1. Poetry and Technology A Guide for Teachers By Gail Laubenthal 2008

4. Elena, age 5

5. Janie, age 5

11. Poetry That Rhymes A Great Dane named Mark Twain Has an owner named Terrain. He is from Spain. One day Terrain went down the drain, So the Great Dane got his airplane! By Marisol, age 6

13. Pick-A-Word Poetry I know a very breezy rainbow High up in the sky Where bluebirds fly Where you can understand The true meaning of the world by Maisie, age 6

15. Awesome Alliteration Bluebird Beautiful bluebird Brings a big bouquet Of brilliant bluebonnets to Beatrice. By Maisie

17. Shape Poem By Marisol

19. Haiku Robins in the sky Flying, flying, flying high Hide in the ground worms! By Quinn, age 5 A little toucan Breaking hard nuts with her beak Colorful feathers By Emma, age 6

21. Cinquain Monarch Spotted, graceful Flying, fluttering, sipping Happy little thing Butterfly By Beatrice, age 6

22. Group cinquain by Ms. Polan’s 5 year old PK students

24. Diamante Sister Sweet, clever Loving, caring, playing Teacher, Maisie, Kenny, toddler Crying, wanting, yelling Curious, funny Brother By Maisie, age 6

26. age 6

30. Purple Petunias Little purple petunias Growing by a wall In the green grass With other flowers by it Nature’s bouquet Maisie Frogs Jumping, croaking, ribbit Swimming, hopping Lily pad to lily pad Flies buzzing ‘round and ‘round Slurp, gobble, gobble Delicious frog snack Yummy, yum! Emma

36. Found Poem-Magazine Headlines Magnificent makeover It’s out there The perfect warm welcome to fall Play with color Cushy ripples CrunchaBuncha leaves The ultimate party Extravaganza! A rich and luscious experience It stirs the soul How sweet it is. Gail L.

38. Texas and Florida L and M: The state bird is a Mockingbird L: Texas is the Lone Star State M: Florida is the Sunshine State L: It became the 28 th state in 1845 M: It became the 27 th state in 1845 L: The state tree is the pecan tree M: The state tree is the sabal palm L and M: The Gulf of Mexico touches this state By Laura and Mozhgon, age 7

40. One Word Poem Niagara Thunderous Misty Powerful Peaceful Breathtaking Rocky Swift Rainbow Swirling Eddy Commercialized Gail L. Two-Word Poem Solar System Nine planets Hot Sun Cold Pluto Pretty Jupiter Warm Venus Many Stars Catherine, age 7

42. I Remember… I remember my cat sitting on my lap I remember my cat stretching on my lap I remember my cat purring on my lap And I remember my cat sleeping on my lap. Elena, age 7

44. Trees Trees are a treasure down under A magical mystery A terrible monster at night A grandfather of all life and death Bark like a rough rhino’s back Words spoken softly to those who listen Stands tall and brave Strong and weak by its senses Famous for its high reach in the sky A gift from heaven that will never die Dillon, age 7

45. A Beach Story I went to the beach today. The sun was as hot as hot sauce . The sky was as blue as water . The ocean was as cold as a popsicle . I swam in the water just like a whale . I played in the sand and built a big castle . While I was walking around I found a snake . I love to run on the beach like a roadrunner . I had fun at the beach. LaVante, age 5

47. This book was created for teachers to use as a guide as they introduce poetry to their students. By giving students an opportunity to write from their “heart”, they become poets who can share their feelings, hopes, dreams, fears, and experiences. When integrating poetry and technology software, graphic images, and bookmaking, even more possibilities unfold. The sample poetry in this guide was created by kindergarten - second students in the Austin ISD. This guide is also used to teach teachers how to unleash the poet inside them, as they reach for the poetry of the stars. Gail Laubenthal

48. If we follow the children, they will surely lead us into their hearts, minds, and dreams. We are just the guide…they are our gift! Gail Laubenthal