on elements such as feelings, rich vocabulary, and literary devices. The authors outline their beginning lessons around a Halloween theme. They modeled writing for students and included the use of repetition in their poetry. Even the most reluctant writers began to write with exuberance and voice. Subsequent lessons included using poetry with nonfiction topics and with small guided-writing groups. The students ultimately wrote more confidently and enthusiastically, creating interesting pieces all year long.