Writing Poetry to Help Readers by Lois Letchford

I began writing poetry in response to teaching a student struggling with reading. Working with isolated letters and sounds was going nowhere, frustrating both my student and myself. In utter desperation, I took to writing simple poetry, finding context to isolated words. Simple poems grew bigger and more complicated as learning went from impossible to “this is so exciting!”

As a literacy specialist, I write to meet the needs of my students. Poems are often written around a particular sound, so my students are unknowingly engaged in many integrated aspects of literacy.

When writing poetry, I start with a specific sound in mind. I find all the words I know with that sound. This is when my mind starts “playing with ideas, words, and sounds.” I brainstorm, and I ruminate. Lots of words are crossed out, and eventually—sometimes even with the assistance of students—I have a poem which can further require illustrations, create discussion, and, above all, is easily repeated by my students.

The Chimp and the Cheetah
A chimp and a cheetah met one day,
A long way away, and far away.
The chimp from a branch, high in a tree,
Said to the cheetah, “Just watch me.
I am a champ at beating my chest,
I am a champ at making a nest.”
The cheetah on the ground looked up and said,
“Chap in the tree, you can’t catch me!
Beat on your chest, make your nest.
I am as fast as fast can be.”
Chimp in the tree and cheetah on the ground,
Chatting to each other would never be found!



Lois Letchford is an educator, author, and speaker. Her non-traditional background, multi-continental exposure, and passion for helping failing students have equipped her with a unique skill set and perspective. Her first book Reversed: A Memoir is now available on Amazon. Connect on Twitter @LetchfordLois and at www.LoisLetchford.com.