I am passionate about poetry, and I love to help students write their own poems! My presentations evolved from my master's thesis ("What Makes a Poem a Poem?") and my graduating lecture ("Yes, You Can! Write Your Own Poem") from the Vermont College M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults program.
Over the past thirteen years, I've taught thousands of students of all ages--from kindergarten through graduate school--and I've taught teachers, too! I received the Barbara Juster Esbensen 2000 Poetry Teaching Award for my work with a third grade class. I've kept my daily fee low to make visits affordable: $500/day for up to three presentations plus mileage or travel expenses and accommodations if needed. Choose one topic or a combination from the list below or contact me for additional options. 
This interactive presentation is suitable for younger groups (kindergarten and grade 1). It lasts about 30 minutes. Participants hear and see examples of wonderful poems, learn about important aspects of poetry, listen to a picture book or two, and briefly discuss the publishing process.
This interactive discussion is suitable for larger groups (grade 2 and up). It lasts about 45 minutes. Participants discuss the following topics:
• Form: how a poem differs from a story • Patterns: what rhythm, rhyme, and repetition contribute to a poem • Language: the kinds of exciting words poets use • Imagery: how poets use all their senses to create word pictures • Ideas: how a poet starts writing a poem The presentation includes examples of wonderful poems (many written by students in my poetry workshops), opportunities for students to contribute their own creative ideas, and time for questions and answers.
This popular writing workshop lasts about 90 minutes. It is intended for a class-sized group (third grade and up). Each participant writes a draft of a poem in five logical steps:
• Finding ideas • Adding imagery • Using exciting words • Patterns in poetry • Breaking the lines The presentation includes examples of wonderful poems, many written by students in previous workshops. All workshops include time for writing and questions.
This presentation is suitable for all ages, including students, families, teachers, and community groups. It lasts about 30 minutes. I talk about the inspiration for each of my books, my writing process, poetry, and publishing. Participants are invited to ask questions.
First presented at the International Reading Association 54th Annual Convention, this 2-hour workshop gives teachers the tools to help students write their own poems.
Each participant writes a draft of a poem using the simple, logical method I teach in my workshops. Then teachers learn how to help their students write their own poetry using the step-by-step method and other resources. Participants receive specific instructions for revising first drafts and suggestions for encouraging students and evaluating their work. They also learn how to customize a presentation for their own students that includes age-appropriate and subject-relevant examples of wonderful poems.
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